Overview

This is a true self-help book-in the most literal sense. Your SELF gets to do the helping. There are no promises of enlightenment in seven easy steps, no miracle habits or morning routines, and absolutely no pressure to ""fix"" yourself-especially not before finishing section one. Freedom: A Field Guide is a collection of essays, stories, poems, images, and hard-won observations from one human who wandered widely, tried a lot of stuff, and eventually learned that the most useful compass was inside and accessible since day one. Along the way, there were workshops, retreats, revelations, faceplants, moments of grace, and plenty of laughter-mostly at herself. Written with humor, honesty, curiosity, and a healthy suspicion of cultural and religious nonsense, this book explores what happens when you stop chasing answers and start listening instead. Not listening to experts, influencers, or inner critics-but to the quieter signals that tend to get drowned out by noise, expectation, and ""shoulds."" Each piece stands on its own and can be read in any order. Open it anywhere. Skip around. Linger. Re-read. Argue in the margins if that's your style. This book is intentionally non-linear, because real insight rarely arrives in a straight line. This is a field guide in the truest sense-meant for real terrain. Expect trail notes, warning signs, unexpected insights, and thought-provoking reminders that freedom doesn't arrive all at once or from the outside. It shows up quietly, often disguised as a pause. Or a breath. Or the moment you stop trying so hard. Thoughtful but not preachy. Spiritual but not religious. Funny, reflective, and occasionally irreverent, Freedom: A Field Guide offers companionship rather than instruction-for seekers, skeptics, over thinkers, and anyone who suspects that peace of mind may already be closer than they think. Note: A portion of the book proceeds will be donated to Wellspring (at www.Wellspringcares.org) Ending relationship and sexual abuse in our community.

Full Product Details

9781970891003

Table of Contents

Reviews

Reading Laurie's book felt less like consuming information and more like witnessing something being created-like a painting slowly emerging, brushed in rainbows under a quiet moon. There's a beautiful balance of clarity, compassion, and practicality throughout, inviting reflection without pressure. Rather than telling the reader what to think, it opens a space where insight can settle naturally and meaningful shifts can begin. It's a gift from one vulnerable heart to another, if you're willing to receive her wisdom and share her desire for freedom of mind. L. Fredrickson _____________________________________________ ""Laurie shakes us out of the branches of our own tree so we can see our life's hidden roots-adding humor, art, and poetry along the way. She shares her journey and distills life's essence into a grounded, clear, and deeply engaging read."" D. O'Foughlu, PhD, RPA _____________________________________________ ""A book like no other I have ever read. Every chapter is like a door opening to a new idea, thought, process, or memory. I can open the book anywhere and-POOF-I find myself immersed in a story that demands my attention, makes me smile, and makes me think. My favorite chapter? Silence Please!, because I really need to remember that! It's like taking a journey inside my head and heart to learn how to be free and content. This book will be my constant companion for many years."" P. Butler _____________________________________________ ""Punchy, definitely. Folksy casual. Approachable-not preachy or cerebral, not 'high falutin.' Easy to read. Very powerful, and this will help me next time I feel like yelling 'F-YOU' to my significant other!"" Anonymous ""I would recommend this book to anyone who isn't a skimmer in life-who is a bit freaked out or overwhelmed by existence, yet loves a good chat with people, especially strangers, to reinforce that there is goodness in the world and a reason for being. That we rub elbows at odd times with essential people we may never see again, but whose impact will last a lifetime. That our upbringing doesn't have to poison the rest of our lives. That we have always had what we are seeking. This book brilliantly, humorously, and wisely navigates so many mind labyrinths we build for ourselves without even realizing it, and provides easy passage out. It's a delightful, inspiring visit-one that can be carried with you and enjoyed over and over."" - L. Miller _____________________________________________ ""Whether a seeker or a cynic, or somewhere in between, this book has insights that will resonate at some level for everyone. It contains wisdom born of experience-irreverent at times, funny often, never preachy-all wrapped up in a clear, approachable writing style."" L. Kalvaitis

Author Information

Laurie Anne McCauley is a space creator, lifelong journaler, and curious wanderer of both inner and outer landscapes. After a thirty-year corporate career working across all fifty states-supporting K-12 school food and nutrition programs as a software program designer, project manager, technical writer, trainer, and translator of complex systems into plain, usable language for the fantastic women who feed our children every day-she eventually turned her attention to the quieter terrain within.Throughout her career, Laurie created R&D documentation, user training manuals, and quick reference guides (QRGs) designed to make real life doable-sometimes on a single sheet of paper, front and back. Long before she named it, she had a gift for breaking down complicated ideas, stripping away unnecessary noise, and leaving behind what actually helps. Apparently, she's been writing field guides her whole life.A natural organizer and lifelong learner, Laurie has always been interested in how people change from the inside out: what supports clarity, what gets in the way, and what happens when we pause long enough to listen. She doesn't claim to have answers for anyone else. She writes to map her own lived experience and to offer companionship along the way, blending insight, humor, vulnerability, and a dash of sass.Born in Boulder, Colorado, Laurie now lives near Saratoga Springs, New York, with her partner and a rotating cast of beloved furry friends. There, she continues to write, adventure, meditate, tend plants, sing, create space, and follow a not-so-linear path toward greater ease, clarity, and joy-one honest moment at a time.The website where all sorts of wonderful things live is: www.LAMcCauley.com

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