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Author Jones uses her life experience to encourage readers to follow the path she has trodden, especially if, like her, they have been through the horrors of addiction. For many years, Jones and her husband were heavy consumers of alcohol and cocaine. The complex of dependence and the stress of survival evoked much rage and pain between them. Feeling under-appreciated, Jones turned to another man who soon rejected her, leaving her feeling desperate and alone. Slowly, a positive spirit began to direct her to small but significant steps leading to a way out of a lifestyle she now realizes was self-created, not the fault of others. Beginning with AA, Jones slowly pulled herself up from alcoholism and drug dependence, went on a road trip, and made new, more sustainable friendships. She studied experts who guided her feelings, finally creating her own self-help program called YIPPEE, which she shares here in detail.
An independent, artistic soul who walked a painful path to find a place of calm and wisdom, Jones was able to remain sober and to open herself over several years to the challenging process of forgiveness. She urges readers to move forward, exploring the roots of their anger and pain, developing self-awareness, empathizing with the anguish of others, letting go of blame, and directing compassion to those who have wronged them. YIPPEE is a useful method that allows them to proclaim their freedom from past resentments through its stages: Yearn, Investigate, Process, Practice, Evolve, and Empower. Throughout Jones’s vivid memoir, she offers readers approaches for exploring their most painful memories through deep self-questioning, the creation of realistic goals, and the gradual relinquishing of old resentments. Jones, a certified life coach, includes a list of related resources, while her own gritty perspective provides the credible example needed by those seeking personal peace.