Straight Chatting with the Library: Brenda Ridgley

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Brenda Billings Ridgley will be awarding a Cape Diablo wrap bracelet and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ THE INTERVIEW

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

Danny Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. I was drawn to the storyline, it told the story of a way of life so far from my own it was fascinating.

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

Friendship stories, insights, and plan to build a Lady Tribe.

What are you reading right now?

The Goddess in Every Woman by Jean Shinoda Bolen

Do you have any bad book habits?

Yes, I start too many at one time! I have a stack on my headboard all calling out to me to “read me now!”

One book at a time or multiples?

See answer to “bad book habits”! Ha ha…. Definitely more than one book at a time. I just can’t help myself. I’m a multi-tasker at its worst!

Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much)

Bookmark for sure! However, I dog-ear pages when I am researching topics so I can easily find information I found relevant.

Favorite book you've read this year?

A Tribe Called Bliss by Lori Harder

Favorite book to recommend?

Conversations with God by Neal Donald Walsh. I have a special story about my own copy so it is a treasured item. I have lent it out several times but only after telling the story so I they know how important it is to me. I have also gifted this book to my kids, nieces and nephews, and best friends.

Re-reader or not?

Usually not. I have probably only re-read one or two books ever.

What would make you not finish a book?

If I discover the material is not relevant or helpful or I am not connecting with the author I will retire a book before finishing. So many books…. So little time!

READ THE BLURB

Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.

In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.

Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.

We can become whole again through the power of connection.

When three or more gather, we are Tribe.

READ AN EXCERPT

Since we live in this global, socially connected world, how is it possible for anyone to be lonely? Psychologically speaking, loneliness does not necessitate social isolation. Being lonely means feeling detached from others yet having the desire for a connection or a relationship.

Why is loneliness so lethal? As human beings, one of our greatest needs is to be seen, acknowledged, and cared for. We want to belong and be a part of something larger than ourselves. More so than men, women need to maintain close connections. Relationships increase serotonin and oxytocin, the bonding hormone. In times of stress, women don’t just experience the drive toward fight or flight—they also release oxytocin. This hormone surge can compel women to “tend and befriend.”

Research is clear. Close friendships are necessary for optimal health and well-being. A longitudinal study of aging found that strong social networks lengthen survival among older people. Dr. Amir Leving suggests that social connections are the most powerful way for us to regulate our emotional distress and that proximity to someone you are securely attached to is the most effective way to calm yourself.

An article in the New York Times reported that close relationships create positive mental and physical reactions in our body, mind, and heart. We are less likely to experience high levels of loneliness when we feel supported by intimate and close relationships. Strong relationships with close friends or family benefit us greatly and fulfil our social needs.

MEET THE AUTHOR

BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship. Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe. Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe. A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry. She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers.

Website: http://www.BrendaRidgley.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BrendaRidgley
Podcast: https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341/
Blog: https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BrendaRidgley

Buy the book at https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Tribe-Empowering-Friendship-Circles/dp/1737289709

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