Triumph Over Fear (+ Giveaway)

It is an honor to welcome author Elaine M. Edwards to Thoughts in Progress today as part of her Book Blast for her recent release, TRIUMPH OVER FEAR, A Psychological and Spiritual Journey.

The author is offering a giveaway at each tour stop. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

TRIUMPH OVER FEAR, A Psychological and Spiritual Journey
by Elaine M. Edwards

* Paperback: 177 pages
* Publisher: Independently published
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1795460911
* ISBN-13: 978-1795460910

Triumph Over Fears offers hope and insight for anyone held back by difficult emotions that prevent them from living up to their potential and experiencing joy. Part memoir, part psychology lesson, and part metaphysical wisdom, it is an eclectic, inspiring personal story of someone who went from agoraphobic, afraid to go out in public, to a real adventurer and world traveler.

The 84-year-old author draws from her personal experience as well as the many people she has known, worked with and helped over the years, including decades of working with students, colleagues, family, and friends, and most of all herself. She delves deeply into the sense of existential guilt that pervades the human condition and offers guidance on how to overcome this.

Her journey is unique, but much of what she has learned is universal. At its core, it is a story of hope. At its core, it is a story of hope and a testament that transformation truly is possible. Because of its eclectic mix of the psychological and the spiritual most anyone will find some nugget of gold or gem of truth that speaks to them. Some of the concepts might seem very familiar, and other ones might be completely new to readers.

The author encourages those who are seeking freedom from fear to walk with her on her journey and let her share with you how she went from being very frightened and very limited in her life, to very confident and very brave.

TRIUMPH OVER FEAR can be purchased at Amazon.

Now here is an excerpt for your reading pleasure.

My Journey:                

"And Then What Happened?"

          As my journey continued, my life became very busy because I think I wanted to make up for lost time. Everything revolved around getting to know myself better. I had an interest in emotional issues since I was a teenager and wondered why people behaved as they did. With a new opportunity, I entered the psychology program at the university. I was introduced to the concept of sub-personalities which became an interesting way to understand behavior. I still identify my inner voices when making decisions.

          After the Vocational Studies trip to Scandinavia, I learned the Special Education Program was being introduced in high schools. I applied to teach and was hired. I'll always remember those first classes meeting with the students. After nine years of teaching in primary grades, the students said I talked to them like they were little kids. I made a special effort to immediately change my attitude. The following year, I received my second Master’s Degree, this one in Counseling Psychology.

          Two years later, I learned of an opportunity to lead high school students on a tour of Europe. The director of this high school program had five interested students, and she needed a leader for them. I applied for the job and was accepted. My older daughter was a junior in high school, and she had a friend who was also interested in going. My elderly mother decided to go and brought along her friend, forming a group of ten. We toured Amsterdam first, and then flew to London. From there we took the ferry from England to France. Here we rode a bus that took us to Paris, Switzerland, and Italy with stops in Florence and Rome. The students were great, and everything worked out as planned.

          Around this same time, the Equal Rights Amendment was introduced. I joined a demonstration with hundreds of other women carrying signs that was taking place in my community. My introduction to the feminist movement had motivated me to want to work in a job typically held by men, and I chose bar-tending. After returning from Europe, I applied and was admitted to bar tending school. Upon graduation, I worked weekends in a small lounge that adjoined a cafe and motel. After 1 1/2 years, I decided I needed weekends off. It was rewarding to know I had the personal power to succeed in this new way, again showing myself what was possible.

Author Elaine M. Edwards

For those who are not familiar with this 84-year-old fascinating author, here’s a bit of background on her.

Elaine M. Edwards graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. degree in Primary Education, taught primary grades for eight years, and spent 18 years as a high school Learning Disabilities teacher.

During her career as a teacher, she earned two Master’s degrees, in Learning Handicapped Education and in Counseling Psychology, from Santa Clara University.

She has been dedicated to understanding human behavior and discovering how deep transformation can occur. She has studied the Twelve Steps, Christianity, Science of Mind, and many other sources of psychological and spiritual wisdom.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Author Elaine M. Edwards is giving away a copy of TRIUMPH OVER FEAR at each stop on her Book Blast.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Elaine on her three day Book Blast HERE. You never know what you might find out. By visiting all the stops, you have more chances to win. Can you imagine writing a book at age 84?

a Rafflecopter giveaway