If life is ganging up on you, maybe it's time for a miracle?
Living and learning. From Beth's experiences and growing up reading non-fiction and serious literature, helped shaped the most important values of Beth's life and inspired her to make self improvement books. A transformation from living the fast paced life, "really into the grind" to living and enjoying the simple things and simple pleasures. Her "grind" was working a lot and not paying enough attention to the simple things that actually made her happy (life with her daughters and teaching). But it was from those hilly a road, Beth, now 40, lives her life with a brand new perspective. Appreciating and understanding the meaning of her life with self awareness. Counting her blessings, searching for the truth, literally to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
Keeping up with Beth. She is a former journalist, editor, author, educator, mentor, and mother. How does she do it? Beth juggles her professional and personal life with simplicity and grace. Meeting up with professor Jannery, she hurries as she changes from her flats into her heels. "I have learned to be 5 minutes early for everything", she says. Her students and daughters give her inspiration and the strength to live a busy life. "I'd rather be juggling and pushing it to the last second than having a 9-5 office job." Beth makes time for family, friends, and work even if its pushing it to the last second. After teaching classes at George Mason University, she is on her way to picking up her daughters from school, then to soccer practice. Every day is different and at times you don't know what to expect, however, she somewhat has a routine and says "stability is good." "I may be playing different roles by wearing different hats, but I'm the same on in the inside."
Proud to be a PATRIOT! Professor Jannery teaches Writing across the Media and Public Speaking in the Communication Department at George Mason University. A previous George Mason University graduate, Alan Ince, said, "Beth was my favorite professor in college and has now become a mentor to me since I have graduated, offering great advice on the job hunt and life. She is there for you, and it would be to anyone's advantage to cross paths with her." She is very driven by her students and other professors that have passion, and that are eager to teach and to learn. As her students endure the real world after graduation, Beth keeps in touch and is a true lifelong friend. Beth loves writing, teaching, and being a mother and says she is truly "blessed." With gratitude, she is thrilled to be a part of George Mason University.
"Searching for truth with a capital T." We all are on journey in trying to figure out this thing called life. "Find something you love and do it. Don't ever settle," she says with emphasis. Beth is the happiest she's ever been and isn't stopping here. She is always setting new goals and plans to continue writing. "Nobody should ever have a mid-life crisis," she says proudly. The prestigious teacher and mother of two, believes that there is way more out there for all of us and that success and happiness has no limit. It is important to savor the simple moments in our lives and to be mindful not to let one pass us by.
Simple Miracles is filled with non-fiction poetry and her own stories mixed together with other authors that are passed down from generations. Wherever the stories originate, each represents the value of daily inspiration. These stories all portray a message or tell a simple story that sometimes can be overlooked. Inspiration from her young daughters also gets her mind flowing with ideas and allows her to recognize simple grace moments. Doing homework together one night, Beth describes a beautiful memory created between her and her daughter Skye.
So I'm sitting with her and I have my own reading to do - my notebook is open and I'm jotting down ideas that come to mind about God, my conception of God and what a Higher Power means to me.I think, what a perfect opportunity to bond with my daughter. One of my favorite passions is to get into philosophical discussions about our purpose, about love and about life with my daughters. The innocence of children; with each conversation I am enlightened. My daughters continue to amaze and teach me. Lessons often come in the smallest of packages. Simple Miracles often come out of the mouths of babes.
I lean over toward Skye and say, "I'm doing my homework too." Well, it's sort of homework. Her face lights up. She's intrigued and asks, "Really Mom? You are? What's your homework?" I begin to answer her question, "Well, Peanut, my homework is a little different than yours. I'm thinking about God and defining who or what God is for me and I'm writing my conception or definition of God." She seems confused. I explain to her that, for me, this "power" is everywhere.
Then Skye looks at me with a puzzled expression. She rolls her eyes and says, without missing a beat, "Yeah, whatever Mom." She adds, "That's great, but God doesn't have to be defined by tomorrow and my math has to be done." I am reminded what it is to be ten. So it wasn't a "God" moment, but the innocence of such a comment makes me smile.
It is Beth's intention to share these simple miracles in one book so the inspiration may continue from person to person. Simple Miracles also has a bonus feature in the back of the book, where readers can put their own quotes and own thoughts to create a shared and moving experience. "It is my belief we are connected through simple miracles. It is through these stories of wonderment, awe, inspiration and appreciation that we connect with life, our oneness, deep consciousness, togetherness and a higher power."
Simple Miracles will be out in late fall 2010, just in time to make the perfect holiday gift! www.bethjannery.com
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