The memoir offers an intimate exploration of clinical depression through the diaries of a psychotherapist who experiences the illness firsthand. Martha Manning candidly recounts her journey, including her struggles and the impact of undergoing electroshock therapy. This powerful narrative delves into the complexities of mental health, blending personal experience with professional insight, revealing the challenges of navigating both sides of the therapist-patient dynamic.
Exploring the complex dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship, renowned psychologist Martha Manning offers insights into how this bond can evolve without being severed. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in fostering understanding and healing damaged connections. Through humor and truth, Manning provides practical tools to strengthen these ties and celebrate the unique joys and challenges that come with this lifelong commitment, encouraging both emotional growth and independence.
Exploring the themes of childhood, family, and community, the narrative centers on the author's experiences as the eldest child in a devout Irish-American Catholic family. Through the lens of the seven holy sacraments, she shares her journey filled with humorous childhood mishaps, adolescent desires, and the challenges of motherhood. Blending poignant moments with humor, the story offers an honest reflection on the complexities of growing up and the intricacies of familial relationships.
There is no relationship more fulfilling, infuriating, emotional, and problematic than that of a mother and daughter. Psychology has traditionally regarded as inevitable -- and, in fact, necessary -- a female child's eventual separation from her mother as adulthood ensues. Now renowned psychologist and author Martha Manning offers mothers and daughters of all ages a revolutionary new way of understanding each other and their relationships, and challenges the accepted thinking that this powerful bond must ultimately be severed. In a work of intelligence, wit, heart, and scholarship, Manning examines this important link and concludes that it is a precious attachment that is never outgrown -- that, while the differing, ever-changing needs, conflicts, and obligations of two distinct women may create a chasm between them, bridging the gap will serve to strengthen a lifelong commitment, love, and identity, while fostering essential independence. The key is empathy. Through empathy -- the ability to perceive the other's actions as an aspect of individual behavior -- even a troubled relationship can become gratifying and beautiful. Exploring the developmental stages of the mother-daughter union from infancy through old age, Manning provides potent tools to help us build stronger ties, enabling us to celebrate rather than eschew the twists and turns, joys, secrets, and surprises inherent in this most glorious of life connections. She also focuses new attention on the parts played by cultural, historical, psychological, and biological influences, areas often ignored in previous works on the subject. Drawing on her personal experiences as a mother, daughter, and "champion eavesdropper," combined with scrupulous research and intriguing insights culled from today's headlines, literature, pop culture, and extensive clinical experience, the author casts a fascinating new light on what can -- and should -- be a dynamic, fluid, and mutually empowering relationship. For everyone who is, and always will be, a mother, a daughter, or both, this important, inspiring book will guide the reader toward a new love and respect born of understanding and the enriching ability to find the common thread.
The narrative unfolds through the author's life experiences, beginning in Martinez, Georgia, in 1936, where divine communication and protection are personified by an angel. The story chronicles her journey through small-town life, marriage to a Methodist minister, and various church communities in South Carolina. Following her husband's death in 2006, she reflects on the guidance her angel provided, emphasizing the imperfect nature of life. The book reveals three significant encounters with her angel, inviting readers to recognize their own spiritual guidance and the comforting presence of God.
Focusing on teaching children about God's actions in the world, this book employs rhyming text to engage young readers. It aims to empower children to read and understand the messages themselves, fostering a sense of appreciation for God's creation. Parents will find this book a valuable tool for imparting spiritual lessons, making it a treasured addition to their child's reading collection.