Irrepressible: 12 principles for a courageous, resilient and fulfilling life

by Cathy Madavan

Why do some people seem to throw themselves into every opportunity, bouncing back from every setback? Is this irrepressible spirit just for the hyper-motivated? How do the rest of us live courageously, relate authentically and develop resilience?

Popular speaker and author Cathy Madavan deploys her trademark humour and down-to-earth wisdom to identify twelve ways we can become irrepressible.

How do you discover your irrepressible purpose?
How do you respond when disasters strike?
How do you become a person of influence?
How do you build a tribe of friends, but still keep healthy boundaries?
How do your habits develop resilience, capacity and flexibility?

This is your invitation to irrepressible living. These principles are your tools for building a courageous, resilient and fulfilling life.

Cathy Madavan lives on England’s south coast with her husband Mark, and has been teaching about resilience, relationships and purpose for over 20 years.

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2020

About the author

Cathy Madavan is a speaker and author, who has been teaching about resilience, relationships and purpose for over 20 years. Her ability to combine hard-earned wisdom with practicality, vulnerability memorable stories and sparkling humour has helped countless individuals, audiences and organisations, giving them time-tested tools and implementable advice for their personal and professional lives. Cathy lives in the UK and travels extensively speaking to audiences in her own irrepressible way.

Reviews

[Jenny Flintoft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, I hate that life throws curveballs when we're least expecting them. Now if someone could write a book on avoiding them, that would be great! Sadly, we know life isn't like that. So how do we deal with those curveballs? How do we lean in, rather than run away? How do we use them as a springboard to jump off from, rather than getting getting beaten up by them? Cathy delves into 12 principles to do just this in a practical, chatty way, which gently encourages the reader to stand tall and brave in the face of life's tricky times and stay irrepressible, despite the circumstances.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with some really simple yet powerful maxims. It has its fair share of cliches, but they somehow work as gentle reminders and stepping stones of wisdom.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun way to read through on ways to become courageous and press on in our lives. The author shares 12 principles and though each one is not particularly new, what's great about them is her approach and understanding, and how she unpacks them.
I know anyone looking to be better, irrepressible and kind would read this book with a pen and notebook in hand for the summary questions at the end are just great.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Jolande Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book - I could not put it down. Thank you for writing this brilliantly funny, inspirational book. It has touched my heart and has given me lots of food for thought. Brilliantly well done.

[Heather Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, really useful book. Cathy is a brilliant speaker and writes in much the same way. Funny, honest, kind and easy to understand but also hugely challenging and thought provoking.
This is a really helpful book, especially for challenging times. Much to think on and use to grow and develop our resilience and capacity to live our most purposeful lives.

[Helen Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Madavan writes in a honest, understandable and funny way. The book has 12 great principles in it for life in general, but it's even more relevant in lockdown. I will go back to this book many times, I can't recommend it highly enough. It is a brilliant read from start to finish. Cathy writes about her own life experiences which are relatable, and it's as though she is talking to you personally.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Honestly, there were no startling revelations, most of the principles are ones that I already know and some I do well, although I am in my 40s! If I was writing a book of wisdom, it would look a lot like these principles. What Cathy does is bring them to life with quotes, funny/ poignant anecdotes and stories and it’s given me fresh ideas and perspectives, but also practical ideas to try out too. We never stop learning and growing. Also, I found it very affirming. What I liked best of all wa the complete absence of Christianese! Cathys faith came across in the book, but it was gentle and inclusive of all beliefs and I loved it. It was a refreshing, funny book and a refreshing approach. I did listen to it on audible which worked well. I did also work my way through slowly and spent time to savour, answer the questions and think things through. A great book!