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Are you asking yourself how your life became so difficult and full of problems? Are you challenged by relationships that seem to be harder than ever? Are you wondering how a self-help book can successfully calm your anxious mind?
Dr. Bev Lonsbury shares her unpredictable adventures as a chaplain in a “wet house” and demonstrates how a practical, 4-step process will enable you to respond to anxious situations with greater peace, clarity, and resilience. The eye-opening personal and authentic stories of heartache, humor, and hope will not only pique your interest but will also show you how to soothe your nerves through self-care during times when your relationships are painful and difficult.
Here’s an excerpt from one of the stories in the book:
On a rain-soaked, stormy day, the dampness in the air was thick and I was feeling melancholy. As I was sitting at the main desk mesmerized by the rhythmic, pounding rain, I saw Chayton again. He looked thin—and oh so sickly—but he still had that twinkle in his eyes when he saw me. As we sat and talked that morning, I could smell the blend of fresh coffee spiked with stale cigarettes as he hesitantly spoke… His story was enough to bring a chill down my spine . . . He became clear about his rage toward the perpetrators. As I listened to his pain and his agony, I was overwhelmed with a blend of grief and tenderness thinking of him as a small boy carrying so much of the world’s ugliness. My eyes burned with outrage toward those who had abused him.
As Chayton uncovered more of his feelings with me, I sensed some healing as he unpacked the suffering. The layers of emotions he had buried spilled out like the heavy raindrops. I wondered how he had managed to survive the horrors of his past.
With enough time, sorting, and conversations, the rage started to diminish. The dialogue between us became quieter and periodically almost serene. The words he used began to reflect his increasing inner calm and appreciation for our connection.
Our last time together felt peaceful—with moments when neither of us said anything.
Chayton now lives in dry housing in Northern Minnesota where he is close to nature but far away from the bottle. I am reminded of him when I notice the changes in the seasons or the shifts in the wind.
There is always Hope. My time with Chayton reminded me that it is never too late. A better life is possible. And sometimes we witness miracles before our very eyes.
Can You Relate? Have you been ready to give up? Are you at the end of your rope? What does hope mean to you? Like me, I hope you believe a better life is possible for you despite whatever burdens or painful situations you are experiencing. I want to reassure you that hope for a positive outcome is always possible. And using the four-step process can help renew relationships and heal painful situations. A happier, healthier, resilient life is possible.
If you read this book and take some time to practice the 4-step process, your stormy situation will get better and your tough relationships will hurt less.
You will learn to…
- Improve your emotional well-being by expressing your feelings in a healthy way.
- Connect your needs and values with your feelings so you can take action.
- Respond to stressful or painful situations with empathy and resilience.
- Promote healing, increase emotional coping, and decrease anxiety by laughing, crying, and being hopeful.