How to stay sane in a crazy world : a modern book of hours to soothe the soul

When did you last go back to bed on a Sunday morning with magazines and some tea and cake? Or sink into a bubble bath by candlelight and listen to soothing music? When was your last massage or vacation? If you can{u2019}t remember the last time you took care of yourself like this, this book is for you. There was a time when Sophia Stuart needed this book, too. She lived a crazy life with no true relaxation, and soon enough she found herself in front of a surgeon who told her that she had three tumors in her throat and that she needed a five-and-a-half hour surgery{u2014}plus almost a month of medical leave to recover. And that{u2019}s when she fell apart. But the kindness of strangers helped her through it all. Her anonymous blog teamgloria.com gave her an outlet to express everything she was feeling{u2014}her fear of the pain, her anxiety about the operation, her frustration about being stuck at home, and anything else that came up. Her writing also focused on all the glorious people, places, and things that make life delicious; and slowly, it helped her realize that she wanted to live differently. On teamgloria.com, Sophia wasn{u2019}t an executive or a media specialist; she was just another person sharing her thoughts and creativity. And through this she forged deep virtual friendships with people who cheered her on and taught her how to stay sane in a crazy world. This book brings together what she learned. It{u2019}s full of practical ideas and sweet inspirations (and even a few shopping lists at the back) to guide you to a more serene place. Because sometimes the world just looks better after a stroll or reading a novel in the park or making a kindness kit for yourself or a long nap on a summer{u2019}s afternoon. So grab this book, with its gentle suggestions and peaceful images, and use it as your own little slice of tranquility "Sophia Stuart led a busy life. Stressed by her impressive, yet taxing career, she started writing and taking photographs - on long business trips and during her infrequent downtime - to decompress. Writing was something she'd done for a living as a journalist back in England. Eventually her musing turned into a character, Gloria - a trainee angel who passed her time watching old Doris Day movies. Gloria's ability to see the world through rose-coloured glasses inspired Sophia to do the same. She started her blog, teamgloria.com, to give herself a place to write in Gloria's voice and document glorious people, places and things. Then, at a doctor's visit a tumour was found in Sophia's throat. Over the course of a year, biopsies and ultrasounds would reveal two more tumours and a mass that required a five and a half hour surgery for removal. Teamgloria.com became an even more valuable refuge for Sophia and she began to recognize that the documentation of all the glorious things in life could help others in the same way they helped her. How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World is an inspirational guide to living fully, peacefully and surrounded by beauty. With charming photographs throughout - all of which were taken by Sophia - readers will enjoy this beautiful, simple, honest and funny book about getting healthy, creating beauty and when necessary taking to your bed to rest, recuperate and dream." --Publisher description Has it just been one of those days? Or months? Or years? I was once in a yoga class (a rare yoga class, Ill admit), where the teacher had us all exhale again and again and again, untilas she put itwed let go of today, the last month and, by the end, "the whole of last year." We all collapsed in very non-yogic giggling. But we knew what she meant. Exhale. Let it all go. To exhale, I stop "doing Life" and start to wind down and engage in soothing rituals like lighting a candle. And then I take to my bed. Perhaps you need to do the same? . . . Gather up your pillows and a box of Kleenex, a novel and some tea . . . sink back against those soft pillows and dream. Its time to rest, rejuvenate, and appreciate just how glorious life really is. Stressed by her impressive, yet taxing career, the author started writing and taking photographs - on long business trips and during her infrequent downtime - to decompress. Writing was something she'd done for a living as a journalist back in England. This book tells her story.