Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease

by Gail Blanke

With record unemployment, divorce rates and financial instability, more people than ever before will find themselves in transition. Most of us are afraid of the in-between times-those stretches between jobs, between lovers, between a past that is stifling our dreams and a future that is scarily, precariously unknown. We are so reluctant to face uncertainty that often we cling to a view of ourselves that we know can never allow us to soar, that keeps us from leaping headlong into an exuberant life.

But what if we could learn to embrace uncertainty and propel ourselves forward with a sense of curiosity and adventure, rather than fear and trepidation?

In Between Trapezes , Gail Blanke helps us to do just that. Blanke, the bestselling author of In My Wildest Simple Steps to a Fabulous Life, shows us that the "in-between" can be the best of times. She offers a practical and inspirational guide that will enable us to let go without our safety nets beneath, and fly through life's transitions with the daring of the circus trapeze artist.

Unlike other books that concentrate solely on surviving career and other life transitions, Between Trapezes exhorts us all to reject the routine and predictable in favor of the adventurous and the serendipitous. With exercises and motivating tales of real people from all walks of life who summoned the courage to welcome a new start and create a whole new self, Gail Blanke demonstrates that the real thrill in life is not in the landing; it's in the flying. And she reminds us that the greatest flyers are always the greatest fallers, and falling is not the same as failing. No one ever reaches those dizzying heights without taking a few plunges!

Genres: Self Help

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 11, 2004

About the author

see also: http://www.throwoutfiftythings.com/
Gail Blanke is founder, president, and chief executive officer of Lifedesigns, LLC, a company whose vision is to empower men and women worldwide to live truly exceptional lives.

A best selling author, Ms. Blanke’s last book, In My Wildest Dreams, Living the Life You Long For was published by Simon & Schuster in June 1998. The book has appeared on Amazon.com’s Best Selling Books list and the New York Times Business Best Seller List. Ms. Blanke was the sole guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show in October 1998 where she used concepts from her book to help empower audience members to live fulfilling lives. Ms. Blanke’s first book, Taking Control of Your Life: The Secrets of Successful Enterprising Women, sold more than a half million copies. Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease about thriving on change and mastering the art of self re-invention, was published by Rodale in August 2004. Her column, “The Motivator” appears monthly in Real Simple magazine and she is featured as a Business and Career Coach on AOL Coaches.

A renowned executive coach and presentation skills trainer, Ms. Blanke has advised CEO’s, presidential candidates, college presidents – and even a jazz musician. A current presidential candidate recently remarked, “You’ve enabled me to find qualities in myself I didn’t know I had and express myself with power, grace and persuasion. What a difference you’ve made.” Ms. Blanke was called in by FOX News to critique George W. Bush’s second inaugural address.

Ms. Blanke is a graduate of Sweet Briar College in Virginia and majored in acting at Yale University Graduate School of Drama. She and her husband, F. James Cusick, a writer, and their two daughters, Kate and Abigail live in New York City.

from http://www.lifedesigns.com/about_gail...

Reviews

[Nona Wagner-Babischkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this book 20 years ago and never completed. It was the kick in the pants I needed to have the courage to apply for a new position with a new company (I had been with the one I was currently working for 20 years). I got the new job and have been with this company for 20 years. Needless to say, I am glad I read this.

[Gayatri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a good friend. Exactly what I needed to read. The concept of this book not entirely new but still refreshing . The stories of the people that the author has worked with are good. Simple yet thought provoking.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

All career focused

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Positive: Lots of ideas and exercises that anyone can use. Very inspiring!
Not so positive: lots of her personal coaching stories. Not sure how relevant to everyone. came across a little like she was selling herself/her services.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explains the genius behind risk taking- the many ways fear can hold you back, and how the unknown future awaits in our favor as long as we believe. This is a good lesson in mind over matter.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I wasn't thrilled that the book contains nothing but stories from the author's coaching clients, I still was able to apply her teachings to lessons in my own life. Encouraging and motivational, but not one of my favorites.

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still reading

[Magda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read until page 1`51 and I do not think I that I will be able to finish. It was not bad at the beginning and then it just went South. It is too painful to read it.