January’s Book To Live By

In getting 2018 off on the right foot, I followed some advice from a new book. It said: “Seek direction from wisdom figures.”

The wise author, Joan Chittister, has been a role model of mine for more than a decade. As always, I found comfort and hope in her words.

Joan is a Benedictine nun and one of our most beloved humanitarians and social activists. You may have seen her on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday or read some of her more than 50 books.

To help you jump-start your year, I am honored to introduce you to our January Book to Live By:

Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life by Joan Chittister

Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life by Joan Chittister

As the subtitle suggests, this is a guide to breaking the chains of what Sister Joan calls “the nagging hungers of the self” — such spiritual assailants as fear, anger and addiction.

The book is based on the teachings of Saint Benedict, a sixth-century Italian known as the founder of Western monasticism. The key to freedom, we learn, is humility.

Saint Benedict’s 12 steps of humility include such simple but savvy lessons as “Endure the pains of development and do not give up,” “Acknowledge faults and strip away the masks,” “Listen” and “Speak kindly.”

Sister Joan takes tales and events from around the world and weaves them with her own life stories to illustrate each step. She mixes her insights with a large dose of humor.

Radical Spirit offers a peaceful, practical remedy to the stresses of modern life while acknowledging its daily challenges.

I love this book and will reflect on its many inspirations over and over throughout the year.

Wishing you a radically spirited 2018!

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January 2018 Sneak Peek Interview with Joan Chittister

Fear is not the opposite of courage. Fear is the catalyst of courage.

The ripening process of life brings out the best in us, however trying the test of the seasons.

These two quotes have been lights along my own path. And they both come from one of my greatest role models.

Joan Chittister is a Benedictine nun, an international speaker and a teacher. She also is the author of some 50 books, including her most recent, Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life.

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Her work as an energetic advocate for social justice and equality, especially for women, has blazed a trail for me over the last 15 years.

I asked Sister Joan to help Women on Fire kick off the new year with inspiration and passion. She provides a large dose of each. This is one of my all-time favorite interviews!

For the January membership packet, I am so pleased to introduce this humanitarian, in all her wisdom, grace and humor. I know you will love her as much as I do.

Listen here as Sister Joan describes what she calls “the ripening process in life”:

In the rest of this fun and challenging conversation, you’ll learn:

  • A beautiful ritual you’ll want to use as a spiritual jump-start for each year
  • How Sister Joan has had to face down fear over and over again during her ceiling-shattering career
  • The way she defines and observes authenticity in the people who most inspire her
  • About the saint whose example guided her in writing her latest book
  • How humility can transform all of your relationships
  • What it means to be a “maverick” for the rights of women and families
  • Ways that women can find nourishment and comfort in the church today
  • The “intoxicating” beverage Sister Joan might have used for toasting the new year!

To hear the rest of this profound conversation, join the Women on Fire Monthly Membership today.

You will become part of what New York Times’ best-selling author Marianne Williamson calls “the ultimate ‘you go, girl’ community for inspiration and support.”

You have until January 5 to receive the full interview with Joan Chittister, your personalized coaching materials, access to the Women on Fire private Facebook page and much, much more.

We hope you’ll join us!

With love,
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