Author: Kate Gunn
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 0717190595
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 294
Book Description
Kate Gunn was a social drinker, usually having a few drinks about three nights a week. But she had an inkling that alcohol was holding her back from getting on top of her life, and the hangovers were getting worse. So when Kate's partner had to take a break from alcohol for a month, she decided to dip her toe in the water in solidarity with him and try being a non-drinker too. Not long into her transformational journey, Kate discovered that breaking free from alcohol improved every single aspect of her life: from relationships to health to work to happiness. In The Accidental Soberista, Kate chronicles the challenges and obstacles on the path to giving herself the greatest gift she has ever received - freedom from alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or want to remove the final obstacle in the way of your own health and life goals, this could be just the journey for you too.
The Accidental Soberista
Author: Kate Gunn
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 0717190595
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 294
Book Description
Kate Gunn was a social drinker, usually having a few drinks about three nights a week. But she had an inkling that alcohol was holding her back from getting on top of her life, and the hangovers were getting worse. So when Kate's partner had to take a break from alcohol for a month, she decided to dip her toe in the water in solidarity with him and try being a non-drinker too. Not long into her transformational journey, Kate discovered that breaking free from alcohol improved every single aspect of her life: from relationships to health to work to happiness. In The Accidental Soberista, Kate chronicles the challenges and obstacles on the path to giving herself the greatest gift she has ever received - freedom from alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or want to remove the final obstacle in the way of your own health and life goals, this could be just the journey for you too.
Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
ISBN: 0717190595
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 294
Book Description
Kate Gunn was a social drinker, usually having a few drinks about three nights a week. But she had an inkling that alcohol was holding her back from getting on top of her life, and the hangovers were getting worse. So when Kate's partner had to take a break from alcohol for a month, she decided to dip her toe in the water in solidarity with him and try being a non-drinker too. Not long into her transformational journey, Kate discovered that breaking free from alcohol improved every single aspect of her life: from relationships to health to work to happiness. In The Accidental Soberista, Kate chronicles the challenges and obstacles on the path to giving herself the greatest gift she has ever received - freedom from alcohol. Whether you're sober-curious or want to remove the final obstacle in the way of your own health and life goals, this could be just the journey for you too.
Untying the Knot
Author: Kate Gunn
Publisher: Orpen Press
ISBN: 1786050692
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
When you are going through separation or divorce it can often feel like there is no way through the pain and conflict. No small light twinkling at the end of the tunnel. Will it always feel this bad? How will you heal the hurt of your children? Will this damage them for life? How will you cope with increased costs and reduced money? Where will you live? Will you ever find peace and happiness again? Part personal story, part expert guide, Untying the Knot takes you through the process of separation as both parents and friends. From the very first days of unfathomable heartache, through telling the children, what to do with the family home and dealing with conflicts, to finding yourself, coming out the other side and much more. Written by Kate Gunn, with excerpts from ex-husband Kristian, Untying the Knot also provides dedicated expert advice from the likes of Emma Kenny, resident psychologist for ITV’s This Morning; Stella O’Malley, psychotherapist and author of Cotton Wool Kids and Bully-Proof Kids; Sara Byrne, clinical psychologist; and Deirdre Burke, barrister, solicitor and family law mediator. If you’re looking for a helping hand to lead you through the darkness, this is it.
Publisher: Orpen Press
ISBN: 1786050692
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
When you are going through separation or divorce it can often feel like there is no way through the pain and conflict. No small light twinkling at the end of the tunnel. Will it always feel this bad? How will you heal the hurt of your children? Will this damage them for life? How will you cope with increased costs and reduced money? Where will you live? Will you ever find peace and happiness again? Part personal story, part expert guide, Untying the Knot takes you through the process of separation as both parents and friends. From the very first days of unfathomable heartache, through telling the children, what to do with the family home and dealing with conflicts, to finding yourself, coming out the other side and much more. Written by Kate Gunn, with excerpts from ex-husband Kristian, Untying the Knot also provides dedicated expert advice from the likes of Emma Kenny, resident psychologist for ITV’s This Morning; Stella O’Malley, psychotherapist and author of Cotton Wool Kids and Bully-Proof Kids; Sara Byrne, clinical psychologist; and Deirdre Burke, barrister, solicitor and family law mediator. If you’re looking for a helping hand to lead you through the darkness, this is it.
Drink
Author: Ann Dowsett Johnston
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0062241818
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 205
Book Description
In Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, award-winning journalist Anne Dowsett Johnston combines in-depth research with her own personal story of recovery, and delivers a groundbreaking examination of a shocking yet little recognized epidemic threatening society today: the precipitous rise in risky drinking among women and girls. With the feminist revolution, women have closed the gender gap in their professional and educational lives. They have also achieved equality with men in more troubling areas as well. In the U.S. alone, the rates of alcohol abuse among women have skyrocketed in the past decade. DUIs, “drunkorexia” (choosing to limit eating to consume greater quantities of alcohol), and health problems connected to drinking are all rising—a problem exacerbated by the alcohol industry itself. Battling for women’s dollars and leisure time, corporations have developed marketing strategies and products targeted exclusively to women. Equally alarming is a recent CDC report showing a sharp rise in binge drinking, putting women and girls at further risk. As she brilliantly weaves in-depth research, interviews with leading researchers, and the moving story of her own struggle with alcohol abuse, Johnston illuminates this startling epidemic, dissecting the psychological, social, and industry factors that have contributed to its rise, and exploring its long-lasting impact on our society and individual lives.
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0062241818
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 205
Book Description
In Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, award-winning journalist Anne Dowsett Johnston combines in-depth research with her own personal story of recovery, and delivers a groundbreaking examination of a shocking yet little recognized epidemic threatening society today: the precipitous rise in risky drinking among women and girls. With the feminist revolution, women have closed the gender gap in their professional and educational lives. They have also achieved equality with men in more troubling areas as well. In the U.S. alone, the rates of alcohol abuse among women have skyrocketed in the past decade. DUIs, “drunkorexia” (choosing to limit eating to consume greater quantities of alcohol), and health problems connected to drinking are all rising—a problem exacerbated by the alcohol industry itself. Battling for women’s dollars and leisure time, corporations have developed marketing strategies and products targeted exclusively to women. Equally alarming is a recent CDC report showing a sharp rise in binge drinking, putting women and girls at further risk. As she brilliantly weaves in-depth research, interviews with leading researchers, and the moving story of her own struggle with alcohol abuse, Johnston illuminates this startling epidemic, dissecting the psychological, social, and industry factors that have contributed to its rise, and exploring its long-lasting impact on our society and individual lives.
The Bridge of Now
Author: Alvagh Cronin
Publisher: Flower of Life Press
ISBN: 9781737183938
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
♥ A story about a family that overflows with truth, compassion, magic, and lyrical power that strikes the soul. ♥ "Alvagh Cronin has crafted a beautiful story of a family's becoming. It is a Universal story, with the love of the sacred feminine at the heart of it. Like most families, there are twists and turns on the journey that hold both terrors and treasures. You will find yourself carried away, and perhaps more importantly, also carried within, as their story offers us a beautiful window into our own becoming." -Rima Bonario, bestselling author of The Seven Queendoms: A SoulMap for Embodying Sacred Feminine Sovereignty The Bridge of Now is an irresistible work of storytelling about a family. The story begins with Laura, who leaves her abusive marriage, taking her toddler son Daniel with her. Inventive, magical, and uplifting, this novel is alive with unforgettable characters and tells the story of Daniel's upbringing, following his childhood, his relationship with his parents, and also a mystical older woman named Elba, who winds her wisdom into his heart and the hearts of his wife Anna and their children. Filled with simple wisdom that will touch your heart, The Bridge of Now will open you to new insights about love, relationships, and reflections on the passing of time, You can explore and integrate the visionary and metaphysical teachings held within the story with the addition of an interactive guidebook at the back of the book. "A gripping page-turner full of insight, wisdom, and mystery. If you're looking for a beautiful escape from reality, this is it!" -Kate Gunn, author of Untying The Knot and The Accidental Soberista
Publisher: Flower of Life Press
ISBN: 9781737183938
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
♥ A story about a family that overflows with truth, compassion, magic, and lyrical power that strikes the soul. ♥ "Alvagh Cronin has crafted a beautiful story of a family's becoming. It is a Universal story, with the love of the sacred feminine at the heart of it. Like most families, there are twists and turns on the journey that hold both terrors and treasures. You will find yourself carried away, and perhaps more importantly, also carried within, as their story offers us a beautiful window into our own becoming." -Rima Bonario, bestselling author of The Seven Queendoms: A SoulMap for Embodying Sacred Feminine Sovereignty The Bridge of Now is an irresistible work of storytelling about a family. The story begins with Laura, who leaves her abusive marriage, taking her toddler son Daniel with her. Inventive, magical, and uplifting, this novel is alive with unforgettable characters and tells the story of Daniel's upbringing, following his childhood, his relationship with his parents, and also a mystical older woman named Elba, who winds her wisdom into his heart and the hearts of his wife Anna and their children. Filled with simple wisdom that will touch your heart, The Bridge of Now will open you to new insights about love, relationships, and reflections on the passing of time, You can explore and integrate the visionary and metaphysical teachings held within the story with the addition of an interactive guidebook at the back of the book. "A gripping page-turner full of insight, wisdom, and mystery. If you're looking for a beautiful escape from reality, this is it!" -Kate Gunn, author of Untying The Knot and The Accidental Soberista
The Sober Revolution
Author: Lucy Rocca
Publisher: Headline Accent
ISBN: 1783752076
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 207
Book Description
A reissue of the 2014 edition, featuring a new foreword from the authors. Do you count down the minutes to wine o'clock? You are not alone. When it comes to alcohol, plenty of people find it hard to exercise moderation and become stuck in a vicious cycle of blame, guilt and addiction. If you want to take back control and stop being defined by alcohol now is the time to join The Sober Revolution. In this empowering book, addictions counsellor Sarah Turner and life coach Lucy Rocca examine women's relationship with alcohol and offer insight and advice into overcoming this addiction. The Sober Revolution explores the myths behind this socially acceptable yet often destructive habit and, through personal accounts of alcohol abuse and its impacts on relationships, careers and finances, you are invited to examine your own relationship with alcohol and its impact on your life. Read it now. Regain control and lead a happier, healthier life. Call time on wine o'clock forever.
Publisher: Headline Accent
ISBN: 1783752076
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 207
Book Description
A reissue of the 2014 edition, featuring a new foreword from the authors. Do you count down the minutes to wine o'clock? You are not alone. When it comes to alcohol, plenty of people find it hard to exercise moderation and become stuck in a vicious cycle of blame, guilt and addiction. If you want to take back control and stop being defined by alcohol now is the time to join The Sober Revolution. In this empowering book, addictions counsellor Sarah Turner and life coach Lucy Rocca examine women's relationship with alcohol and offer insight and advice into overcoming this addiction. The Sober Revolution explores the myths behind this socially acceptable yet often destructive habit and, through personal accounts of alcohol abuse and its impacts on relationships, careers and finances, you are invited to examine your own relationship with alcohol and its impact on your life. Read it now. Regain control and lead a happier, healthier life. Call time on wine o'clock forever.
The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge
Author: Andy Ramage
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 1509857265
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
Be happier, healthier and more productive by taking a break from booze! An illustrated day-by-day guide packed with inspiration and practical help, The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge is the only book you need to reset your drinking habits and discover a hangover-free world of quality time to achieve your goals. Drawing on their own experiences of ditching the drink, and bringing together the collective experience of the thousands of people they have helped, Andy and Ruari bring you unparalleled insight into how you can make your break from alcohol an empowering, life-changing experience. Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns started their website One Year No Beer to connect with like-minded people who no longer wanted to deal with the adverse effects of drinking alcohol. In The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge Andy and Ruari share their extensive experience of going alcohol free, including having a great time at parties, resisting appeals from friends to 'just have the one', and, most importantly, how to make the most of the health benefits of going sober.
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 1509857265
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
Be happier, healthier and more productive by taking a break from booze! An illustrated day-by-day guide packed with inspiration and practical help, The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge is the only book you need to reset your drinking habits and discover a hangover-free world of quality time to achieve your goals. Drawing on their own experiences of ditching the drink, and bringing together the collective experience of the thousands of people they have helped, Andy and Ruari bring you unparalleled insight into how you can make your break from alcohol an empowering, life-changing experience. Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns started their website One Year No Beer to connect with like-minded people who no longer wanted to deal with the adverse effects of drinking alcohol. In The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge Andy and Ruari share their extensive experience of going alcohol free, including having a great time at parties, resisting appeals from friends to 'just have the one', and, most importantly, how to make the most of the health benefits of going sober.
The Sober Lush
Author: Amanda Eyre Ward
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0593084829
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
A sober hedonist's guide to living a decadent, wild, and soulful life--alcohol-free. In a culture where sipping "rosé all day" is seen as the epitome of relaxation, "grabbing a drink" the only way to network; and meeting at a bar the quintessential "first date," many of us are left wondering if drinking alcohol really is the only way to cultivate joy and connection in life. Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward wanted to live spontaneous and luxurious lives, to escape the ordinary and enjoy the intoxicating. Their drinking, however, had started to numb them to the present moment instead of unlocking it. Ward was introduced to Libaire when she first got sober. As they became friends, the two women talked about how they yearned to create lives that were Technicolor, beautifully raw, connected, blissed out, and outside the lines . . . but how? In The Sober Lush, Libaire and Ward provide a road map for living a lush and sensual life without booze. This book offers ideas and instruction for such nonalcoholic joys as: • The allure of "the Vanish," in which one disappears early from the party without saying goodbye to a soul, to amble home under the stars • The art of creating zero-proof cocktails for all seasons • Having a fantastic first date while completely sober • A primer on setting up your own backyard beehive, and honey tastings For anyone curious about lowering their alcohol consumption or quitting drinking altogether, or anyone established in sobriety who wants inspiration, this shimmering and sumptuous book will show you how to keep indulging in life even if you stop indulging in alcohol.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0593084829
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
A sober hedonist's guide to living a decadent, wild, and soulful life--alcohol-free. In a culture where sipping "rosé all day" is seen as the epitome of relaxation, "grabbing a drink" the only way to network; and meeting at a bar the quintessential "first date," many of us are left wondering if drinking alcohol really is the only way to cultivate joy and connection in life. Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward wanted to live spontaneous and luxurious lives, to escape the ordinary and enjoy the intoxicating. Their drinking, however, had started to numb them to the present moment instead of unlocking it. Ward was introduced to Libaire when she first got sober. As they became friends, the two women talked about how they yearned to create lives that were Technicolor, beautifully raw, connected, blissed out, and outside the lines . . . but how? In The Sober Lush, Libaire and Ward provide a road map for living a lush and sensual life without booze. This book offers ideas and instruction for such nonalcoholic joys as: • The allure of "the Vanish," in which one disappears early from the party without saying goodbye to a soul, to amble home under the stars • The art of creating zero-proof cocktails for all seasons • Having a fantastic first date while completely sober • A primer on setting up your own backyard beehive, and honey tastings For anyone curious about lowering their alcohol consumption or quitting drinking altogether, or anyone established in sobriety who wants inspiration, this shimmering and sumptuous book will show you how to keep indulging in life even if you stop indulging in alcohol.
The Sober Girl Society Handbook
Author: Millie Gooch
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473584159
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 253
Book Description
UPDATED WITH A BRAND NEW CHAPTER ON SOBER CURIOSITY *Voted an Independent best self-care book for 2021* *Voted one of Heat's best self-help books to help you reach your full potential* If you've ever woken up feeling anxious, or cringing with embarrassment, about something you did or said whilst drunk the night before, this book may just change your life. Whichever way you look at it, it's hard to avoid how alcohol really makes us feel: terrible. After years of partying and hangovers started taking a toll on her mental health, Millie Gooch gave up alcohol and has never looked back. Offering tips and advice on staying sober and curious in a world obsessed with booze, this handbook will change your life for ever, by showing you not only why you should drink less, but how. Millie shares essential information to empower you to transform your relationship with alcohol so that you can lead your most fulfilling life. Whether you're sober curious or determined to make a more permanent change, it's time to join the Sober Girl Society! It's time to join the Sober Girl Society: 'I LOVE this book already, just received today and I can't put it down!' 'I recommend this to anyone; whether they want to stop drinking permanently, or even would just like to cut down on their drinking.' 'I love how relatable and non-preachy this book is.' 'Approaches what can be a tricky and confusing subject for many with humour and wit.' 'Perfect for those reconsidering their relationship with alcohol. Brilliant book.'
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473584159
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 253
Book Description
UPDATED WITH A BRAND NEW CHAPTER ON SOBER CURIOSITY *Voted an Independent best self-care book for 2021* *Voted one of Heat's best self-help books to help you reach your full potential* If you've ever woken up feeling anxious, or cringing with embarrassment, about something you did or said whilst drunk the night before, this book may just change your life. Whichever way you look at it, it's hard to avoid how alcohol really makes us feel: terrible. After years of partying and hangovers started taking a toll on her mental health, Millie Gooch gave up alcohol and has never looked back. Offering tips and advice on staying sober and curious in a world obsessed with booze, this handbook will change your life for ever, by showing you not only why you should drink less, but how. Millie shares essential information to empower you to transform your relationship with alcohol so that you can lead your most fulfilling life. Whether you're sober curious or determined to make a more permanent change, it's time to join the Sober Girl Society! It's time to join the Sober Girl Society: 'I LOVE this book already, just received today and I can't put it down!' 'I recommend this to anyone; whether they want to stop drinking permanently, or even would just like to cut down on their drinking.' 'I love how relatable and non-preachy this book is.' 'Approaches what can be a tricky and confusing subject for many with humour and wit.' 'Perfect for those reconsidering their relationship with alcohol. Brilliant book.'
The Sober Diaries
Author: Clare Pooley
Publisher: Coronet
ISBN: 1473661889
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
BY THE AUTHOR OF NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT, THE BRAVE AND FUNNY MEMOIR THAT IS CHANGING LIVES. How one mother gave up drinking and started living. This is Bridget Jones Dries Out. Clare Pooley is a Cambridge graduate and was a Managing Partner at one of the world's biggest advertising agencies, and yet by eighteen months ago she'd become an overweight, depressed, middle-aged mother of three who was drinking more than a bottle of wine a day, and spending her evenings Googling 'Am I an alcoholic?' In a desperate bid to turn her life around, she quit drinking and started a blog. She called it Mummy Was a Secret Drinker. This book is the story of a year in Clare's life. A year that started with her quitting booze having been drinking more than a bottle of wine every day. It sees her starting a hugely successful blog, then getting and beating breast cancer. By the end of the year she is booze free and cancer free, two stone lighter and with a life that is so much richer, healthier and more rewarding than ever before. Sober Diaries is an upbeat, funny and positive look at how to live life to the full. Interwoven within Clare's own very personal and frank story is research and advice, and answers to questions like: How do I know if I'm drinking too much? How will I cope at parties? What do I say to friends and family? How do I cope with cravings? Will I lose weight? What if my partner still drinks? And many more.
Publisher: Coronet
ISBN: 1473661889
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
BY THE AUTHOR OF NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT, THE BRAVE AND FUNNY MEMOIR THAT IS CHANGING LIVES. How one mother gave up drinking and started living. This is Bridget Jones Dries Out. Clare Pooley is a Cambridge graduate and was a Managing Partner at one of the world's biggest advertising agencies, and yet by eighteen months ago she'd become an overweight, depressed, middle-aged mother of three who was drinking more than a bottle of wine a day, and spending her evenings Googling 'Am I an alcoholic?' In a desperate bid to turn her life around, she quit drinking and started a blog. She called it Mummy Was a Secret Drinker. This book is the story of a year in Clare's life. A year that started with her quitting booze having been drinking more than a bottle of wine every day. It sees her starting a hugely successful blog, then getting and beating breast cancer. By the end of the year she is booze free and cancer free, two stone lighter and with a life that is so much richer, healthier and more rewarding than ever before. Sober Diaries is an upbeat, funny and positive look at how to live life to the full. Interwoven within Clare's own very personal and frank story is research and advice, and answers to questions like: How do I know if I'm drinking too much? How will I cope at parties? What do I say to friends and family? How do I cope with cravings? Will I lose weight? What if my partner still drinks? And many more.
The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary
Author: Catherine Gray
Publisher: Aster
ISBN: 1783253649
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
**From the Sunday Times Bestselling Author** Life-affirming - THE TELEGRAPH Wonderful - INDEPENDENT She made it her mission to learn how to be default happy rather than default disgruntled - RADIO 4 - WOMAN'S HOUR Take a leaf out of Gray's book and be kinder to yourself by appreciating life just as it is - IRISH TIMES This book came to me in an hour of need - during lockdown when I had to focus on the positive, appreciate simple things, not lose my shit, and value each day. It was a pure joy for me and held my hand - SADIE FROST Interesting and joyful. Lights a path that could help us to build resilience against society's urging to compare life milestones with peers - LANCET PSYCHIATRY Underwhelmed by your ordinary existence? Disillusioned with your middlin' wage, average body, 'bijou' living situation and imperfect loved ones? Welcome to the club. There are billions of us. The 'default disenchanted'. But, it's not us being brats. Two deeply inconvenient psychological phenomenons conspire against our satisfaction. We have negatively-biased brains, which zoom like doom-drones in on what's wrong with our day, rather than what's right. (Back in the mists of time, this negative bias saved our skins, but now it just makes us anxious). Also, something called the 'hedonic treadmill' means we eternally quest for better, faster, more, like someone stuck on a dystopian, never-ending treadmill. Thankfully, there are scientifically-proven ways in which we can train our brains to be more positive-seeking. And to take a rest from this tireless pursuit. Whew. Catherine Gray knits together illuminating science and hilarious storytelling, unveiling captivating research showing that big bucks don't mean big happiness, extraordinary experiences have a 'comedown' and budget weddings predict a lower chance of divorce. She reminds us what an average body actually is, reveals that exercising for weight loss means we do less exercise, and explores the modern tendency to not just try to keep up with the Murphys, but keep up with the Mega-Murphies (see: the social media elite). Come on in to this soulful and life-affirming read, to discover why an ordinary life may well be the most satisfying one of all.
Publisher: Aster
ISBN: 1783253649
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
**From the Sunday Times Bestselling Author** Life-affirming - THE TELEGRAPH Wonderful - INDEPENDENT She made it her mission to learn how to be default happy rather than default disgruntled - RADIO 4 - WOMAN'S HOUR Take a leaf out of Gray's book and be kinder to yourself by appreciating life just as it is - IRISH TIMES This book came to me in an hour of need - during lockdown when I had to focus on the positive, appreciate simple things, not lose my shit, and value each day. It was a pure joy for me and held my hand - SADIE FROST Interesting and joyful. Lights a path that could help us to build resilience against society's urging to compare life milestones with peers - LANCET PSYCHIATRY Underwhelmed by your ordinary existence? Disillusioned with your middlin' wage, average body, 'bijou' living situation and imperfect loved ones? Welcome to the club. There are billions of us. The 'default disenchanted'. But, it's not us being brats. Two deeply inconvenient psychological phenomenons conspire against our satisfaction. We have negatively-biased brains, which zoom like doom-drones in on what's wrong with our day, rather than what's right. (Back in the mists of time, this negative bias saved our skins, but now it just makes us anxious). Also, something called the 'hedonic treadmill' means we eternally quest for better, faster, more, like someone stuck on a dystopian, never-ending treadmill. Thankfully, there are scientifically-proven ways in which we can train our brains to be more positive-seeking. And to take a rest from this tireless pursuit. Whew. Catherine Gray knits together illuminating science and hilarious storytelling, unveiling captivating research showing that big bucks don't mean big happiness, extraordinary experiences have a 'comedown' and budget weddings predict a lower chance of divorce. She reminds us what an average body actually is, reveals that exercising for weight loss means we do less exercise, and explores the modern tendency to not just try to keep up with the Murphys, but keep up with the Mega-Murphies (see: the social media elite). Come on in to this soulful and life-affirming read, to discover why an ordinary life may well be the most satisfying one of all.