We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere

We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere
Gillian Anderson

Jennifer Nadel

Imagine a sisterhood – across all creeds and cultures. An unspoken agreement that we, as women, will support and encourage one another. That we will remember we don't know what struggles each of us may be facing elsewhere in our lives and so we will assume that each of us is doing our best…So begins WE: an inspiring, empowering and provocative manifesto for change. Change which we can all effect, one woman at a time. Change which provides a crucial and timely antidote to the 'have-it-all' Superwoman culture and instead focusses on what will make each and every one of us happier and more free. Change which provides an answer to the nagging sense of 'is that it?' that almost all of us can succumb to when we wake in the dead of night.Written by actress Gillian Anderson and journalist Jennifer Nadel – two friends who for the last decade have stumbled along together, learning, failing, crying, laughing and trying again – WE is a not a theoretical treatise but instead a rallying cry to create a life that has greater meaning and purpose. Combining tools which are practical, psychological and spiritual, it is both a process and a vision for a more fulfilling way of living. And a truly inspiring vision of a happier, more emotionally rewarding future we can all create together…

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COPYRIGHT (#u1961ef4a-800b-5bda-b695-acf8d9807079)

The information provided in this book is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your own medical or mental health provider. Neither the authors nor the publisher are providing health care, medical or mental health services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure in any manner any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical or mental health problem, contact your medical or mental health provider promptly. Also, before beginning any physical activity suggested in or inspired by this book, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician.

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First published by HarperCollinsPublishers 2017, 2018

SECOND EDITION

© Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel 2017, 2018

Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel assert the moral right to be identified as the authors of this work

While every effort has been made to trace the owners of copyright material reproduced herein and secure permissions, the publishers would like to apologise for any omissions and will be pleased to incorporate missing acknowledgements in any future edition of this book.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

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Source ISBN: 9780008241933

Ebook Edition © Match 2017 ISBN: 9780008147945

Version: 2017-12-21

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FOREWORD (#u1961ef4a-800b-5bda-b695-acf8d9807079)

Since the first edition of this book was published the need for a different way to approach all areas of our lives has become even more evident and urgent.

In our own home countries, Britain and America, we’ve seen intolerance and bigotry endorsed at the ballot box. There has been an increase in levels of fear and uncertainty not just for ourselves and our communities, but also for the future of our planet.

There is another, better way of doing things. The principles and tools in this book lay out a blueprint for positive change – both for us as individuals and for the world that we all inhabit.

Please read, enjoy and share with other women. Together – joyfully, lovingly and with compassion – we can make change happen.

AN INVITATION TO YOU (#u1961ef4a-800b-5bda-b695-acf8d9807079)

‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’

MARY OLIVER

At some point in our lives, most of us feel the gentle calling of our soul. Sometimes it’s so quiet we can barely hear it – a soft tapping. No louder than a leaf falling from a tree.

We may imagine we didn’t hear it. Or perhaps it is louder and takes the form of a persistent ache, a nagging sense that there is something missing. ‘Is this it?’ we wonder when we wake in the dead of night or find ourselves caught in the treadmill of our daily grind.

It may be a hint of loneliness that endures even in the company of friends. Or a sense of injustice and a desire to change things that feels urgent and necessary, but also hopeless before it even begins.

Perhaps our heart tells us there is a better way of living, that we need to stop ignoring what really matters – the suffering of others and our planet’s future – but our head insists we’re naïve and tells us to knuckle down and get on with our lives as they are.

For others the call may take the form of a crisis – a break-up or breakdown, a betrayal or loss. Or perhaps it’s addiction, depression or another serious illness.

However it comes, it is an invitation to take a journey. You may resist. Many of us have resisted it for years, even decades. Ultimately it’s your choice. But it will wait for you patiently, tapping daily or every so often in small and big ways to remind you that, in truth, you can’t avoid it if you truly want to live a meaningful life.

If you’ve heard that call, this book is for you. It’s for women who want happiness and meaning. It will guide you towards inner peace and provide the power to help transform the world in which we all live.

CONTENTS

Cover (#ufcc43086-6ce7-5004-9a8b-f6c372f1bba1)

Title Page (#ub28a1fe7-9613-5fb9-a173-0d1693bd5c06)

Copyright (#u76c7a5cb-7944-50dd-b984-030019619946)

Dedication (#ua7e95f38-84c2-5fbb-bb10-82d59256c64c)

Foreword (#ua37939f6-7101-5aa1-b7c3-ec441137d8ff)

An Invitation to You (#u01374212-0ecf-5129-9686-55102e40c2b1)

The Journey (#ueb12d58b-ada0-56fe-badf-28b794545e8a)

Why Now? (#u158f4551-419c-5d37-935b-adbc65a6fe5b)

How WE Works (#u0709ef40-4bd9-5ead-adac-5231ea5be32c)

Why We Wrote WE (#uc153aff9-6e7a-52f6-9b71-cbbc3f4bbd27)