How can you "escape neverland"?

As anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis knows, the last half of this year has been rather challenging for me.

Well, OK...a lot of this year has been challenging for me professionally.

I was subjected to months of bullying at my old job and eventually had to quit that job in order to preserve my sanity. And now, five months later I'm still dealing with those people and their lies and bullying. 

I never thought it would happen to me.

Do you see that word?
Never.

It can be a positive word (I never thought I would run a marathon) and it can be a negative word (I never thought it would be so hard to find a job). When it's a "negative never" it just hangs there, tormenting you. But there's a way to move past the negative and come out of it a stronger person.

This is the theme of a book I was recently introduced to - "Overcoming the Nevers" by Teri Johnson. In the book, Teri talk about how we can all overcome the "negative nevers" that are crippling us and keeping us from discovering who we were created to be.

As I write this post, I've just begun reading the book - but so far it is resonating with me. Loudly.

Case in point: "...negative Nevers. They come with feelings of regret, embarrassment, insecurity, guilt, and shame. They can be stumbling blocks and obstacles in our lives. They are troubling." (p. 14)

That right there? Yeah. That's how I've felt rather often this year. I was left feeling exposed and insecure at my old job because I never thought I'd be a victim of workplace bullying. I feel embarrassed because I'm now unemployed and can't find a job. I never thought I'd be almost 39 years old and still looking for "the job." And I could go on and on about the "negative nevers" that are hanging around here lately. It's quite a hefty list.

But I think with Teri's book I am going to overcome these "negative nevers" and come out of this stronger, better, and happier. The chapters in the book start with "Willingness" and move through Acceptance, Faith, Surrender, Courage, Admission, Transformation, Humility, Responsibility, Restoration, Clarity, Awareness, and Light. All steps we need to move through in order to escape the "negative nevers."

I think this book is going to make a difference in how I look at the world around me. I refuse to be a victim any longer - I have already spent too much time feeling this way. I'm going to take control and kick those "negative nevers" to the curb.

Who's with me? Let's put those "negative nevers" in their place.

And to help you in this endeavour, I'd like to give one of you the chance to win a digital OR print copy of "Overcoming the Nevers."

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is (1) leave a comment about ONE "negative never" you'd like to overcome, (2) decide if you want a digital or print copy, and (3) include your email address in your comment so if you win I can notify you. The contest is open until 12/9/2011 at 11:59 p.m.ONE winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org.


More about the author and the book
In Overcoming the Nevers by Gardening Your Life and Nurturing Seeds of Truth, Teri uses her life experiences as a springboard to help readers move on from the crippling, joy-stealing “Negative Nevers.” The book shares the tools that Teri has learned as well as practical tips and applications for using them in your life to overcome your worst nevers. Are you willing to discover the truth about who you were created to be? Overcoming the Nevers inspires and equips you with the opportunities to become your best YOU.

Teri is the President and Founder of Keeping it Personal. She is also a writer, speaker, and sought-after personal growth expert who enjoys great conversations while sipping coffee, photography, and soaking up as many sunsets as she can. Teri is passionate about helping others as an encourager and a cheerleader to many. The author lives a joy-filled life, deeply devoted to her husband, her two boys, and her relationship with God. Connect with Teri at TeriJohnson.com.

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Disclosure: I was given a free copy of "Overcoming the Nevers" and the chance to participate in her blog tour for the book. I received no other compensation. All opinions here are my own.