§0 Before we start

Motivation to write is not obvious to me. I am writing a self-help book for all those who have ‘little ups and downs’, so this should be a best seller! Perhaps it is for those who have ‘bigger ups and downs’ or for people who are full of the joys of spring. This book is also for people who get trapped by circling thoughts in their head.

I have sat down to start writing this morning (July 2007) because of yesterday, when I felt overwhelmed by anxiety. This feeling is with me this morning as I write.

As I am writing a self-help book it perhaps has to start when I need that help. I don’t recommend helping oneself too much. A few good friends or a support group are invaluable.

Yesterday I was so far into anxiety that I could not access the many self-help tools that I have. This state may continue for days, months or years for some, based on some kind of fear, compulsion or depression.

But this book isn’t about anxiety, fear or me! It is about finding the beauty, wonder and love which is within each one of us. It is about seeking and speaking truth, finding peace and behaving authentically. It is about awakening something inside and helping you to feel differently about yourself.

It is as simple as that really. I do not intend to wrap up words in psychological or spiritual language. I do not intend to pretend I know any more than you. I do not intend using lots of worthy quotes from great writers.

The book was handwritten within 16 hours over two weeks in July, and then put aside for two weeks. I am now word-processing the text (August 2007). At this time I am coming from a period of self-doubt, after several people have challenged my image of myself. I wish to retain the handwritten sequence, but will make several changes and additions which will come from my self doubt. This book will be gentle and supportive, which is not how I feel right now. In self-doubt I am very cold and critical of myself, talking myself into corners.

I am still on a journey of ‘awowness’. This is a made-up word suggesting an awareness which produces a wow moment. I have already built the website  www.awowness.com which will invite readers to add their own thoughts on the 52 sections, and where I can add further thoughts, audio files, videos and insights.

52 sections does not mean ‘one a week’, but it is indicating that this book cannot properly be read cover to cover in one sitting. It is possible to read it through first by ignoring the activities in the shaded boxes, but this will keep you ‘in your head’. Doing the activities will take you into a different space, and without them the book has no real lasting power. I suggest you get a journal to record your own thoughts on each section, so that you can look back at changing thoughts and ideas. Many sections will have audio files on a CD to help things along, and every section has an activity. The texts of the audio CD’s are in the Appendix labelled A1 onwards.