Living, Loving, & Unlearning

If you’re looking for a book to assist you as you navigate the ups and downs in life while you peel away the layers of worldly expectations, this read may be for you.

Have you ever wondered about your life’s dreams and what happened to them? Have you ever had dreams for your life? This book is a wake-up call. A reminder that it is never too late to fulfill that desire burning deep down inside of you. The piece of your soul that is ready to shine and light up your life! Inside the pages of Living, Loving, & Unlearning, I’ve created an easy to follow guideline for you to do just that. As you discover the purity of your own soul, and purpose of your existence here on earth, you will begin to feel the freedom to live your life, your journey, and your truth.

To listen to my talk at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA, please click here. This will give you an inside look into Living, Loving, & Unlearning, how it came about, and how it may help you in your own healing. As an added treat, my brother, Norm Weintraub, also performs a very special song about our Dad and his impact on our lives.

To order your copy of Living, Loving, & Unlearning, please go to my website at cynthiabrennen.com.

Namaste and have a great day!

Broken Open & A Better Life with Craig Hamilton; Living with Bipolar Disorder and Beyond

Join the journey on Help, Hope & Healing, WWLZ820am, Saturday, May 28th, 12-1pm EST.  My guest will be Craig Hamilton, author of an amazing memoir, Broken Open.  This is a heart wrenching & heartwarming account of Craig’s personal experience with Bipolar Disorder. Craig will also be introducing us to his follow-up book, A Better Life.  For any of you dealing with Bipolar Disorder in your life I recommend you do not miss this show!  Craig will certainly give you hope and help you heal, first hand.  As always, calls are welcome during the show at 607-732-4820 or 1-866-732-4820. Wishing you all a day of health and happiness!

Broken Open
Front Cover
(click image to enlarge)

Broken Open
Back Cover
(click image to enlarge)

Three days until the Olympics opening ceremony. My bag is packed and we’re walking together as a family from car park to ticket gate. Something is not quite right. I’m riding a tsunami-size mania and set to wipe out in awesome and truly awful style. Now, if this tale is not weird enough already, then try this: in my mind I have become Jesus Christ reincarnate. I am experiencing a high I’d imagine you attain only on the strongest drugs.’

Read more extracts from Broken Open….

In a remarkable memoir ABC broadcaster Craig Hamilton tells what it’s like to go mad in public and survive to tell the tale. Hamilton explores how his breakdown and diagnosis of bipolar disorder affected his family, work colleagues and friends. In doing so he lifts the covers on the taboo subject of depression and shows how he stared down his demons to resurrect his life and career.

As a former top sportsman, farmer’s son and coal miner who reinvented himself to establish a successful career with the ABC, Craig believed he was immune to a calamity such as mental illness. From his initial shocking breakdown to his eventual recovery, Craig retraces his steps and highlights the warning signs that might have told him he was in serious trouble.

Broken Open is a gripping read about one man’s journey back from the brink of hell. But it is much more than that. It’s also a personal plea for society to shake off the stigma surrounding people with depression and to bring the subject out into the clear light of day.

“I know Craig went through his own anguish with mental illness and if it can affect him it can affect anybody. I hold him in high esteem as I believe him to be very credible and someone who has a real passion for what he does, particularly calling rugby league on ABC Radio.

Like many Australians today, Craig changed his life so he could manage his illness. Through medication and a healthy lifestyle of yoga, meditation and laughter he is now living a healthy life. His story is a must-read. His triumph is truly remarkable and will inspire anyone lucky enough to read it.

Sadly many people suffering mental illness do not have the strength or support to change their lives. Like Craig I have watched players and have friends and family who have suffered from mental illness. I know through these experiences that mental illness exists and is not in someone’s imagination as we are often told.

By telling his story I know Craig will help others who have suffered, but more importantly he makes us all much more aware of the presence of mental illness, and in particular depression and bipolar disorder.”

Sincerely
Wayne Bennett
Head Coach
St George Illawarra Dragons

Craig Hamilton, Surviving Bipolar Disorder and Beyond…

To listen to my interview with Craig Hamilton, author of Broken Open, simply go to the Link,  “AM-WWLZ820 Talk Radio” and click on “Craig Hamilton, Surviving Bipolar Disorder and Beyond…”  I promise you won’t be disappointed.  This is an amazing account of Craig’s struggles and triumphs with Bipolar Disorder, and his amazing work in helping others through this difficult illness.  Craig quotes Martin Luther King, Jr. at the end of the show with “Our lives begin to end when we remain silent about the things that matter.”  That sums it all up.  Thank you so much Craig Hamilton, for being the beautiful soul that you are.  Many blessings to you!

Broken Open

Join the journey on Help, Hope & Healing, WWLZ820am, Saturday Dec. 11th, 12-1pm EST.  My guest will be Craig Hamilton, author of an amazing memoir, Broken Open.  This is a heart wrenching & heartwarming account of Craig’s personal experience with Bipolar Disorder.  For any of you dealing with Bipolar Disorder in your life I recommend you do not miss this show!  Craig will certainly give you hope and help you heal, first hand.  As always, calls are welcome during the show at 607-732-4820 or 1-866-732-4820. Wishing you all a day of health and happiness!

Broken Open
Front Cover
(click image to enlarge)

Broken Open
Back Cover
(click image to enlarge)

 

Three days until the Olympics opening ceremony. My bag is packed and we’re walking together as a family from car park to ticket gate. Something is not quite right. I’m riding a tsunami-size mania and set to wipe out in awesome and truly awful style. Now, if this tale is not weird enough already, then try this: in my mind I have become Jesus Christ reincarnate. I am experiencing a high I’d imagine you attain only on the strongest drugs.’

Read more extracts from Broken Open….

In a remarkable memoir ABC broadcaster Craig Hamilton tells what it’s like to go mad in public and survive to tell the tale. Hamilton explores how his breakdown and diagnosis of bipolar disorder affected his family, work colleagues and friends. In doing so he lifts the covers on the taboo subject of depression and shows how he stared down his demons to resurrect his life and career.

As a former top sportsman, farmer’s son and coal miner who reinvented himself to establish a successful career with the ABC, Craig believed he was immune to a calamity such as mental illness. From his initial shocking breakdown to his eventual recovery, Craig retraces his steps and highlights the warning signs that might have told him he was in serious trouble.

Broken Open is a gripping read about one man’s journey back from the brink of hell. But it is much more than that. It’s also a personal plea for society to shake off the stigma surrounding people with depression and to bring the subject out into the clear light of day.

“I know Craig went through his own anguish with mental illness and if it can affect him it can affect anybody. I hold him in high esteem as I believe him to be very credible and someone who has a real passion for what he does, particularly calling rugby league on ABC Radio.

Like many Australians today, Craig changed his life so he could manage his illness. Through medication and a healthy lifestyle of yoga, meditation and laughter he is now living a healthy life. His story is a must-read. His triumph is truly remarkable and will inspire anyone lucky enough to read it.

Sadly many people suffering mental illness do not have the strength or support to change their lives. Like Craig I have watched players and have friends and family who have suffered from mental illness. I know through these experiences that mental illness exists and is not in someone’s imagination as we are often told.

By telling his story I know Craig will help others who have suffered, but more importantly he makes us all much more aware of the presence of mental illness, and in particular depression and bipolar disorder.”

Sincerely
Wayne Bennett
Head Coach
St George Illawarra Dragons

Healing Hour

Tune in with me tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 6th, 12-1pm EST, on Help Hope & Healing, WWLZ820am! The format is OPEN! Call in with your questions pertaining to your overall health and learn to heal through mind, body, spiritual and emotional wellness. This is your hour with a therapist who can help. Call during the show……607-732-4820 or 1-866-732-4820.  Nationwide calls are welcome!

See More

WWLZ – AM

wwlzam820.com

WWLZ is a radio station located in Elmira, NY, in the the United States. The station broadcasts on 820am.

Next week, my guest will be Neal Desch.  We will be addressing the effects of domestic violence and the importance of breaking the silence.

10 Tips to Push Depression and Anxiety Aside

1.  Exercise.  Move your body to the degree you are able; run, swim, take a brisk walk, dance, ride a bike, ride a horse, train in the gym, ski, move your arms and legs sitting in a chair.

2. Speak Up! Self expression is crucial in the release of feelings, self-respect and caring for yourself.  The more we address the less we repress!

3. Take a yoga class.  Yoga decreases blood pressure, calms your body and mind, and allows you to think more clearly.

4. Include Omega 3’s in your diet. Studies have revealed Omega 3’s decrease depression. In addition, a good whole foods multivitamin adds more nutrients to your diet.

5. Keep your spine in alignment. Follow up with your chiropractor.  An aligned spine clears all pathways through your brain stem, allowing you to think more clearly.  Not to mention, less body pain equals less depression/anxiety.

6. Meditate. Practice sitting in a quiet space at least a few minutes a day.  If your mind wanders bring it back to the present as you focus on  one thing.

7. Laugh! Laughter releases those wonderful endorphins that we experience in exercise.  Watch a funny movie, reminisce about comical times with family and friends, laugh at yourself, just laugh!

8. Make a habit of drinking your Green Smoothie. So many of us don’t get enough fruits and veggies in our diet.  Packing it all into one drink allows you to get a ton of nutrients in one sitting.  A healthy diet gives you more energy and promotes positive thinking.

9. Socialize! Make a point to spend time with like-minded, like-spirited people.  Positive contact lifts our own spirits!

10. Get your Sleep. So many of us are sleep deprived in our fast paced society.  Make it a point to get at least  7- 8 hours of sleep a night.  If you have difficulty falling asleep, take a warm bath before bed, read a book, put on soothing music, drink a chamomile tea…wind down and breathe….

11.  Okay, I’m squeezing in 11, Get a MASSAGE and pamper yourself at your favorite spa!

Forget Everything And Run!

“Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves, regret for the past and fear of the future.”

~Fulton Oursler

The title is a great acronym, isn’t it?  I’ve heard of it coming out of many 12 step rooms, dealing with addiction.  Of course, I used the “cleaner” version, but you get the point. I’m talking about FEAR today because it appears to be so prevalent in our society, my counseling office, and everyday life.  When will it be time for you to let go of your past, forgive those who have wronged you, and move on to your future, fearlessly?

I will tell you when that time will come.  When you can truly forgive not only those who have hurt you but when you can forgive yourself.  When we hold on to anger toward another person, or people, or situations, it’s ironic how you internalize that anger, only to inflict the same hurts onto yourself and others.  Until you truly work to make change, accept your part in the scenario, and look fear in its monstrous face, your lesson will never be learned.  The pattern will continue in its never-ending battle.  Stop in your tracks and look inward.  What do you see?  All the answers are hidden beneath the layers of  your life.  Peel back each experience fearlessly, un-learn the hurts, take control of your own life and feel the freedom it brings.

Stand up, look in the mirror, look yourself straight in the eye and ask yourself,  “Is this the first day of the rest of my life?”  Your choice.  We always make a choice.

It’s Time To Let It Go…

“I never jumped in and rescued you,
but I wanted to
I didn’t tell you which way to go,
’cause I thought you’d know…

I never told you I told you so, but I told you so

Have to let it go
It’s time to let it go”

~ Barenaked Ladies,  lyrics to  “Told You So”

We’ve all been there, thinking we can control the outcome of someone’s destiny.  Trying so hard to help and hold on, but is it really helping you or the person you’re trying to “help”?  Oftentimes, we are only getting in the way of the lessons that require learning.  If someone you love has a path of many face plants, then you must accept that and let go of the illusion of control.  In most cases, the lesson will be learned.  If not, well, it was never your lesson to be responsible for in the first place.  It’s time to let it go….

On the flip side of this coin is YOU.  Only you can steer your ship, no one else.  You must be the one to pave your way, put the energy and work into your dreams, and drive to your destination.  However long it takes, no matter how many mountains you must cross, stay with your own journey and you will stake your flag at the end of the marathon.  This doesn’t mean that you don’t reach out for support along the way.  Those that truly care about you will be there for you, as you are there for them.  Gather support from your friends, family, loved ones, and all universal energy.  You will be well on your way to your dream fulfillment.

Allow those you love to experience their own path.  Release energy into your journey, let go and give Source the freedom to guide you, all the way to the finish line.  Namaste.

Do What You Love

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.”  ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

If you missed the show on “Now What If” last night, you can still view it in the archives on http://www.nowwhatif.tv/

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Now What If, 9-8-10.

Many thanks to Connie Banford, the Creator & host of “Now What If”, and my cohost Earl Mann.

Blessings….

The Games People Play

“Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves, but deal in our privacy with the last honesty and truth.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A client came into my office the other day, sat down, looked me in the eye and said, “I think I’m going crazy.”  She proceeded to tell me that her intuition, and actions of her partner, are telling her old habits are creeping up again.  She has no solid proof that her partner is into his addiction again, but it’s a feeling.  She proceeds to tell me that every time she confronts him on it he gets defensive and turns it back around onto her.

When your intuition speaks, it is Spirit knocking at your door, giving you a wake up call.  Trust in your own truth and allow self-care to follow.  My client and I reviewed her own life lesson she is learning through this difficult time.  Most importantly, she is aware that she cannot do the work for her partner or force him to make healthier choices.   He has to have his own desire to change and do the work himself, just as my client needs to focus on herself and increase her own strength in making healthy choices.  One choice may be getting out of an unhealthy relationship.  As she does her own work, and begins the healing process, she will find that she is surrounded by like-minded, like-spirited people.  We are all capable of creating our own happiness.

Be truthful with your heart and follow the messages it gives you.  When we are honest with ourselves, we honor our purpose here on earth.  Nurture the precious being that you are and refuse to allow anyone to abuse your kindness.  Create your own world of  joy, light and love, and watch it all unfold…