Gigi Langer

Worry Less Now!

 Love More Now!

Sisters are the Best!

This blog post is a bit late because I had the most wonderful week with my sisters and a good friend. They flew in last Monday from D.C. and Texas to stay with me. (Peter–wisely–escaped on a short trip out of town!)

It was so much fun to share with them the wonders of southeast Michigan! First we went to Ann Arbor, one of the premier college towns in the country. We had fun visiting the campus and shopping downtown. After a leisurely lunch, we came home and watched the Nationals beat the Brewers. Lots of baseball fans in my family!

On Wednesday we toured the revitalized city of Detroit. The Motown Museum was totally worth the low cost and we had an awesome guide for the one-hour tour. (If you go, you must have reservations). Woodward Avenue is so gorgeous now! My sisters had to check out the Shinola watch store in the beautifully renovated Shinola hotel. We finished the day at the famous Slow’s Barbecue in the Corktown. Yum!

On rainy Thursday, we had brunch at Anna’s House Restaurant and went to see the movie “Judy.” Our mom had been a great fan, so we had to see the bittersweet story of Judy Garland’s last years. Peter came back to town and joined us for dinner at Moro’s, a genteel Italian restaurant near Dearborn. Friday saw my sisters leaving, and I sure do miss them now.

There is nothing like sisters! But what if you don’t have any, or if you’re estranged? Well, there’s a simple solution: adopt them! Those of us in 12-Step programs have it easy with sponsors, sponsees, and recovering friends. But, most groups of like-minded people will bring you rich, caring relationships that can be counted on.

Let me know about the “sisters” you’ve discovered and the fun things you’ve done together. I’d love to hear…

PS: You may know that the Audiobook for Worry Less Now is available from Amazon, Audible, and i-tunes. Use this link to purchase it Adbl.co/2MqkjVL Be sure to get the comprehensive PDF/Workbook that comes with it.

ALSO, if you or someone you know has a blog related to recovery, audiobooks, or wellness, please refer them to my blog tour. They’ll get a free audiobook, the PDF, and a chance to win 2 Skype sessions with me. Registration closes Oct. 15. Click here

The Audiobook that Almost Wasn’t and How Meditation Saved the Day

I’m so pleased to announce that the audiobook of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now is now available! Get it from Audible, Amazon, or i-tunes!

Did you know that 50 Ways to Worry Less Now almost didn’t exist?

After I stated my intent to write this book, I experienced a period of turmoil and resistance. My whispered lies seemed to wake up and say, “What? This can’t be! There’s no way you’re going do that!” “You can’t get this honest about your life; people will think you’re neurotic,” and “You can’t handle it if people criticize you.”

Suddenly, I found myself unable to write.

A quote from Goethe sums up the coincidences that followed soon after: “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.”

So, how did “providence” move me forward? I discovered a new tool that helped me write from my heart: Meditation.

Despite knowing about the many benefits of meditation, I had never been able to get the hang of it. I just couldn’t quiet my incessant thinking long enough to feel successful.

Here’s how providence let me know it was time to learn this valuable skill:

  • While at lunch with my friend Chris, who had just completed her first book, I shared my fears about my writing. She told me how meditating had calmed her mind and given her a connection to a source of wise guidance in her work.
  • Soon after, I made a new friend, Mara, who meditates for twenty minutes twice a day. I became envious of her unflappable sense of peace.
  • Later that month, a woman in my book club mentioned she recently began meditating as part of her treatment for shingles, and had not had an episode since.
  • After spontaneously deciding to attend a women’s retreat, I found that the topic was meditation! As the weekend progressed, I began to believe I could actually adopt this helpful practice.
  • Soon after the retreat, a friend asked me to join her for Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey’s 21-day online meditation challenge.

At that point, I looked up to the heavens, and said, “Okay, Okay!” and began to meditate most mornings. Within a few years, I had a solid first draft of this book. A few years later, in early 2018, I published the paperback and e-book.

Last year, when I went to the bank to set up a checking account for my new business, I mentioned to the gentleman that I had just written a book. He replied, “Can I get it as an audiobook? That’s all I listen to.” Wow! Was I ever surprised.

So, last fall, I began the process of learning all about creating an audiobook. You can see my journey in YouTube videos number one; two; three, four, five, and an overview in this Blog. The final video celebrating the completion of the audiobook is here.

So, how does meditation fit into my life today? I find if I skip my morning meditation, I have less serenity and bravery to deal with my challenges.

For example, I recently began my day by reading many emails about a committee I’m on. When I later went to my desk to piece together some new ideas for a workshop, I noticed I was tense and couldn’t find the right ideas. I then stopped, asked myself, “What’s wrong?” and remembered I had neglected to meditate.

Instead of criticizing myself, I gave myself kudos for noticing my tension. Recalling that it’ s never too late to start a day over, I did just that. As I entered the stillness, I could almost hear my body saying, “OK, the wise one is driving the bus now. We can stop the high alert.” I received a wondrous result: I found the exact inspiration I had been seeking.

So, if you have a dream you’d like to pursue, try adding meditation to your daily routine. I like Insight Timer‘s guided meditations. They’re free and address a variety of topics.

Give it a try and let providence show you what’s really in your heart to contribute to the world!

Gigi Langer

Gigi Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She is an acclaimed teacher, author, and speaker who has helped thousands improve their lives at home and work. Gigi hasn’t had a drug or drink for over 30 years, although she does occasionally overindulge in Ghirardelli chocolate and historical novels. She lives happily in Michigan with her husband, Peter and her cat, Murphy.

JOIN THE “WORRY LESS NOW” AUDIOBOOK LAUNCH!

Well, the time has finally come! After six months of work, next week Robin Waters (narrator) and I are releasing the 6-hour audiobook for 50 Ways to Worry Less Now! You might have a few questions, so here’s a brief Q & A.

If it’s coming out this week, then why does the banner above say Oct. 22-28? This week is the “soft launch” (without a ton of promotion), but you can get it as soon as it goes “live” on Amazon, Audible, or i-tunes. The “full launch” is October 22-28 with all the hoopla of a blog tour.

What’s a blog tour? I’ve hired Jess at Audiobookworm to schedule “hosts” to feature the audiobook on their blogs or websites between Oct 22 – 28. Ideally, this burst of promotion sells a lot of books in a short amount of time, resulting in “bestseller status” on Amazon/Audible.

How can I help? Even if you don’t have a website or blog, you can still do a LOT. And we’d really appreciate it! You can 1) post reviews of the audiobook or 2) participate in the online blog tour.

1) LISTEN TO & REVIEW THE AUDIOBOOK. (I offered a free copy to the first 20 who sign up; but I still have a few more available. If you want one, contact me.) Please post reviews on Audible, Amazon or i-tunes; Goodreads; and all your social media sites. (You can do this anytime.)

2) JOIN THE Oct. 22-26 BLOG TOUR (as a “Host”). To participate, you need your own website (or blog) about Audiobooks, Recovery, or Wellness. During the tour week, you post a review, &/OR audio excerpt, &/OR the cover and description, &/OR a written interview with me. Or, if you wish, I’ll even contribute an article for your blog! ** To sign up as a host: Click HERE between Sept. 22 – Oct. 15, and Jess will send you all the information. Her directions are very clear and she’s so kind. You’ll receive the free audiobook, plus you’ll be eligible to win a free giveaway (your choice of a paperback of “Worry Less Now” with a Workbook, or 2 Skype personal coaching sessions with me).

PS. YOU ALREADY KNOW ME, BUT HOW ‘BOUT OUR AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR, ROBIN WATERS? You may recall that I tried to begin narrating the book myself, but soon found the technology plus all those hours in a closet too daunting! So, I went in search of a narrator and found the perfect person.

Robin Waters grew up in Southern California and left home early to get professional theatrical training and pursue her dream. In her early twenties, she found a new passion–holistic health–and shifted her focus to become a wellness educator.

She currently lives in Canada where she stays busy writing, demonstrating how to cook healthy food, and leading workshops and women’s circles. She loves cuddling and reading out loud with her son and daughter. Now that they are older, she has returned to her first loves of narrating and performance. There is something magical about connecting with others through voice and sharing the human experience with good storytelling and characters. 

Partnering with Gigi to produce this book was a gift, as it was a beautiful combination of her two passions. She has spent a lifetime overcoming worry/anxiety, and finding herself through expression and connection. She hopes this audiobook brings you more inner peace and is a comfort on your journey toward a vibrant life.

Gigi Langer

Gigi Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She is an acclaimed teacher, author, and speaker who has helped thousands improve their lives at home and work. Gigi hasn’t had a drug or drink for over 30 years, although she does occasionally overindulge in Ghirardelli chocolate and historical novels. She lives happily in Michigan with her husband, Peter and her cat, Murphy.

Simple Trust and Perfect Order

Winding road of perfect orderYou’ve heard me talk before about how I believe things are in “perfect order.” It means that, even when a situation appears to be an unresolved mess, there’s an underlying order that’s working itself out–perfectly.

Since November, I’ve been writing and posting videos about my big adventure turning 50 Ways to Worry Less Now into an audiobook. During these past five months, I’ve really needed to trust perfect order, as this has been a VERY winding road!

Setting the Goal

I knew I wanted create an audiobook last fall when my banker asked how he could get it on Audible. I had to reply to him (and several others) that it wasn’t yet available. So, I began studying up on the process, and decided to try to do the narration, editing, and production myself.

(Have you noticed that I bite off BIG goals? What IS it with me??)

Fortunately, I’ve learned (often the hard way!) to trust that the road toward my goal may not be straight; in fact, it may even change direction. But, as long as I hold the vision and move toward it, the right order appears, and the project turns out just as it was meant to.

The Winding Road

Looking back, I can now see how the pieces were falling into perfect order. But, when I was in the middle of it, it sure looked messy! For example, in mid-December, I posted three YouTube videos about how I was reading every guide I could find, buying equipment, and learning to use the recording software. It was so exciting; I was sure I could do it!

In late December, I posted another video about creating two new documents: one for the narrator to read, and one for the companion workbook. So, those — and learning how to read the book in an interesting way — became my next goals.

Then in late January, I found a mentor who would guide me and give me feedback. But, when I started reading and listening to my performance, I faced a tough realization. Even though I wrote the book, I would need training to narrate it with proper expression. As I considered the mounting expenses and imagined myself sitting in my closet for 20 hours reading and editing, I suddenly realized I didn’t want to spend my time and money that way. What a surprise!

(I have to admit, I struggled a bit with my ego as it whispered to me, “But what will people think?” “Don’t you want it to be your voice?” But my simple trust in perfect order dissolved those lies. Whew!)

The Rest of the Story

The rest of the story is in the video, (click  here). The upshot is: THERE WILL BE AN AUDIOBOOK available in June or July!

But, who is going to narrate it? Wait and see!

Gigi Langer Worry Less NowGigi Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She’s a sought-after speaker and retreat leader who has helped thousands improve their lives at work and at home. 

worry less nowOrder it at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. E-books also available. Audiobook coming June 2019.