Looking In and Finding Out: Diving Into the Darkness and Unraveling Who You've Been All Along

by Sarah Monares

Many people believe we are a product of our environment. That the things we go through shape and mold who we become. Sarah Monares' compelling memoir shows us that while our past certainly impacts who we are, each of us have what it takes within ourselves to positively and powerfully mold our present and our future. Monares takes us on a journey of heartache, loss and personal challenges. She uses the lessons of her own difficult past to help us gain an understanding of ourselves while encouraging us to leverage the hard stuff to make ourselves better. This compassionate and raw account provides great insight into the power of personal healing. It serves as a guide for navigating through the hard and coming out on the other side better than before. If you ever feel stuck by the impact of the things that have happened to you, or maybe like you've gotten to a place where you don't even really know who you are, this book is for you. It takes us through many facets of growth and healing that so many of us need. Sarah is real, raw, and vulnerable and says the things that need to be said. She teaches us how to own our story, let go of shame, and shine the light in all the places we try so hard to hide. She believes that by exploring these places we can learn to lean in and let go and live in the full power of all we were created to be. Living in freedom and growing toward our very best life. This is a memoir that will empower you to illuminate the deepest parts of yourself and unravel who you've been all along.

216 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2019

About the author

Sarah Monares is a licensed counselor and has owned her own private practice since 2009. She is also the founder and CEO of Monares Collective LLC and The We Spot LLC. She is a writer, blogger, counselor, coach, speaker, and host of The We Podcast.

Sarah passionately believes in the healing power of vulnerability. She is driven to help women connect with their true selves and then live in alignment with that self. She believes it is her life purpose to create authentic platforms for people to learn, grow, and connect. Her greatest desire in all her work is to help people know and understand that they are exactly as they are meant to be and that they are not alone.

She was born in Northern Colorado and has lived there all her life. She has two amazing kids and has been married to her awesome hubby for 9 years. More than anything she loves travel, belly laughing, chai tea, vulnerability, real connection, adventure, ice cream, horses, and QT with her fam.

Reviews

[Nikola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is proof that everyone has a story and when we can let go of the fear of unraveling, we can discover the truth about being brave -- that it encompasses all the emotions and leads us to discover our true selves. Sarah's words helped me see that you can have totally different experiences, be raised differently, practice faith differently and still connect deeply and in meaningful ways. She taught me that relational healing and personal growth are possible even in the midst of mess. I look forward to what is next for Sarah and hope she continues to share in the way she has so authentically opened up here.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a day. I couldn't put it down. The author's honest, raw accounts of events and feelings that she has personally experienced throughout her life make it feel safe to explore our own. Her vulnerability in sharing tough things draws you in and really helps you understand the value of having that kind of openness ourselves. She's so relatable and welcoming, even in print. I learned some important things that will stick with me, and I applaud the author's wisdom and bravery in sharing this book with readers. I've already recommended it to others! I found it to be completely insightful and inspiring. Wow.

[Julie Schooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsers, the author of this book has had a rollercoaster of a life so far and this unflinchingly honest and raw memoir takes the reader on a page-turning journey through all of it. Highly recommended to read, not just for the author's life story but also for her lessons learned and how they can be applied to you. This is much more than just a memoir and I will be recommending it to everyone.

[Gina Salamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah lays it bare, encouraging us all to do the same. To take a good look within ourselves and discover just what it is that's holding us back from being all we can be.

Her words, her thoughts, her courage are an inspiration.

[Killing It Write · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and inspirational!

Sarah lays it bare, encouraging us all to do the same. To take a good look within ourselves and discover just what it is that's holding us back from being all we can be.

[Becki Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I'm very proud of Sarah for being so open and honest and sharing these hard and not so "pretty" or "perfect" parts of her life!!