Gigi Langer

Worry Less Now!

 Love More Now!

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.

You vs. Your Dysfunctional Family: Secrets to Healing

My Mom & Dad Married 9/14/1939 Cece and Ted Mohlman

If you grew up in a dysfunctional family, my story will be familiar. I only hope that you’ve found the people and programs to help you heal. Here’s how I began to grow out of the negative thoughts and worries from my childhood. (Excerpted from 50 Ways to Worry Less Now.)

My Mom and Dad: “Doin’ the Best They Can”

I was the fourth child of a charming, alcoholic father and a mother who spent her life worrying about him. Many evenings we’d find Mom lying alone on her bed reading a book, gloomy and sad as she listened for the crunch of Dad’s car tires on the driveway. Too often, that sound never came and she sank lower and lower into her sadness.

Partying with friends was the mainstay of my parents’ lives. The stereo got louder and louder as the drinks got stronger and stronger. Some nights, after the guests had left, we were awakened by crashes and Mom’s screams. I lay frozen in my bed as the whispered lie “I’ll never be safe” sank into my bones.

What Is A Dysfunctional Family, Anyway??

In alcoholic and other dysfunctional families, the dominant messages are: Don’t feel, don’t trust, and don’t tell anyone about it. The “it” is the proverbial “elephant in the room”; although everyone is aware of it, they quickly deny it.

In the absence of honest communication about my dad’s drinking, we children began to invent stories to explain the swirling tension in the air. I birthed a new whispered lie: “I must be a bad person if my parents won’t give me time or attention.”

Family alcoholism isn’t the only condition that can stunt a child’s sense of security and worth. Any trauma that causes ongoing despair can become the elephant in the room: death of a family member, physical impairment, mental illness, gambling, drug addiction, violence, chronic illness, foster care, sexual abuse, or neglect. In such cases, the troubling situations consume the family’s attention, and the emotional needs of the children often go unmet. These deficits launch the child on a lifelong search for love and safety without a road map.

According to Janet G. Woititz’s Adult Children of Alcoholics and Tian Dayton’s The ACoA Trauma Syndrome: The Impact of Childhood Pain on Adult Relationships, adult children of alcoholics and trauma victims tend to share several characteristics

  • Fear losing control; are overly responsible; have trouble relaxing and having fun;
  • Fear their emotions or feelings; confuse pity with love; have difficulties with intimacy;
  • Fear abandonment; constantly seek approval;
  • Self-criticize; have low self-esteem;
  • Deny reality; avoid conflict; adopt a victim mentality; become comfortable living in chaos and drama;
  • Overreact to outside changes; when afraid, see everything and everyone in extremes;
  • Adopt compulsive behaviors; have an attraction to compulsive personalities; and
  • Suffer from frequent physical illness and an accumulation of grief.

Healing Begins (with A Lot of Help from My Friends!)

When I first learned about these tendencies, I felt hopeless. Then I heard these empowering words: I am not to blame for what happened to me as a child; but I am responsible for healing my past. For more information and support, see https://adultchildren.org/

After I got sober in 1986 and the fog cleared, I sought therapy for many of the tendencies that had been screwing up my life. My therapist suggested I attend Twelve-Step meetings called “Adult Children of Alcoholics.” In those meetings, I felt uncomfortable as others talked about experiences similar to mine, but at the same time I felt a giddy sense of relief. I realized I wasn’t alone; and if others had the courage to recover, so could I.

As I continued to work with my therapist, I discovered that I still felt, deep inside, like a defenseless little girl. In an inner-child healing exercise, I visualized locking my mind’s critical voices in a lead-lined vault. I then greeted my imaginary little girl with love and asked if she would talk with me.

As my therapist coached me, I told my inner child I loved her and praised her for being so brave in our crazy home. I thanked her for inventing strategies to keep us secure, and explained that she could let go of her perfectionism and other defenses. Finally, I assured her that she could trust me—her adult self, powered by love—to keep us safe and happy.

These exercises helped me see my divorces and addictions as merely misguided attempts to find love and security. I let go of my self-condemnation and began to believe I could be happy. Since then, I’ve never stopped growing.

An Invitation

If you’ve had experiences similar to those described here, I wish you courage and freedom from the past. I welcome you to comment on your journey of healing. and how your found support. For more information, see https://adultchildren.org/

NOTE: This article is taken from Chapter 5 of my book, 50 Ways to Worry Less Now, which shares the entire story and the tools I discovered as I grew into the happy, healthy woman I am now. This growth has been one of the greatest miracles of my life, but I did not do it alone.

Gigi Langer holds a PhD from Stanford University in Psychological Studies in Education. She’s an award-winning teacher and writer with 33 years clean and sober. Her new book, 50 Ways to Worry Less Now won the National Indie Excellence Award and rates 4.8 stars on Amazon. The AUDIOBOOK is due in mid-September 2019 (Audible, Amazon, i-tunes). Tune in at GigiLanger.com

Free audiobook: WORRY LESS NOW (for first 20 only)

THE BRAND NEW WORRY LESS NOWAUDIOBOOK IS COMPLETE!
Coming soon to Amazon, Audible, and i-tunes.
I WILL SEND YOU A FREE COPY TO REVIEW if you email me at [email protected].
(Offer applies to the first 20 who respond)

LISTEN TO THE PREFACE << HERE >>

If you’ve read the book, you know it has lots of illustrations and suggested activities. As you might imagine, these don’t come across too well in an audiobook, so i created a “Companion PDF” with all 50 tools, plus space to write responses.

** Can you guess how many pages are in the Audiobook Companion PDF? **

(82)