From Stress to Serenity

By Christopher Tobutt

From Stress to Serenity – Cultivating Well-Being through Career Transitions- is the name of an inspirational book by local author, Lydia Jackman. At the official book signing, at George Town Library on Saturday 11 January, the room was filled with friends, family, and people who have supported Lydia, and who, in turn, she has helped, as her new book is sure to do.

If you’re considering a career transition, but feel stuck – trapped, maybe - by fear of making any decisions at all, From Stress to Serenity is a must-read.

Most of us have found ourselves in that place– doing something that we don’t really like, and which, if we’re honest with ourselves, we know is slowly but surely destroying the essence of who we are – yet too afraid of losing what we have to even take the first step towards an exit strategy.

The great thing about this book is that it helps break those difficult decisions into simple, actionable steps. It’s filled with practical and realistic advice – as well as some serious, self-reflection-based exercises that help you take back control on your path to self-rediscovery. At whatever stage you’re at, yes, it’s still possible to take a deep breath, and make a change for the better.

With 20 years as a professional educator, then a complete change to starting her own business making unique treats as the founder of Powder Monkey Gourmet Treats Ltd, Lydia knows about changing careers. But the book also draws on her own extensive research, and many years of thoughtful observation.  

“I wrote this book because I realize, as professionals, we reach a stage in our lives where we want to make some sort of transition, but there are so many things happening in our lives that it may be a little bit difficult,” Lydia said. “Also when we make transitions that’s when we begin to realise: ‘Perhaps I am not as healthy as I need to be. So I need ways to look after my well-being and bring wellness back into my life so that the transitions that I go through, go smoothly.’”

The book comes from her own walk of faith, as Lydia has uncovered many deep truths about our life, purpose, and relationship with the Divine, through studying Genesis, the Book of Beginnings. God set Adam in his garden and began the institution of work. But it was work with purpose, and meaning, part of Being, rather than just something we do to earn a paycheck.

But don’t buy this book if you are looking for a quick fix - all transformation needs some commitment work, and persistence: “The thing about it is that there’s no one particular way to manage (transition)” Lydia said. “What you do is you get an arsenal of tools that you use, so whatever stressful situation comes up you can use as a resource to navigate. During each transition, you will have challenges, and you will learn by experience from those as well.”

“I wanted to remind people that they always have choices. It doesn’t mean that we like the choices all of the time but they have choices. I didn’t write the book for people to have a mass exodus and run from their jobs – but so they can create a strategy, so that they can make the best possible decisions for themselves. We may not always be able to leave, but what we can do is improve the conditions we work in.

“So, it’s about taking a deeper look at all of that and understanding – ‘what does this really mean for me? What does this mean for my family?’ The change or transition might not necessarily bring the person the happiness that they need, but what it is, I believe, is a fear conquered. So now, if they have to make another transition in the future, it will go smoother and won’t be so challenging or as fear based.”