Gratitude Ignition Guide – Press Release
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Local author Lorraine Widmer-Carson launches new book: Gratitude Ignition Guide
A practical guide to help everyday leaders speak, write, and serve with integrity, gratitude, and grace
BANFF, AB, — Local community advocate, author, and master journal writer, Lorraine Widmer-Carson combines experience and expertise in her latest book, Gratitude Ignition Guide: Notes for my Leadership Self, a practical tool intended to help everyday leaders cultivate a daily writing habit that’s grounded in gratitude.
“In the 30 years I’ve been writing in my journal, I’ve learned how to identify my priorities and keep pushing in the direction of my dreams,” Widmer-Carson says. “I wanted to write a book about gratitude, but I realized in the process that writing in a journal is the best way to get to the real gifts. Now, I want to encourage others to take time to develop this habit and hone it as an essential leadership skill.”
Having served the Bow Valley in multiple leadership roles, Widmer-Carson believes the nature of everyday leadership is rapidly changing. Today’s leaders must be agile, compassionate, introspective, and communicative. They must make time to work on their relationship with themselves in order to improve their relationships with others. Gratitude Ignition Guide: Notes for my Leadership Self is an invitation to do just that. The book includes a series of 30 thoughtful and thought-provoking prompts that invite readers to explore their lives and priorities through the lens of gratitude.
“Writing in a journal is a good tool for calming the mind. When it feels like your life is in freefall, find a quiet spot, pick up a pen, and start scrawling. The good. The bad. And everything in between,” says Widmer-Carson. “Like a sunbeam in the magnifying glass, the colours of your rainbow will soon be streaming. Gratitude helps you find your purpose and re-establish your footing. Gratitude journaling is like concrete, and helps to level you in your place—in your space.”
The book is a companion to her first publication, An Ecology of Gratitude: Writing Your Way to What Matters, named one of the top ten tools for journaling creatively by Lynda Monk, Director of the International Association for Journal Writing. Both Gratitude Ignition Guide, and An Ecology of Gratitude are available directly from the author, on Amazon.ca or at the following locations in Banff and Canmore:
- Café Books (826 8 Street, Canmore AB)
- Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (111 Bear Street, Banff, AB)
- Wild Life Distillery (105 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, AB)
- On Amazon
- Directly from Grassroots Gratitude
About the Author:
Banff-based author Lorraine Widmer-Carson has been a committed journal writer for 30 years, and sees it as an essential skill for thinking, speaking, and acting. A mother of four, she is a small-business owner, a community change maker, and a nature lover. Her first book, An Ecology of Gratitude: Writing Your Way to What Matters, was released in November 2021, and inspires leaders and community changemakers to find their passion and commit to positive action.
Advance Praise:
“Gratitude Ignition Guide is an excellent tool for people looking to master how they show up as a leader. Whether you are just starting your gratitude practice or you’re a seasoned professional, Lorraine will ignite sparks of vitality and joy in you.” —Steve Foran, Founder, Gratitude at Work
“Lorraine offers an intelligent, heart-centered, and passionate look at the transformational power of gratitude and personal writing as ways to generate well-being, insight, and growth. If you want to spark positive change in yourself, others and our world, I highly recommend Gratitude Ignition Guide.” —Lynda Monk, Director of the International Association for Journal Writing
“Lorraine launches us on a journey into self. When we go within, relax into and fully experience the moments of our lives, gratitude for the magic of being, nudges our creative urges, moves us forward, and deepens our engagement with life on all levels. Gratitude Ignition Guide is a beautiful launching pad for a fuller life.” —Karen Close, Editor, Sage-ing With Creative Spirit, Grace and Gratitude
Publisher: Lorraine Widmer-Carson
Language: English
Publication Date: November 10, 2023
Book Cover Design: Lyuba Kirkova
Interior Design: Lieve Maas
Editor: Dave Jarecki
Dimensions: 13.97 x 0.43 x 21.59 cm
Paperback: 74 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1777778521
