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

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

Gail Blanke

Rodale Press

Rodalestore.com Betweentrapezes.com 800-848-4735

ISBN: 1579549284 $22.95 256 pages

Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease by Gail Blanke is written for people in transition who are looking for guidance and inspiration.

Blanke says people seldom appreciate the opportunities created by changing life conditions. Rather, we want to be in a settled, predictable, stable state. Blanke writes: "... the real thrill in life is not in the landing--it's in the flying. The really exciting parts of life appear when you've left the past behind but you don't yet know what the future looks like."

Blanke argues that the time between trapezes is magical, but that most of us don't like in-between times. "These 'not knowing times' present opportunities to open yourself up to an infinite array of new possibilities. These are the times when you get to decide, and when you get to create a new self--any self that you want to create, without limits."

Yet, we often imagine the worst-case outcomes, or at least a really bad outcome. While on the Oprah show, Blanke walked on stage, and Oprah told her staff to "Get the bench." Blanke immediately thought this must be akin to "Get the hook," but rather saw that Oprah was going to sit with the audience and allow Blanke the full hour to talk from the stage. Instead of meaning she was being benched, it meant Oprah trusted her with the show.

"We swim in a sea of interpretation. Something trivial happens, and we--being only human--instantly imbue it with meaning, not always correctly," says Blanke.

Blanke writes: "... sometimes it's a good idea not to think too much about some things. Sometimes it's just a good idea to get out and do it."

Blanke suggests five steps to help you build a new life:

1) "Build the castle first." Picture what your ideal future looks like. Blanke suggests writing down a list of ten things that constitute your dream life.

2) Let go of the old ideas and concepts that no longer serve you. Blanke suggests you "cast yourself against type." For example, if you see yourself as shy, become gregarious.

3) Discover new possibilities.

4) "Never confuse falling with failing."

5) "Get the bench! Practice distinguishing between fact and interpretation."

In addition to using her own experiences as a public speaker, author, coach, and Avon executive, Blanke discusses stories about other people going through life changing experiences.

When speaking to college majors, Blanke said they shouldn't worry too much about their major and deciding a future. Blanke writes: "The greatest value of education is that it enables you to form a habit of discovery, a habit of learning, a habit of opening up to new possibilities, despite the fears that we all share in confronting the unknown."

Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease is a good book to help people struggling with change in their life who are looking for inspiration and motivation.