ZOE SZUCH
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Dr. Linda Hancock of Medicine Hat is more than your average registered psychologist – she's travelled extensively throughout North America and has the stories to prove it. After years of keynote speaking, Hancock has put pen to paper and jotted down 10 life lessons she grasped while travelling, in Life Is An Adventure: Every Step Of The Way.
"It's a fun book, it's not really what you would expect a psychologist to write," said Hancock, a psychologist and trained mediator who also writes a regular column for the Medicine Hat News called All Psyched Up.
A few years ago, Hancock – who is also a registered social worker – travelled to Montego Bay, Jamaica and learned some incredibly valuable life lessons she has since tried to teach others.
Since Hancock has served as an expert witness in countless Alberta court hearings, she wished to observe a day's worth of proceedings in Jamaica but was told by resort staff that the town was too dangerous to visit.
"So I immediately took a cab and went to town," said the mother of three and grandmother of six. "I'm not your typical tourist. I don't sit on the beach with a margarita," she asserts.
The former Child Welfare case manager and mental health consultant arrived at the local courthouse, introduced herself and hoped for the best. She soon met representatives from Family Services, the crown prosecutor, a judge and the director of court services, each of whom requested Hancock lead a workshop for them and the other justice system employees on stress management.
"It was then that the realization came to me that it doesn't matter where in the world we go, things are basically the same. We are expected to do more with less. More work with fewer resources," she writes in her 143-page paperback publication.
"I think it was one of my favourite (experiences) because I felt like I wasn't just taking, that I was actually giving," said the Indian Head, Sask.-born Hancock.
Life Is An Adventure: Every Step Of The Way includes tips on learning to let go, something Hancock learned while performing on stage with legendary Hawaiian singer Don Ho. The book also offers useful suggestions on how to link today's dreams to tomorrow's achievements.
"I really don't know who wouldn't benefit from this book," Hancock said. "It's like buying groceries. You don't buy the whole store, you buy the things you need and that's the kind of book it is – you can go through it and pick out what you think will be helpful to you."
Life Is An Adventure: Every Step Of The Way is available in print and on CD at: www.lindahancockspeaks.com or by calling 403-529-6877.
Hancock has already begun writing her next book, entitled Parenting Is An Adventure: Every Misstep Of The Way, which is expected to be published in 2009. |
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