Introducing... my debut book!

Welcome back!

I feel like I am living someone else’s dream right now as my book gets closer and closer to being available to you all.  This time last year, it was a small thought in my head that “maybe, maybe I could really do this…..write a book, and even publish it”.  I kept pushing myself out of my comfort circle just a little each day as I sat down to write, and it is working!  

Today, not only has this big dream come through, but today I am confident and letting my thoughts wander to the next step in this 7th decade of mine. 

Today I wanted to give you a sense of the content of my book by introducing you to the Table of Contents that may inspire you to consider reading this.  Yes, I was in rehabilitation for alcohol addiction.  Yes I was happy on the outside, but had many shadows on the inside.  Yes I am coming up on 4 years sober.  And, Yes I am no longer allowing my shadows to haunt me, to slow me down, or stop me.  

In my experience, when I am open to other viewpoints, and take the time to listen and understand your views, I learn.  That is not to say that I am necessarily changing my mind or viewpoint but rather that I have truly “heard” you and respect your opinions and thoughts.  Have a look at the lyrics below from Simon and Garfunkel’s music, “The Sound of Silence”.

“And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never shared
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence”

​I named the book Climbing the Stairs as I saw each milestone, each ah-ha moment, each victory as reaching yet another stair.  As I say in the book, some stairs were taller than others, and I pictured a tiny ladder representing the baby steps to get to the next level.  

Whether you are working your way through addiction, or working on your past demons towards a happier life, I am confident this book will speak to you.  

The First Stair:              The Decision to Seek Help
The Second Stair:          Arrival at the Treatment Centre
The Third Stair:             Life in Rehabilitation
The Fourth Stair:           Adjusting at Home
The Fifth Stair:               New Lessons
The Sixth Stair:               Exploring Options (to sobriety)
The Seventh Stair:          Expanding my Understanding 
The Eight Stair:               Celebrate!
The Ninth Stair:              Mindfulness & Positivity
The Tenth Stair:              Connection & Gratitude
The Eleventh Stair:         Giving Back
 The Twelfth Stair:          Focus & Curiosity
The Thirteenth Stair:      Trusting Your Instincts
The Fourteenth Stair:     Tripping on a Stair
The Fifteenth Stair:         The Art of Journaling (According to Me!)
the Sixteenth Stair:          Food for Thought
The Seventeenth Stair:    Secret Medicines & Miracles
The Eighteenth Stair:      …and Still Climbing

Well, when you get your copy (find links to major retailers here) and read it I ask kindly that you suggest it to others in your circles…