Author urges all to get in the swim

From the London Free Press

As the exodus from schools takes place this week for summer vacation, many will flock to beaches, cottages or public pools.

A local author has recently published a book that uses water and swimming as metaphors for life in this self-help guide.

Many of Londoner Pauline Duncan-Thrasher's favourite memories are from days spent swimming and they surface in her first book.

In Swimmin' Women: Ride the Waves of Change and Dive into Life, the 66-year-old retired teacher offers advice and strategies to live a productive, happy life.

Some of her chapters include: Getting Into the Water, Letting Go of the Anchors and Riding the Waves.

"There are lots of memories for me of swimming. It just seemed like an analogy that fit," she said.

Duncan-Thrasher, who is also a speaker trainer, decided to write the book to help deal with her past, including the death of her over-protective mother, and to hopefully assist other women.

"There are a lot of women out there . . . who don't really get a lot out of life. It seems as though they're spinning wheels," she said.

"It's just too sad when that happens. There are ways to be more alive. I hope there will be some women out there who feel braver when they read my book."

Duncan-Thrasher said she was 35 when she decided she needed to change her life. At that time she was living with her mother and never went out after work.

"I thought, 'If I don't do something . . . my life will go on just as it is. It wasn't enough of a life."

Duncan-Thrasher enrolled in a broadcast journalism night course at Fanshawe..

She had to create a video as part of the course.

Her video was about wearing different masks and she learned the importance of being her true self.

"I put my heart and soul into that. It just seemed very significant for me. It was symbolic."

Duncan-Thrasher, who has taught a class at Fanshawe about assertive skills for women, worked up the courage to move out on her own and take charge of her life at that point.

In Swimmin' Women, she interviews many women (and some men) about their worries in life and how they overcame difficult circumstances.

As a teacher, including spending more than 35 years in elementary schools, Duncan-Thrasher said she also learned from children.

"We can always, no matter what our age, learn from everybody."

The cost of the book is $21.95.

For more information or to purchase a book, visit www.communicationexcellence.com

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BOOKS: This self-help book is designed to embolden women
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Section: Entertainment Length: 64 lines Page: C4
BY KATHY RUMLESKI, FREE PRESS REPORTER

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