As a child and young adult, all of my decisions were made from overwhelming feelings of fear. Whether making personal or professional choices, fear was the motivator and certainly never bravery. Now, well into my sixties, I have come to the realization that bravery is a quality that is cultivated and expands only by the challenge of moving forward into unfamiliar territory. And, although I never felt brave in my early years, I was indeed acting bravely. Almost twenty years ago, I wrote and published my first book, Living on the Other Side of Fear. The essence of the book is based on my life story from my childhood to my early forties. The introduction of that book begins with the sentence I was born afraid. The book details my desperate need to rid myself of an anxiety disorder and follows my life journey to the final acceptance that fear is a natural instinct born in all of us to secure our survival. Unfortunately, my survival instinct had been working overtime, and an exaggeration of my fears had permeated my everyday life. I love women and their stories. As an avid reader and an always-striving-to-be-a-better listener, I have read hundreds of books written about and by women, and I have listened for over sixty years to hundreds, if not thousands, of stories by women and about women and have come to believe that there is a beautiful balance of fear and bravery that grows our inner and outer world. It is through this balance of What they are saying about Living Brave: Living Brave touched my heart and soul. Sharing women’s stories and creating a pathway to thriving is a brilliant concept. It does take physical strength, mental clarity and spiritual courage to master life. Thank you for your beautiful, inspirational book. Eva-Maria Mora, MBA Renowned author of Cosmic Recoding ® and other bestselling books with Random House, Europe. ********** Hilda Villaverde does it again with another ground-breaking book! All about women and their life-changing, inspirational experiences. What a great read! Through the pages of this book, you will find your strength, your resilience, your positivity, and you will win back your life! Caroline Sutherland, Hay House Author of The Body Knows How To Stay Young ********** Living Brave is a valuable reminder that life and aging is not for sissies. The mini-stories that each woman shares are honest and brave and establish a variety of pathways that are vital to enjoying a healthy and long life. The chapter Nurturing the Inner Garden of Well-Being is a welcoming breath of fresh air, as an array of outstanding women give their voices with humor, conviction, and personal experiences to welcoming every year as a gift. It’s most definitely a must read! Karen Drucker, singer/songwriter. Author of Let Go Of the Shore
