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Press Releases
And every one of those choices, says Maureen Stearns, M.S., award-winning author of Conscious Courage®: Turning Everyday Challenges into Opportunities, is an opportunity to show — and benefit from — courage. The courage you find in challenging everyday situations is a dynamic, energetic force that can lift you up — and each choice, every day, is a chance to harness that power toward personal and social growth. By saying yes to the positive choices, you create positive outcomes that move you beyond fear to a place here you can achieve your dreams. The book, winner of a Royal Palm Literary Award, presents the choices in an easy-to-digest, easy-to-put-into-practice format. Each two-page spread begins with a brief quote, and then on the facing page, an empowering direction such as “Assert yourself in an unpleasant situation, even if you feel uncomfortable or inferior” or “Strike up a conversation with a shy or interesting-looking person”; each heading is followed with a few paragraphs of exploration. Bracketing these meditations are sections on how to use the book, exercises involving courage symbols and “I-Statements”, and an inspirational call to embrace the “ultimate YES.” Midwest Book Review calls Conscious Courage® “An upbeat guide to adopting a positive attitude, building inner resolve and focusing the will to make one’s dreams a reality ... can be browsed and internalized quickly and easily.” Journalists: If you’d like a review copy of Conscious Courage®, or to set up an interview with Stearns, please contact the publisher at 727-397-8065, info@consciouscourage.com. Organizations: Stearns offers her book as an organizational fundraising tool. If you are a Fundraising Committee member, please contact the publisher at 727-397-8065, order@consciouscourage.com. Everyday Heroes:
New Book Cultivates Conscious Acts of Courage
To attract audiences, television programs and movies inflame our fears with stories about sensational incidents that few of us will ever encounter. For many, the real question is how to cultivate the courage to confront more common situations that incite fear, such as offering a contrary point of view, saying good-bye to unproductive and destructive relationships, or any of the other everyday challenges life throws our way. In her new book, Conscious Courage®: Turning Everyday Challenges into Opportunities, educator and counselor Maureen Stearns, M.S., offers enlightening courage strategies for everyday use. Stearns believes that it is such small acts of daily courage that allow us to become our best, most authentic selves. “Most people need to become more courageous in a practical way every day,” she notes. In Conscious Courage®, Stearns shares personal insights, as well as professional advice, for overcoming self-limiting doubts. She gained the personal insights from conquering her own anxieties about divorce, raising a child alone, etc. As for the professional guidance delivered, the author holds a Masters Degree in Community Psychology, and her book grew over the years from a project she started in graduate school. Also, for the past 11 years, the author has taught students with learning disabilities, observing that it’s not unusual for both pupils and teachers to fall short of acting courageously. On that last note, readers will find valuable guidance here for getting through the discomfort that can stall us, preventing significant progress and the achievement of our goals. “If there’s one theme throughout,” remarks Stearns, “it’s moving ahead, in spite of the impulse to resist.” The author purposefully created a book that would be an easy read, one that could be picked and digested a little bit at a time. “I intentionally avoided being clinical,” Stearns comments, discussing her objectives. “I wanted to inspire people as well as give them clear, practical suggestions. I made sure the book offered wisdom too. Wisdom is very important.” As part of this latter goal, she interweaved courage quotes from illustrious figures into the text, including William Shakespeare, E.E. Cummings and Thomas Edison. And, yes, those facing larger challenges will also find inspiration here. “We all have different degrees of challenges,” observes Carol A. Pantalone, a World Trade Center survivor. “This book provides the steps that will lead you to a brighter future.” Pantalone was working on the 100th floor of the second World Trade Center tower, as the first plane hit. Many of her co-workers didn’t survive. When traumatic memories continue to intrude upon her, she draws support from Stearns’ Conscious Courage®. |
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"Conscious Courage® is a must read for anyone who wants to truly experience fulfillment in their life. Maureen gently guides the reader through their greatest fears and obstacles by teaching the power of courage. It's a terrific resource for today's soul to turn to for guidance and support." -- Michelle Morris Spieker, Author of The Cherished Self | |||||||||||||||||
