The Lion and the Peacock: How I Conquered Anxiety

by Jennifer Peacock-Smith

Do you, or a loved one, struggle with Anxiety? Are you tired of feeling that you are at the mercy of your body, the experts, and situations that you can't control? Do you feel that traditional advice leaves you feeling as though you are swimming against the tide? In The Lion and the Peacock, Jennifer shares candidly about her life with Anxiety, Stress, and Panic Attacks. Using very simple analogies, Jennifer weaves a tale that helps to turn the complicated processes within the body and the mind, into an inspiring and well-written story that pulls her readers into each moment. Through her vulnerability and honesty, she will take you through her experiences and learnings, leaving you feeling validated and equipped. Through her stories, unique techniques, and the workbook at the back, you will learn how * Unpack your own anxiety journey * Listen to your body and understand what it is doing and why * Use the tide to work for you instead of having to fight against it * Create a safe world around you to forge a way forward * Beat anxiety once and for all Jennifer presents her story of trial, hope, and victory in this easy to read, eloquently written resource that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. You can read more about Jennifer

Genres: Self Help

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2017

About the author

Jennifer Peacock-Smith was born in South Africa in the late sixties, into the worlds of apartheid, feminism, and strict religion, to parents struggling to find their own place in the world and to make a difference. Lost in their battle to be different, better, "cleverer" than those before them or around them, and her mother’s fight to break moulds, little Jenny fell between the cracks. Born a girl instead of a boy, bubbly instead of serious, fun and talented instead of academic, everything about her was "wrong".

Neglect doesn’t always look like dirty or starved or diseased or beaten. Neglect is chronic and often invisible. In a small bubble entirely cut off from the rest of the world, scrawny little Jenny's voice, squashed by her parent’s need to find their own, is swiftly silenced, again and again. However, her shine refused to die and survived within her as a spark, a fighting spirit, and a sense of hope that defies logic.

It took her five decades, six countries, multiple diagnoses, and ultimately a physical and emotional collapse for little Jenny to successfully find her voice, to thrive, to get the medical and psychological care she needed, and to begin the journey to a place of sanity and peace. Her story is one of crushing loneliness and isolation, but more than that, it's ultimately a story of resilience, hope, and redemption in ways that she could never have imagined.

Jennifer, a mentor, counsellor, artist, and now a successful author, writes for various blogs, The Mighty, and other public spaces on neglect, emotional abuse, anxiety, disability and chronic illness. You can find her on most social media platforms under @JPeaSmith.

Reviews

[Carole P. Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful guide for people who suffer anxiety and have had no luck with conventional therapies like "breath deeply," or take the prescribed medications and live with the side-effects. Jennifer Peacock- Smith defines a panic attack through the example of an experience in the jungle- a lion attacking a peacock. Flight or fight is explained then related to what happens in a crippling panic attack. She shares her discovery of a simple routine helped her deal with her problem successfully. Told in a reasonable way, the sound advice is an easy enough exercise.

[Mackenzie Flohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lion and the Peacock: How I Conquered Anxiety is a wonderful book on anxiety by Jennifer Peacock-Smith. She shares intimate moments from her life to explain what it is like to have anxiety, what happens to the body during an anxiety attack, what chemically is going on, and what someone can do to overcome an anxiety attack.

Her story touched me on a personal level, having dealt with PTSD myself. I also went through cognitive behavioral therapy, which I still use on a regular basis when simply recognizing a trigger is simply not enough. For anyone who is struggling with anxiety, or knows someone who is struggling and doesn't know where to turn, this book is a perfect read.

There are some minor editing errors and the kindle version suffers from some changing from a regular to bold font in the same paragraph.

I look forward to seeing where this author's career goes.

[Cecelia J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In life we meet inspiring people who have overcome a massive obstacle one way or another... and then we have people who inspire others because not only have they overcome a massive obstacle... but they have worked out for themselves by examining their own problem/s ... designing a path to reach beyond that obstacle. Jennifer Peacock-Smith is one of the latter inspiring people.
She has listened to her body and designed a way out of her own massive obstacle... anxiety. To do this she has had to fight her own inner demons but she succeeded... and due to her success, has managed to recognise the signs of a oncoming anxiety attack... put into steps what she needs to do to offset that attack in any given place...
In her book, she described how she has worked at, worked through her anxiety attacks by designed her own unique method... which may help many out there who suffer from anxiety. Whether you suffer from anxiety or know someone who does, this is a must read. It not only helps a person with anxiety to make similar goals but also helps others understand, just a little, how disabling anxiety can be.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I'd read the opening story of this book, I was hooked. It gave me such insight into the plight of someone who suffers from anxiety, that I wanted to find out more. Jennifer has somehow managed to disseminate the extensive factual information from her research and her experiences, into a quick, easy read, that offers practical help and suggestions for dealing with anxiety. Jennifer's ability to be vulnerable and 'real' in the telling of her journey with anxiety, makes this an authentic read which would help not only sufferers but those who know sufferers. I believe this is a book that could help someone of any age.

[Kathryn McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short read of how someone, who was debilitated by anxiety, has managed to emerge victorious via a painful journey of personal discovery and understanding. It is uplifting to see that through research, trial-and-error, and sheer determination that it is possible to kick anxiety into touch. Through this personal account the author will be able to help those who have also been struck down by panic attacks often viewed as insurmountable by so many. Well-written, logical and with a positive outcome!

[Ruchira Khanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with an important issue which usually goes unnoticed. Physical health is usually considered top notch but little does mankind realize the importance of mental stability. The author has explained anxiety and panic attacks in a beautiful analogy that hits a home run!

I absolutely applaud the author's work in this book since she has been bold enough to pull up the curtain and exhibit a sensitive topic via a Lion and a Peacock. Awareness is a key factor and Jennifer nailed it!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be of tremendous help to anyone suffering with anxiety issues. Especially more pronounced anxiety like panic attacks, etc.

What the author has presented is a method of dealing with the panic through her own research and experience, so she has first hand knowledge of what does and doesn't work. Plus, this is a short read. She gets right to the core of the problem and presents the information so it's easy to understand and apply.

It takes a lot of courage to tell the world about your own trials and tribulations, possibly making yourself vulnerable to those who criticize. The author has successfully overcome that and gone on to share a wonderful technique. I am so glad that she did.

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

But there was always one difference between the peacock and me, I could not see where the lion was.

A lion stalks a peacock. Can the peacock escape?

Author Peacock-Smith begins her informative book with an illuminating story about the peacock and the lion. She uses this motif throughout the book to teach readers about anxiety and panic disorders, and other related conditions.

The author is open, clear and factual about her attacks which as she said, crippled her joy. She was initially diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety. Anxiety and panic create terrifying bodily responses, stemming from the fight or flight response. The author sought all kinds of regimens- medication, counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Based on her treatments and her own ability to research the biological underpinnings of her symptoms, she learned how to contain her anxiety and then treat it at the source. Her goal was to banish the lions forever.

The book concludes with a form of workbook so that readers can begin to study and learn from their own behaviors. A real gem of advice in this section is described as Stop Crop and Roll. Easy to remember, this system should assist many people in creating a positive, healthy life.

Empowerment comes from knowledge, and it comes from organizing that knowledge and putting it toward a purpose.

I don’t know that much about anxiety and panic but I think that Ms. Peacock-Smith’s story would help people and their families as they deal with this elusive group of symptoms. I gave this book a Blue Bookworm, because while it is written in a supportive and clear way, it seems to me that it is too short to be fully useful. And it is mainly anecdotal account. The author does write and blog about this topic, so that may supplement this book. I would like to see the author write a more in-depth book.

[Angela Petch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a title that intrigued me, although not my usual kind of read. The author has suffered from severe, debilitating panic attacks in the past and slowly, and very courageously, through research, determination and a serious attempt to understand her affliction, has devised methods of self-help. Medical intervention proved disastrous in the past, as well as well-meaning advice from practitioners who didn't seem to understand the reality of her problem. A member of my own family has suffered in the past from panic attacks and I wish I had this information to hand then. This is a very honest, brave, generous and well-written, clear account. Although I have, thankfully, never suffered a panic attack, I hope I will be more sympathetic and helpful if I come across a sufferer in the future.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, easy read that provided valuable understanding and practical advice to support a friend with anxiety

Navigating the disheartening quagmire of medical, pharmaceutical and psychological solutions for anxiety is daunting, expensive, and often humiliating. Jennifer Peacock-Smith generously shares her set backs and wins from her own quest for answers - shining a light on a simple and clear pathway for others to follow.

Jennifer keep her stories, and personal anecdotes on point and relevant, leaving succinct steps to success, even including a workbook at the end. Her matter-of-fact style is reassuring, and her humility, resourcefulness and perseverance provides practical wisdom which is full of hope for those feeling helpless.

[Tam May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book about how the author deal with her anxiety and panic attacks. I could appreciate the emotions and the frustrations that the author felt trying to deal with anxiety and panic attacks and the psychiatric establishment. I also went through a period of anxiety and panic attacks (though not quite severe) in my twenties. The analogy of the lion and the peacock were interesting. A bit more about the traumas that led to the anxiety and panic attacks would have added something more to the book. But I would definitely recommend this to those who are dealing with these issues and would like some hope and faith that they can be helped.

[mona mcalpine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lion is Real.

Not just another book about a cure for panic attacks. For many years, decades actually, Jennifer had battled to find relief, if not a cure. Many psychologists, doctors and Cognitive Behavioural Therapists tried their best, but although Jennifer is forever grateful to all who gave time and effort to her cause, nothing worked. Through her courage determination and the study of biology and physiology she came up with a self help method. Not a fad, but something that works.

[Audrey Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating Book About Curing Anxiety

This was an excellent journey into how the author conquered her anxiety.

It was a surprisingly enjoyable read as I learned about the different treatments available for anxiety.

It is quick read and is written without all the medical terms.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delves into panic attacks and while it is not an easy read it does gain you understanding of how a person can cope with them

[Joanie Chevalier · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the author couldn't get help with her anxiety and panic attacks, she took her problem and broke it down and found a way to deal with it. She found her own strategies and didn't allow paranoia or fear to overcome her again. The way the book is written feels like Jennifer is sitting down and talking to her best friend and talking with a best friend will give you confidence that will only calm you. I'd recommend this short and reflective book to anyone who has trouble with anxiety; it provides some great ideas.

[Justine Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to what a person goes through when plagued with anxiety. Jennifer shows how she successfully conquered anxiety through this personal short narrative. My son suffered from anxiety which landed him in hospital - this book helped me understand what my son was going through at the time. Thoroughly enjoyed it!!

[Joan Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all experienced fear. But irrational, all consuming fear that hit you out of nowhere is extreme and debilitating. This memoir is an eye opening account of one woman’s battle with the panic attacks that had ruled her life. After exhausting all the traditional therapies, she took matters into her own hands to discover the mechanics of her attacks and what would work for her, personally, to dispel them.
I found this book to be extremely well written and informative. I highly recommend it.

[Kyla Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be quite difficult to discuss our private struggles and demons with close friends, let alone publishing a book about it, exposing our fears and vulnerabilities to the world. Jennifer Peacock-Smith does just that with her powerful book, The Lion and the Peacock. This is a short but important read. Jennifer shares her experience with acute anxiety attacks using the beautiful metaphor of the lion and the peacock, which I will not spoil by attempting to explain here. She reveals the method that helped her successfully manage and reduce her own anxiety attacks so that others can apply the same techniques to help themselves. I don't suffer from anxiety attacks personally, however, I've struggled with chronic depression since the age of thirteen. I applaud the author on her journey toward mental health and her bravery in sharing her deeply personal experience.

[Linda Riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. Very informative tools to control anxiety!

This book is very enlightening to anyone who has ever experienced a panic or anxiety attack. What I liked about the book were how the facts were presented on how the body instinctively reacts when an attack occurs and more importantly how to control it. This book is very well written and most informative. I felt more educated on the subject after this easy read. I enjoyed the book and know it will help anyone suffering from panic and/or anxiety attacks. A must read!

[Mette Barfelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short read about anxiety. It is well written and helps you understand what anxiety is all about. It's personal and honest, and easy to understand. A book everybody should read actually!

[Angelique Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very practical and insightful. Jennifer's personal journey helped unravel the complexities of panic attacks and offer genuine, practical tools for those that are struggling on a day to day basis. For me, this book is a book of hope and empowerment. Thank YOU Jennifer!

[F.F. John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I read this. The author was very brave to share this journey with the world. I found it very useful to read someone else's experience with anxiety and the techniques available to address the issue.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful book that gives practical tips on how to conquer anxiety & panic attacks.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

got some good tips to try

[Mukesh Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good and comprehensive read

A good and comprehensive read.. It takes you to a place you have so often visited of you are suffering from anxiety attacks. It very beautifully explores the possibilities of healing yourself. A big thanks..