I Don't Need a Baby to Be Who I Am

I Don't Need a Baby to Be Who I Am
Author: Joan Brady
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 154
Release: 2010-06-15
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1451602588

In her wonderful, whimsical novel God on a Harley, Joan Brady displayed an innate talent for going straight to the heart of the way women feel. Now she takes us a giant step further, sharing her own deeply personal and ultimately jubilant voyage. This is her message of love, hope, and renewal for every woman who, for whatever reason, has never had a child. "I am about to take you on a journey. We set sail from the painful, frightened years and emerge into the calm beauty of awakening. Finally, we will cruise gracefully into a celebration of all the female joy that has been kept secret for so long." One day, after she had turned forty, Joan Brady realized she was on her own. No husband. No kids. She felt like someone had lobbed a hand grenade into her heart. At other people's baby showers, she thought she'd explode. The end of her childbearing years loomed like a tidal wave on the horizon, reminding her that she was not now, and never would be, a mother. She could sink, or she could swim. In charactersistic style, Joan let herself hit bottom -- only to emerge incredibly joyous, bountiful, and awed by a sense of peace she could never have predicted. "Women who never actually give birth are all mothers, in some sense, to every child we encounter. We give birth to beauty, love, patience, creativity. We are the role models who support and believe in children's dreams because we support and believe in our own." Like having a long conversation with a very good friend, this is a letter of rapture and affirmation for all women who have not traveled the path to the delivery room, but have instead discovered a magical route of their own. A rare and wonderful gift that rejoices in being whole, female, and happy, this is Joan Brady's statement of celebration.

Motherhood ? Is It for Me?

Motherhood ? Is It for Me?
Author: Denise L. Carlini
Publisher:
Total Pages: 474
Release: 2016-11-15
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 9781945252167

"Deciding yes or not to motherhood can be fraught with confusion, pain, and loneliness. Many a woman is undecided about arguably the most important life-defining decision she'll make in her lifetime. With the 'Motherhood -- Is it for me?' program, the authors of this book, both dedicated and seasoned psychotherapists, created a process that has helped countless women over the last 25 years. Finally available in print, this program is the perfect resource for closely examining ambivalence around this crucial life choice. Through precise steps, readers are guided on their own personal journeys toward deeper understanding and learn what they really want. The process even allows a woman who is experiencing extremely painful immobilization to find her way through to her true desire. The authors know from their professional experience that an analytical pros-and-cons approach often fails to successfully answer this most personal question. Interspersed throughout this book are twenty diverse stories of women who made conscious choices, half deciding yes and half deciding no. Their stories -- and sometimes advice -- create a valuable community that provides support to every reader, breaking the isolation they may feel."--Book cover.

Regretting Motherhood

Regretting Motherhood
Author: Orna Donath
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2017-07-11
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1623171385

A provocative and deeply important study of women’s lives, women’s choices—and an ‘unspoken taboo’—that questions the societal pressures forcing women into motherhood Women who opt not to be mothers are frequently warned that they will regret their decision later in life, yet we rarely talk about the possibility that the opposite might also be true—that women who have children might regret it. Drawing on years of research interviewing women from a variety of socioeconomic, educational, and professional backgrounds, sociologist Orna Donath treats regret as a feminist issue: as regret marks the road not taken, we need to consider whether alternative paths for women currently are blocked off. She asks that we pay attention to what is forbidden by rules governing motherhood, time, and emotion, including the cultural assumption that motherhood is a “natural” role for women—for the sake of all women, not just those who regret becoming mothers. If we are disturbed by the idea that a woman might regret becoming a mother, Donath says, our response should not be to silence and shame these women; rather, we need to ask honest and difficult questions about how society pushes women into motherhood and why those who reconsider it are still seen as a danger to the status quo. Groundbreaking, thoughtful, and provocative, this is an especially needed book in our current political climate, as women's reproductive rights continue to be at the forefront of national debates.

God on a Harley

God on a Harley
Author: Joan Brady
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 176
Release: 2015-09-29
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1501127225

The beloved modern classic about a woman who finds love—and herself—from an unexpected source. At thirty-seven, Christine Moore has an overwhelming case of burnout with a frustrating career, a few dead-end romances, and a less-than-perfect figure. Little does she know her life is about to change in a way she could’ve never imagined. “Come out of the shadows, Christine. You’ve spent far too much time hiding in shadows.” These words are spoken to her by a gorgeous man astride a 1340cc Harley-Davidson, mysteriously parked on a moonlit beach near her home. Inexplicably drawn to this stranger—who seems to know everything about her—Christine finds herself surrendering to his words. So begins her remarkable voyage of the spirit that sets her heart and soul free. Suddenly appreciating every precious moment of life, Christine discovers the six wonderous steps that lead to ultimate peace and joy. “A whimsical tale of a journey toward spiritual fulfillment” (Publishers Weekly), God on a Harley is the perfect gift for everyone who’s had a broken heart but still believes in genuine happiness. Need a lift?

The Emotional Incest Syndrome

The Emotional Incest Syndrome
Author: Dr. Patricia Love
Publisher: Bantam
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2011-07-06
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0307799182

From Dr. Patricia Love, a ground-breaking work that identifies, explores and treats the harmful effects that emotionally and psychologically invasive parents have on their children, and provides a program for overcoming the chronic problems that can result.

Slow Down

Slow Down
Author: Nichole Nordeman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2017-08-22
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0718099028

The days are long, but the years are short. No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood. Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake. Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down. Nichole Nordeman has sold more than 1 million albums as a Christian music artist and has won 9 GMA Dove Awards, including two awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. Nichole released a lyric video for her song “Slow Down,” and it struck a chord with parents everywhere, amassing 14 million views in its first five days. She lives in Oklahoma with her two children.

Living the Life Unexpected

Living the Life Unexpected
Author: Jody Day
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Total Pages: 377
Release: 2016-02-25
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 150980904X

‘The book to recommend to patients when they face coming to terms with unavoidable childlessness.' – British Medical Journal In Living the Life Unexpected, Jody Day addresses the experience of involuntary childlessness and provides a powerful, practical guide to help those negotiating a future without children come to terms with their grief; a grief that is only just beginning to be recognized by society. This friendly, practical, humorous and honest guide from one of the world’s most respected names in childless support offers compassion and understanding and shows how it’s possible to move towards a creative, happy, meaningful and fulfilling future – even if it’s not the one you had planned. Millions of people are now living a life without children, almost double that of a generation ago and the numbers are rising still. Although some are childfree by choice, many others are childless due to infertility or circumstance and are struggling to come to terms with their uncertain future. Although most people think that those without children either 'couldn't' or 'didn't want’ to be parents, the truth is much more complex. Jody Day was forty-four when she realized that her quest to be a mother was at an end. She presumed that she was through the toughest part, but over the next couple of years she was hit by waves of grief, despair and isolation. Eventually she found her way and in 2011 created Gateway Women, the global friendship and support network for childless women which has now helped almost two million people worldwide. This edition, previously titled Rocking the Life Unexpected, has been extensively revised and updated, with significant additional content and case studies from forty involuntarily childless people (mostly women) from around the world.

Joyride

Joyride
Author: Joan Brady
Publisher: Xlibris
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2003
Genre: Families
ISBN: 9781413419412

If you've ever wondered what happened to Christine Moore from "God on a Harley," you won't want to miss this touching new sequel! In "Joyride," Christine has done some serious spiritual backsliding over the last ten years. Marriage and motherhood have changed her identity and challenged her previous beliefs about love and romance. The demands of family and career have buried the truths she once knew beneath a mountain of resentment, dirty laundry, and endless bas of groceries. Then, on one of her late-night excursions to the supermarket, Christine runs into Joe again... and everything changes.

What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting

What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting
Author: Cara Goodwin PhD
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2021-06-15
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1638076731

Teach toddlers safe ways to express big feelings Toddlers are still learning how to speak, socialize, and understand their emotions. It's common for them to react with their hands when they get frustrated—but hitting is never okay. What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting helps toddlers understand why hitting is not allowed and shows them how to react to their feelings with actions that are safe and kind. This illustrated entry into no hitting books for toddlers features: Alternatives to hitting—Kids will learn how to use "gentle hands" to squeeze a stuffed animal when they feel upset, scribble a picture to get out their frustration, and practice taking deep breaths to calm down. A light touch—The language is kid-friendly and positive, encouraging toddlers to understand and communicate their feelings, not just keep their hands to themselves. Engaging illustrations—Big, beautiful pictures help kids see the ideas in action and keep their attention on the page. Get the best in no hitting books for toddlers with a storybook that helps them learn empathy and compassion.

Hand to Hold

Hand to Hold
Author: JJ Heller
Publisher: WaterBrook
Total Pages: 41
Release: 2021-07-20
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0593193253

This heartwarming picture book reassures children that a parent’s love never lets go—based on the poignant lyrics of JJ Heller’s beloved lullaby “Hand to Hold.” “May the living light inside you be the compass as you go / May you always know you have my hand to hold.” With delightful illustrations and an engaging rhyme scheme, this book offers the promise of security and love every child’s heart longs to know. From skipping stones and counting stars to climbing trees and telling stories, every moment is wrapped snugly in the certain warmth of a parent’s presence and God’s blessing. With poignancy and joy, this bedtime read captures the unconditional love parents want their children to know but so often fail to express amid the chaos of daily life.