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From Pebbles to Pathways: A Journey of Healing the Heart One Insight at a Time
Donna Thomas started out with a self-described “easier life than many, and tougher life than some.” Thus began a journey fraught with loss and challenge yet inspired by insight and growth, ultimately illuminated by profound spiritual connection and understanding.
The child of an alcoholic mother and roaming father who divorced when she was nine, Donna was often left alone with her brothers for days or weeks at a time. Seeking love and acceptance, she unwittingly found herself prey to the dishonorable intention of others.
Yet despite growing up in a family ill-suited to the demands of nurturing and protecting her, Donna rejected submitting to a life of suffering, refusing to get angry, turn to apathy, or become self-destructive. Instead she devoted herself to seeking the tools and teachers to find awareness, peace, and empowerment.
Embarking on numerous intriguing adventures—often steeped in mystical significance that offered her a deeper understanding of life—Donna evolved to a place where her early personal turmoil no longer defined her.
Holding nothing back, From Pebbles to Pathways is bracingly honest and deeply reflective, a powerful memoir that exemplifies the quest to find inner peace—no matter the pain of the past—while imparting that healing, hope, and wisdom exist abundantly for each of us.
The child of an alcoholic mother and roaming father who divorced when she was nine, Donna was often left alone with her brothers for days or weeks at a time. Seeking love and acceptance, she unwittingly found herself prey to the dishonorable intention of others.
Yet despite growing up in a family ill-suited to the demands of nurturing and protecting her, Donna rejected submitting to a life of suffering, refusing to get angry, turn to apathy, or become self-destructive. Instead she devoted herself to seeking the tools and teachers to find awareness, peace, and empowerment.
Embarking on numerous intriguing adventures—often steeped in mystical significance that offered her a deeper understanding of life—Donna evolved to a place where her early personal turmoil no longer defined her.
Holding nothing back, From Pebbles to Pathways is bracingly honest and deeply reflective, a powerful memoir that exemplifies the quest to find inner peace—no matter the pain of the past—while imparting that healing, hope, and wisdom exist abundantly for each of us.
362 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 1, 2013
I've known the author, Donna Thomas, for at least 15 years as a regular customer in our family pharmacy in Santa Monica. We always look forward to Donna's visits. She walks in with a smile on her face, very positive energy, and you think, "Here's a woman who's got it together. Her head is squarely on her shoulders. She's loving and caring." And then she writes a book which details an extremely difficult childhood and her stuggles through the years and you have to wonder, "How did she and how does she keep it all together." As you, the reader, walk along her pathways with Donna, you can't help but explore your own life and the lessons you learned and continue to learn along the way.
February 3, 2013
From Pebbles to Pathways is a deeply introspective, compelling tale of one person's growth. Yes, she overcomes molestation, her mother's alcoholism, and other issues--but the story is much more about moving ahead rather than dwelling on past hurts. As she says on one page: "Yes, I had a history, but my history was only the foundation for my life work."
There are many gems of wisdom in here and I especially liked the parts where a situation is turned around because of a conscious choice to change one's attitude. Thomas' trip to Agate Beach, for example.
And definitely, I want a do-over of the 1970s. Thomas got a lot more out of that era than I did. I never even went to an Encouter Group!
But that's me--I'm sure every reader will glom onto different lessons that resonate with them. The book is full of large and small incidents, some will move you, some not. Some quotes jump out and deserve prolonged thought, but I think they'll vary with each reader.
One caveat: in her introduction, Thomas explains that the "Pebbles" at the end of each short chapter explain the meaning of each incident and the lesson learned. She says if that annoys the reader--if you'd like to draw your own conclusions without help--just skip them. However, I found that some of the Pebbles contained important elements of the story in them, so I strongly advise NOT skipping them.
This is a very gentle book, not a hit-you-over-the-head-with-my-views book. I loved it; I'm going to loan it to a fried but insist on getting it back.
There are many gems of wisdom in here and I especially liked the parts where a situation is turned around because of a conscious choice to change one's attitude. Thomas' trip to Agate Beach, for example.
And definitely, I want a do-over of the 1970s. Thomas got a lot more out of that era than I did. I never even went to an Encouter Group!
But that's me--I'm sure every reader will glom onto different lessons that resonate with them. The book is full of large and small incidents, some will move you, some not. Some quotes jump out and deserve prolonged thought, but I think they'll vary with each reader.
One caveat: in her introduction, Thomas explains that the "Pebbles" at the end of each short chapter explain the meaning of each incident and the lesson learned. She says if that annoys the reader--if you'd like to draw your own conclusions without help--just skip them. However, I found that some of the Pebbles contained important elements of the story in them, so I strongly advise NOT skipping them.
This is a very gentle book, not a hit-you-over-the-head-with-my-views book. I loved it; I'm going to loan it to a fried but insist on getting it back.
September 28, 2013
This book by Donna Thomas is disturbing and refreshing in its honesty. It reaches out so that you have to look into your inner being to fully understand your own journey. Having laid you bare though it offers a series of insights (called pebbles) so that you can build your own pathway out of your own gloom in the same way Donna did. For the most part it just seems that our own journeys seem so uncomplicated - well done Donna for sharing your scary pathway. Put this book on your bedside table and keep dipping in to find a new pebble for each new problem - chances are Donna has been there.
September 23, 2014
Donna Thomas' honesty and transparency in her new book, "From Pebbles to Pathways," is heart-wrenching as she shares the trials and tribulations of her life with us.
In this inspirational true story, Donna Thomas takes us on a journey through her difficult childhood, filled with abuse, to a life of searching for meaning and love.
The author shares her insights gained from each of the main events in her life and guides us all through "pebbles," or "true pearls of wisdom," at the end of each chapter. "From Pebbles to Pathways: A Journey of Healing the Heart One Insight at a Time," is just that! You will learn, through the author's insight, that you, too, can overcome serious obstacles and live a life that is filled with love.
Ms. Thomas' memoir is courageous and brutally frank. She exposes herself completely in an effort to be of service. Donna's heartfelt desire to help and heal, not only herself, but others, is truly remarkable. "From Pebbles to Pathways" is a must read for anyone who is looking for spiritual meaning in a world that appears to be filled with chaos. You will come away from this book knowing that, as the author puts, it, "Love is the most important thing. It's the only thing we need. Love is everything!"
In this inspirational true story, Donna Thomas takes us on a journey through her difficult childhood, filled with abuse, to a life of searching for meaning and love.
The author shares her insights gained from each of the main events in her life and guides us all through "pebbles," or "true pearls of wisdom," at the end of each chapter. "From Pebbles to Pathways: A Journey of Healing the Heart One Insight at a Time," is just that! You will learn, through the author's insight, that you, too, can overcome serious obstacles and live a life that is filled with love.
Ms. Thomas' memoir is courageous and brutally frank. She exposes herself completely in an effort to be of service. Donna's heartfelt desire to help and heal, not only herself, but others, is truly remarkable. "From Pebbles to Pathways" is a must read for anyone who is looking for spiritual meaning in a world that appears to be filled with chaos. You will come away from this book knowing that, as the author puts, it, "Love is the most important thing. It's the only thing we need. Love is everything!"
June 28, 2013
It is such an eloquently put forward personal account of the writer Donna M. Thomas. It just touches your heart at every other chapter. It has been presented with such crystal clear memory of yester-years, it always felt like events and situations are happening now in full view of myself. Every chapter ends with the opportunity to learn for the reader as this wise writer gives "a Pebble" (tips) to handle such similar situations to handle in our lives.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews