With fall fast approaching, I thought I’d share what’s inside the inspirational pages of my self-help book, Along Came A Gardener, to be launched on March 15, 2025. Those of you who have been following me know this has been a work of love, starting in the late 1970s, when I was working at the Child Guidance Clinic of Winnipeg. Thankfully, I didn’t publish then. I still had a lot to learn.
Over the next 25 years as a psychotherapist, I had the privlege of working in a variety of mental health settings, helping people of all ages from all walks of life deal with their emotional problems.
Why I Wrote ALONG CAME A GARDENER
My goal in writing this non-fiction book was to pass on what helped others to feel better about themselves. I was fortunate to meet wonderful people in my work as a pyschotherapist. They helped me understand what normacy is in all its colours. And time in our garden and in nature added to my understanding.
There are no magic answers, but there is much we can do to improve our lives, lift our spirits, and move forward with happiness. With hope, there is always another day.
Contents
In the inspirational pages of Along Came A Gardener, you will find what prompted me to write the book in the first place. I’ve included stories from the world of mental health, and ideas and suggestions that can help you get through tough days. And I give a good overview of what to expect from a psychotherapist when you’re faced with emotional problems you can’t solve on your own.
The contents include a look at the overwhelming problems of addiction and depression and how our genetics and environment play a role. Because I ran workshops on anger management and stress managment, I’ve included chapters on these as well.
There are also chapters on effective communication, and other ways you can change what looks like a gloomy future to one with lots of promise. I give examples of how people whose lives had become unbearable find a path of hope that leads them out of the dark tunnel they’re in. And I also show the many different ways we can calm our minds to relieve our anxiety and sleep better.
As well, since I’ve reached my senior years in good health and am fortunate to still be married to the man I fell in love with 62 years ago, I include some of our journey (the ups and downs) in my book. Life can be the best teacher. We grow when we conquer that which challenges us.
Book Launch Date
Both the paperback and ebook versions will be published on March 15, 2025.
And if you’re new to my website, you can check out my novels. I’ve written a romantic adventure, psychological fiction, and historical fiction. My training and knowledge of what makes people tick helped me write these stories.
My Newsletter
I’m now on Substack. My Hearts and Pages newsletter comes out once a month with inside scoops on what I’m writing next, what I’m reading, and what’s on my mind. If you haven’t subscribed yet, please do.
Thanks for visiting here.
I love the connection between gardening and mental health. Nurturing, weeding, curating, etc. So many touch points. Congrats on the substack and the new book.
So sorry I’m getting back to you so late. Thanks for the thoughts. I had to move the book launch up but it’s all good. I could use the extra time.