Being Human

The Path To Self-Acceptance, Resilience & Happiness

About the Book

Working at the heart of mental health as a Counsellor, I watched with a growing concern the increasing demand for counselling as well as the increased complexity and severity of issues. You can read more about why I decided to act in my blog or by visiting YouTube. My hope is that reading this book will help build happiness and self-confidence, and help manage mental health symptoms or prevent them from arising.

Feedback from readers of various ages has been incredible (5 star reviews from Amazon to date*) and made me realise the importance of celebrating Being Human no matter who you are and what stage of life you’re at. With the challenges we face, I believe we need now more than ever, to accept and come to terms with who we are and the realities of life. It’s not a quick fix but a journey that offers greater happiness and odds of success, in comparison to strategies that attempt to control life or avoid difficulty. It’s easier to cope with change and adversity when you’re more in touch with your emotions, thoughts, physical body and inner wisdom.

The book combines a blend of psychology with a mind, body, spirit approach written in a language intended to appeal to any belief system. There are examples, exercises and access to 12 accompanying meditations. The book is structured into 3 parts which are outlined below: (*Oct 2020)

Part 1.

Includes common themes that arise in counselling sessions which help to normalise being human, feeling happier with yourself and building a more positive outlook. Understanding emotions, coping with life’s ups and downs, true versus false happiness, understanding relationships and how our subconscious stories become self-fulfilling.

Part 2.

Is dedicated to the most common mental health difficulties including low mood and depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem and relationships. There are exercises, examples and practical solutions to help address and prevent further difficulty. I also believe working with this book will help a broader range of mental health issues than those covered as it’s focused on the whole person rather than symptoms alone.

Part 3.

Focuses on building a new approach towards happiness, resilience and self-love as well as how to embrace more peace in your life and strengthen your identity. How to feel more comfortable with who you are so you can cope better with difficulties, feel more balanced and attract more positive situations.

16.jpg

 I wrote this book in response to the growing mental health crisis that we face today – increasing numbers, complexity and severity of cases, alongside stretched resources. I draw on my counselling and coaching experience blended with a mind, body, spirit approach to offer a broader range of solutions to today’s problems, in a language intended to appeal to any belief system.

I hope that reading this book will offer the reader opportunities for more happiness, self-confidence and resilience as well as helping to manage and prevent mental health symptoms. I’m also advocating the importance of shifting the focus from crisis to prevention of mental health difficulties, especially where mental health resources are limited and early intervention is important.

  • "Written by a counsellor whose life was changed due to a diagnosis which meant her career path changed, I can relate!! I'm three chapters in and I've highlighted like mad!" - Charlotte, @booksandbargains

  • "It's not something to file away after a single reading but rather a reference guide that can keep you on the path to self-acceptance, resilience and happiness." - Katie, @currentlyreads

  • "Being Human wasn't stuffy or preachy, it was down to earth and easy to understand... I would recommend it to anyone looking for a guide to self-acceptance." - Laura, @unquietlibrarian

  • "I found this book extremely helpful... Easy to follow, it offers a straightforward approach and practical tips that feel like manageable steps." - Silvia, @silvia_reads

  • "I think my favourite thing about this book is how clear the writing was... The exercises included were very helpful and I can see myself referring to this book a lot in the future!" - Angel, @myfictionaloasis

  • "There are many self-help books out there, but this book is different. I can guarantee!... The ability of Natalie is to break down complex notions of psychology into easy nuggets of knowledge by offering practical advice and meditations. Her writing is direct, simple but smart and welcoming." - Naza, @nazathebookworm

  • "I feel everyone must read this book and adopt the positivities and the messages which are written by the author in this book... Highly recommended." - Anasua Basu, @a_n_a_s_u_a

  • "I really enjoyed this book... I would definitely encourage everyone to pick up this book ASAP." - Beth, @beth.readsbooks

  • "Natalie has this amazing way of making you feel like you're talking to a friend about everything... I honestly recommend this to anyone who is struggling and who picks up self-help books! This is one I'm going to keep going back to for a while." - Emmie, @oncemorewithreading

  • "It's an absolute treasure trove of nonjudgemental, easy to follow advice rooted in the author's long-term experience as a counsellor and coach... Definitely one I'll refer to repeatedly when times get tough. Highly recommended!" - Sabina, @rosegoldreports

  • "Wow what a book... Natalie writes in a way that makes you think and even question yourself... In reading Being Human, I came to realise that, yes, I am human, we are human and I'm not feeling these things alone... There's so much to take from the book." - Karen, @un_lucky_clover

  • "Being Human by Natalie Read is one of the most helpful books we have ever read... It is a fantastic read. It's really helpful... You feel that Natalie cares about the reader... It's an extremely positive and uplifting read that could help readers of all ages." - Kelly, @tbhonest_uk

Guided Meditations

The book includes a link to 12 guided meditations designed to support the material in the chapters at a greater depth.

Try this sample meditation from chapter two – The Beach. This meditation is a favourite from my meditation workshops for helping to relax and assist with sleep.

Contributing author to the How To Be Happy Sunrise Edition, in collaboration with The Energy Healing Magazine.

How To Be Happy Sunrise Edition

Take Steps Towards Meaningful Change Today

sincerely-media-zw8t5aMmJQQ-unsplash (1).jpg

The Blog

Regular posts dedicated to all matters related to well-being, happiness, self-empowerment, positive psychology.

worksheets.jpg

Handouts From the Book

Click below to have a go at a few of sample exercises that can be found in the book.

Self-care Questionnaire

Life-Balance Audit

Resilience Audit