The Queen of My Self: Women Stepping Into Sovereignty in Midlife

The passage into midlife can be a harrowing one, but thanks to Donna Henes' brilliant new book, I am ready to dive right in! This book is instructive, inspirational, and wise. Henes is a very gentle and funny teacher. She lets us know that if we follow our purpose, our power, and our passion, we are primed to live life to the fullest with the very best years ahead of us. She gives us confidence that we can create the life that we desire for ourselves and that we can be the woman who we have always wanted to be. I am the Queen of my own destiny thanks to the encouragement I found in the pages of The Queen of My Self. Brava to Queen Donna!!!

Maiden. Mother. Crone. For centuries, women fell into three, well-defined categories, following the hormonal curve from first menses through menopause and straight on 'til death. Times have changed, and our need to redefine womanhood seems to be following. No longer do post-menopausal women instantly enter 'cronehood' with its stooped and wizened imagery. In fact, enlightened and powerful women in mid-years often begin new lives with a sense of freedom, following changes in family and lifestyle. They become, author Donna Henes says, The Queen of My Self. Subtitled Stepping into Sovereignty of Midlife, this 2005 release begins by delicately weaving a convincing fabric of wisdom and logic, describing the ancient archetypes and why they no longer apply. Everything here we already know to be true, whether we are Queens or members of her court. A noted urban shaman and ceremonialist, Henes presents evidence showing the sacred nature of the number four, and how it relates to aspects of Queen: Consolation - caring for yourself, Contemplation - noting the process, Seclusion - being alone with your feelings and Creation - harnessing the power inside. Embedded in the advice about each stage is the central message of Henes' work: That women must honor this sacred time of our lives in a way women before us could not. The Queen of My Self is an entertaining and inspirational read, thanks to Henes' engaging voice and soft humor. And most women approaching their mid-life years should find themselves in its pages. You may already be implementing Henes' suggestions and ideas, without having a hook to hang them on. You may be unaware, locked into traditional archetypes and afraid of what you imagine your future will be. The Queen of My Self will touch you, either way.

There are chapters in our lives for which we're simply unprepared. Entering middle age is one of them. Donna Henes's wonderful new book, "The Queen of My Self"--the terrific title is an appetizer of what's to come--articulates a new model for the middle passage, one in which we're urged to cast aside cultural stereotypes and claim our personal (and collective) power. This is no easy feat and, make no mistake, Henes's is not a self-help volume. She explains why "stepping into sovereignty"--becoming a queen of one self--doesn't happen automatically. Reformulating our own ideas of what it means to be a woman of a certain age is an integral part of this challenging process. If my experience is any indication, reading this book will profoundly change your life.

Are you around 50 or so and feeling the urge to purge? Do you have a burning desire to make changes in your life--becoming more creative while you focus on yourself for a change? Donna Henes's book "The Queen of Myself" blows the triple goddess out of the water and creates a new paradigm of selfhood. Like the four seasons and the four phases of the moon, Donna introduces the four stages of womanhood--Maiden, Mother, Queen and Crone. "The Queen of Myself" incorporates the personal with the mythological to create a new concept for women and aid women in midlife. Pick up the book and explore what it means to be "Queen".

This book made me excited about turning 50! Great inspirational advice, interesting historical perspective, and a lot of practical suggestions for stepping into your full power in the prime of your life. Henes writes in a down-to-earth voice, with a sense of humor. Nothing stuffy or "head in the clouds" about this book. If you take it to heart, and do some of the activities on the "Queen Pages", you will feel like you are well on your way to becoming your best self!