How to Stay Upbeat in a Beat Down World

Sue Patton Theole is a bestselling author and psychotherapist specializing in practical self-help strategies. After moving to Northern California, she received an MA in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University and helped improve the lives of many patients over the years. Sue later started writing to provide women with pragmatic solutions to rediscover self-acceptance, compassion, and honesty. Her first book, The Courage to Be Yourself, was published in 1996. Today, Sue lives in Colorado with her husband and visits their adult children and grandchildren. Known for her inspirational poems and prose, Sunday Times bestselling author Donna Ashworth has carved out a significant space in contemporary literature. Her work is celebrated for its earnest exploration of themes such as womanhood, resilience, and the myriad facets of the human condition. Her evocative collections encapsulate topics ranging from marriage and parenting to self-love, aging, body image, grief, and loss; they offer a haven of solace and a spark of inspiration during every bump on life's road. Nothing is overlooked or muted; her writing candidly delves into all corners of the human experience. Her words have echoed far and wide, resonating with audiences, gaining traction on social media, and reaching households through television broadcasts. Garnering close to a million followers on social media and a celebrity readership, Ashworth actively engages with her audience, reminding each other that thriving, not just surviving, is an essential aspect of our shared journey. Ashworth’s impact stretches further through Ladies Pass It On, a blog she founded to empower women. The platform magnifies her messages of love, strength, and resilience by fostering a community of women who draw positivity and strength from shared experiences.

Contents

Opening Thoughts




Dear Reader
Preview of Fundamental Concepts
A Caveat


Chapter 1: Growing Hope




Why the Erosion of Hope?
Consciously Courting Hope


Chapter 2: Sowing Hope




Regaining Inherent Hope
Embracing and Transforming Pain
Repairing and Preparing the Ground of Our Being
Relaxing into Receiving and Recovering


Chapter 3: Cultivating Hope




Weeding Our Minds
Enriching Attitude and Intention
Accessing Self through Quiet and Solitude


Chapter 4: Harvesting Hope




Empowering the Present
Welcoming Heralds of Hope
Gleaning Glimmers of Grace
Letting our Light Shine


Chapter 5: Spreading Hope




Sharing the Fruits
Expanding the Circle


Chapter 6: Watering Seeds of Hope




Thoughts on Love and Inspiration
Thoughts on Self-Care and Creativity
Thoughts on Surrender and Trust
Thoughts on Acceptance and Forgiveness
Thoughts on Gratitude and Joy
Thought on Hope and the Here and Now


Concluding Thoughts



Dear Reader

Acknowledgments

About the Author