PRESS RELEASE FOR THE BOOK, ISLAND MINDFULNESS: HOW TO USE THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In New Book, Island Mindfulness, Jamaican-Born Author Empowers Women to Practice Self-Care During Turbulent Times. 

ORLANDO, FLA (June 16, 2020) – Women who are struggling to navigate the busy thoroughfares of life, while in the midst of a pandemic, and dealing with the enormous stress of fighting for racial justice, now have a new resource to foster self-care and create an abundant life. Jamaican-born Author and Publisher, Janet Autherine, recently launched her third book, Island Mindfulness: How to Use the Transformational Power of Mindfulness to Create an Abundant Life.

Inspired by her island roots, Janet’s “Everything is Irie” approach to Mindfulness, takes readers on a dynamic journey to self-empowerment. The book is filled with heartfelt stories of navigating love, marriage and divorce, racial prejudices, and learning to adjust one’s sail in the face of financial and career challenges. Readers are encouraged to slow their pace, and in the spirit of the islands, mindfully and intentionally embark on a journey to nourish their minds, bodies, and souls, in order to claim an abundant life.

Mindfulness is an integrative, mind-body approach that is instrumental in creating balance amidst the incredible stress that life can bring. With Island Mindfulness, Autherine offers a refreshing perspective on the mindfulness journey that brings calm to any struggle. Born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, the Orlando-based author migrated to the United States at the age of twelve and navigated many challenges on her journey to become a respected writer, speaker and administrative law judge. In Island Mindfulness, she shares how her humble upbringing, steeped in the principles of hard-work, resilience and gratitude, influenced her journey.

When asked about the motivation for writing the book, Autherine explained: “I wanted to empower women of color to speak their truth, practice self-care and claim an abundant life.  We weren’t meant to just struggle, to be strong for everyone else while sacrificing self-care.  I want us to believe that we deserve to have meaningful relationships, financial abundance, spiritual abundance and a purposeful life.”

In the wake of the horrors of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the stress of the international protests for racial justice, Island Mindfulness is a timely resource for those looking for the peace and productivity needed to create an abundant life, even in turbulent times. Through the lens of Janet’s journey, readers will find a treasure box of life lessons, and a gift of peace.

Island Mindfulness is currently available on Amazon.com. For further information about the author visit: https://www.janetautherine.com/.

About the Author

Janet Autherine has a heart for youth and women’s empowerment. She is the author of three books: Growing into Greatness with God, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul and Island Mindfulness: How to Use the Transformational Power of Mindfulness to Create an Abundant Life. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Boston College Law School, and Georgetown University School of Law. Her mission is to empower others through the art of storytelling and the transformational power of mindfulness.

Media contact: Janet Autherine

Email: JanetAutherine@GrowintoGreatness.com

BPM: Please share something our readers wouldn’t know about you.

It feels like I have shared so much in this book but I will share something that is small but centers me. I enjoy sitting outside a coffee shop with my journal or iPad and people-watch because it helps me to write stories and poetry about the small things that connect us all in the human experience. Love is connection, mindfulness is connection, meditation is connection, and so is our shared love for a good cup of coffee or tea.

BPM: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Introspective. Kind. Driven.

BPM: The majority of your books are written to empower women. What does the word empower mean to you?

It is important to tell the stories of women. We make significant contributions to society but the work that we do is usually taken for granted. We often undervalue our own contributions because we are so used to taking care of everyone.

Women are naturally powered; I try to Empower by providing simple reminders – you are unique; you are worthy; your story is important; your voice matters; care for yourself because we need you to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

BPM: As a practicing attorney, poet, author and mother, why is it so important for you to speak to women through your body of work?

I am an immigrant from Jamaica, and a woman of color who has been blessed to have a unique journey both as an attorney and a writer. I have a unique perspective and the best way that I know to share it is through writing. We are all leaving unique footprints in the sand and it is important to share those footprints with the younger generation of women so that their path can be easier.

It is important for young women to know that they can own their journey and make strategic decisions based on their end goal. I chose education first, then career, then family, and finally as my children got older, I was able to add my passion for writing. We have to prioritize our goals, change the order when our circumstances change, and leave room for the universe to surprise us. These are some of lessons that I have learned and have shared in Island Mindfulness.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?

I learned that no experience was a waste of time. It was all about growth, self-discovery, and getting in touch with my emotions. Sometimes, painful experiences stretches you the most. There is a poem in the book called Heavenly Father, which discusses my journey as a child of God. Writing my story reminded me that God has been with me during every time of struggle.

BPM: Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips self-care for creative folks?

Writing shouldn’t be stressful and usually is not when it is a passion. Stress usually comes from the extrinsic things, such as editing, marketing, and writing under pressure because of book deadlines. If you love writing; if it brings you joy, then guard it from the pressures of the world. Carve out time to do it; you may have to give up something but if it is a true passion, that decision isn’t difficult.

I gave up 90% of my television time to write and publish. If you don’t enjoy writing but you want to create a book because you have something wonderful to share with the world, consider a ghostwriter.

If you love to write but you are feeling overwhelmed by life, writer’s block or deadlines, try these island mindfulness tips.

– Step outside and focus on nature, a flower, a bird, a squirrel, an ant bringing food back to its nest. Drown out all thoughts and do this for at least 5 minutes to center yourself and connect to the universe.

– Set expectations that leave room to give yourself kindness and grace.

– Remember that one powerful word on the page is progress.

– Respect your journey because it is unique. Remember that the story that you have to tell is important.

– Create a writing goal: 15 minutes to 1 hour daily. Celebrate 15 minutes of writing with the same fervor that you celebrate 1 hour. If you have children or a spouse, let them buy into your success; ask them for that time daily and let them know what you are trying to accomplish.

– Your time can be spent in some many fantastic ways so know why you are writing because a sense of purpose makes the journey easier and more enjoyable. You want to come through this experience whole.

INTERVIEWS AND FEATURES FOR WILD HEART, PEACEFUL SOUL

• Feature in the Florida Courier. ORLANDO – Poet, author and publisher Janet Autherine will celebrate National Poetry Month during April with the release of her latest literary work “Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul: Poems and Inspiration to Live and Love Harmoniously,’’ available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle edition. Inspired by her own personal journey, Autherine says she wrote this book to capture the love stories of women through poetry and create solidarity through common struggles.  “It supports and empowers women who pour so much love into others that their spiritual, mental and physical jars are often empty,” she notes. 

• Interview with Poehemien Poetry founder, Eva Zen, about the passion for poetry that led to writing, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul. “Books by Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison also sparked my love for issues that are close to the heart of women. As women, we spend our lives caring for others and putting the needs of others first. This often comes at a cost to our emotional and physical health and well-being and Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul doesn’t shy away from the tough issues.” 

• African American Poet Releases New Book With Poems That Explore the Heart of Today’s Woman. BlackNews.com “Heartbreak, rejection, abandonment are universal struggles, even though they may cause us to feel alone,” says Autherine. “Regardless of how others may have treated us in the past, we are worthy of love. We are not alone; our friends are facing very similar struggles. We have to love ourselves enough to allow those past hurts to heal, so that we can live and love in a physically and emotionally healthy way.”

• Interview with Literarily Speaking.

  "Live boldly! Embrace all that you are! Embrace your journey! You can be both strong and vulnerable at the same time. Most importantly, care for your mind, body, heart and your soul because it is difficult to live your best life unless you are in a healthy place physically and emotionally." J. Autherine

• Interview with Hope for Women.

  Strong Sisters Unite - “was inspired by women of color who, in addition to the normal struggles that women face, are also faced with racial discrimination, stereotyped as sassy and difficult to get along with, considered the fixer/healer/organizer of our relationship our churches and our society,  being called hurtful names in songs that should be uplifting our sisters, mothers and daughters.  We are not allowed to be vulnerable and display a variety of human emotions, such as pain and anger.  We have been increasingly weighed down by the fear of losing our sons to violence and police brutality because they are not allowed to be children and not seen as humans.  We say an extra prayer for our husbands, brothers and sons when they leave the house.  The time to exhale will not be given to us; we have to take it and care for ourselves (meditation, counseling, support groups, spa days, sister circles), care for each other so that we can care for our children and change our society.”

• Interview with Black Pearl’s Magazine

  BPM: Share one specific point in your book that resonated with your present situation or journey.
  There is a poem titled, The Princess Takes the High Road.

  With a clear vision, she wrote her own ending. “The princess bravely scaled the walls of the castle. As she rose to the top, she created a path for the other young ladies who would follow and placed a beacon on the top of the castle to light their path. The End.”

  It is about taking control of your journey and writing your own story. We all get to a point in lives when we no longer want to be defined by others and we are ready to create our own footprints in the sand. That is where I am in my journey and I am blessed to be able to share my stories with readers.

• Interview with A Rain of Thought What inspired you to become a writer?

  I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. As an introvert, I always felt more comfortable writing my thoughts instead of speaking them. Poetry writing came as a surprise to me. I was surprised that I had so many thoughts and emotions to pour into the poetry.

• 
  
  

PRESS RELEASE FOR GROWING INTO GREATNESS WITH GOD

Visit www.GrowIntoGreatness.com for the author’s bio, book excerpt, and photos.

JANET AUTHERINE ANNOUNCES THE SECOND EDITION OF HER CHILDREN’S EMPOWERMENT BOOK, GROWING INTO GREATNESS WITH GOD: 7 PATHS TO GREATNESS FOR OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS

Orlando, Florida/ July 6, 2018 - Author, attorney and mother of 3 boys, Janet Autherine, is on a mission to empower children to see themselves as unique and amazing—already blessed with what they need to succeed in life and to achieve their dreams. 

On a daily basis, children are bullied into feeling “less than.”  “The truth is every child matters. Every child is unique. Every child has been created with greatness.” Janet Autherine. 

Growing into Greatness with God teaches kids to recognize the greatness they were born with and to nourish the love, faith, courage, leadership, happiness, gratitude, and confidence planted within them as they learn to become their best selves.  Referencing biblical heroes, and through actionable wisdom, offering practical ways to “grow into greatness,” this easy-to-read guide ignites hope in young readers and sheds light on their path to a bright future.

Parents are excited to find a book that will inspire and empower their children. Moms are saying the following: 

“I use Growing Into Greatness With God for quiet reading moment with my children. There are steps at the end of each section that you and your children can discuss and reflect upon. Growing Into Greatness With God provides the applicable tools by which children can live by.  It reminds children that they are children of God and destined for greatness. Great book!”

JOIN OUR MISSION TO EMPOWER CHILDREN. Growing into Greatness with God: 7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons and Daughters is now available at www.Amazon.com and from all major booksellers. The second edition includes a journal and workbook that churches, parents, and Sunday school leaders can use as a teaching tool, and that children can use to  document their Growing into Greatness journey. 

Read more about the author’s journey and join her mission to empower children at www.JanetAutherine.com.  She is on Instagram @JanetAutherine.  She can be reached for interviews or speaking engagements at (407) 270-0869.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Autherine Publishing

Phone: (407) 270-0869

Email: JanetAutherine@GrowintoGreatness.com

Contact Person: Janet Autherine

Author Bio

Autherine was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States when she was twelve. She grew up in Philadelphia and she went on to study at the Pennsylvania State University and Boston College Law School. After launching her law career, she was eventually drawn back to the sunshine, and she now lives in Florida with her three sons.

Autherine continues to practice law, waking up at the crack of dawn to cultivate her writing. She is the author of 3 books, Island Mindfulness: How to Use the Transformational Power of Mindfulness to Create an Abundant Life, Growing into Greatness with God, Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul.

Contact the Author: JanetAutherine@GrowIntoGreatness.com

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Janet is available to speak to both children and adults regarding how to recognize their unique talents and grow into their greatness.  She is the creator of the "island mindfulness" concept and practices and speaks on mindful living and being.  She is also a poet and is available the art of writing and reciting poetry. Do not hesitate to suggest other topics of interest to your organization.  She is also happy to speak to book clubs using Zoom.  Please contact her at JanetAutherine@GrowIntoGreatness.com

Q&A with Janet Autherine

The book, Growing into Greatness with God, was born from those early bible study groups in church.  The stories of young David (the boy who defeated the Giant), Daniel (a man who stood without fear among lions), Solomon (the wise judge) and Ruth (the loyal friend), as well as many others, all resonated with me.  We were too poor to afford the latest toys and there was no television in our home so these characters became my heroes. We were poor but it didn't define our lives; we were rich in love, faith and community, and we had big dreams.

In the book, Growing into Greatness with God, the words of wisdom that accompany the stories are inspired by all the advice given to me by my mothers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and all the "old souls" that entered my early life.  I grew up in a house where family, faith, good food and hard work were celebrated. A two bedroom house housed 3 generations.  It wasn't unusual for an 11 year old to walk 1/2 mile to fetch water before school, walk home, get ready for school, walk at least 1/2 mile to school, be respectful and attentive, participate in field day, take the long walk home with friends (not forgetting to stop and say hello to all the neighbors), pick fruit or dig yams for dinner, complete homework assignments, and end the day by having dinner and fellowship with family.   That was my daily life growing up in Jamaica.  I didn't fully appreciate it back then but I certainly do now. 

In 1982, I moved to Philadelphia to live with my mother and my brothers.  I had to adjust to a new country, a new household and the typical middle school anxieties.  I was a shy, introverted child and I struggled to find my voice; it didn't help that my voice had a very strong Jamaican accent.  For many years, I didn't speak up as much as I needed to - I feared saying the wrong words and getting into trouble; I feared being teased because of my accent; I wasn't familiar with the sound of my own voice.  Fortunately, my upbringing gave me a quiet confidence.  I was a good writer, a good student and I had a small group of good friends.

I went to Murrell Dobbins High School, a vocational high school and followed the business track.  With my typing and short-hand skills, I was prepared to be the best administrative support staff in Philadelphia. That was my plan B.  College was not an option for me; it was a requirement.  I always knew that I was going and when my older brother, Mark encouraged me to attend Penn State University, I jumped at the chance to follow in his footsteps.  I connected with the Caribbean Student's Association, joined a vibrant church and happily settled into life in Happy Valley.  It was there that I discovered that, at heart, I was a peacemaker.  I ditched my Business major and chose Labor and Industrial Relations , a choice that would lead me to law school at Boston College- I discovered that I wanted to help people solve problems and a law school education enabled me to do so.

Why would an introvert go to law school?  Those who knew me well were puzzled because they had visions of the typical loquacious courtroom lawyers from all the popular television shows.  That was not my path; I wanted a job were I could be quiet, competent and effective.  Boston College Law School, a wonderful Jesuit institution gave me the tools that I needed to find the voice that I didn't really realize that I had lost.  I gravitated towards small classes with grades based on writing assignments.  In a small-group class, I turned in a paper that I was really proud of; the professor commented that it was excellent but it was not in my voice.  I hadn't spoken much in class so my voice was really a mystery.  That is when I learned that it wasn't enough to let my writing speak for me, I had to let my voice be heard in all areas of my life. 

About 8 years into my legal career, I was blessed to be appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the District of Columbia government.  It was the dream job that allowed me to hear cases, issue decisions, and participate in mediating disputes.  My voice was heard in the courtroom and in written decisions but in a quiet, substantive manner that would make any introvert happy.  When you find that thing that you are passionate about, it frees you up to live a well-rounded life.  I now spend my time raising my three boys, writing and reading inspirational books, practicing law, participating in religious and community life and running as often as I can.