Lifting the Cloud: Enjoying Life, Grief and All

Lifting the Cloud, is a collection of weekly columns by Beth Dixon, first published in the Wanganui Chronicle between 2008 and 2009. The main focus of the columns - and therefore the book - is Grief, recognising it and managing it. The book is divided into seven sections: What is Grief, Managing Grief, Personal Issues, Family Issues, Children and Grief, Getting Older, and Wider Issues. The 52 chapters cover issues ranging from the grief associated with changing country, to the joy and grief of adoption; from insomnia to separation; from changing jobs to the grief of lying. This is a book that can be used as a resource by professionals, but it is written with a general audience in mind and intended to be easily understood and of help to any reader. "I am sure that many ordinary people will respond to Beths warm and friendly style, as she shares her wisdom borne of many years of personal and professional experience. Such wisdom is not presented as 'expert', but more like that we might hear from a wise and kindly aunt or grandmother. Beth touches many, many issues which we all face at some time or another, and she does so with understanding, compassion and humour. This book will 'hit the spot' for many people."--Philip McConkey, Counsellor, family therapist/human relations trainer, Wanganui