Up The "Down" Ladder: Simple Ideas to Overcome Depression (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780994867308)

I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology as well as teacher certification in Canada. I also have taken courses in human relationships and effective communication. Although, my primary focus has always been that of wife, mother and now grandmother, I have held a variety of jobs including elementary school teacher, telephone operator and bank employee. I am now retired and spend some of the year with my husband in a retirement community in Arizona. For the remainder of the year, I enjoy our children and grandchildren. In my early thirties, after two severe bouts of depression, I first attempted to write a self-help book. On looking back, I now realize that I needed more experience in order to do so. My books are not fiction although I do incorporate quotes and anecdotes to add to the creative flavor of my writing. Basically, my books are based on fact and my own personal healing journey. The baker's dozen (13 steps to a happier self) that I refer to in "I'm Not Perfect And It's Okay" is based on the actual skills I developed along the way to better cope with my life. All of my books are written in a more "do as I do" philosophy also based on my own travels in trying to figure out how to better cope with life's trials and tribulations. Each step that I have recommended, I have actually incorporated into my life. When I have an off day, as we all do, I still browse through my own recommendations. They continue to revive my drooping spirits when necessary. My greatest desire has always been to share my ideas so that others may benefit as well, if only in part, as they choose the steps that may apply to their lives. In life, I have been given so much. My first book, as well as my second, Growing Up & Liking (More Steps to a Happier Self) are my way of giving back in some small way. I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading them just as much as I have enjoyed writing them.