Being Selfish is good for you and the world

NORTH YORKSHIRE, U.K. - Oct. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- Two books launched in one day

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to transform your life by making some major changes?  Well Ann Algie has done it, emerged out the other side, and written two inspirational self-help e-books to help others make the transition.

“My motivation behind the books was to change the state of the world, starting with yourself.  You would imagine that this is the easiest place to start but in practice it can be the most challenging!  Change is often made difficult by others accusing you of being selfish.  The first book is about overcoming those feelings.” said Ann.

This ‘positively selfish’ book is dedicated to Settle, the lovely Yorkshire Dales town where Ann was a local councillor and volunteer on many projects.  The Town is twinned with Banyuls sur Mer and when Ann decided to look around for somewhere else to live the town provided the inspiration that a permanent move to the south of France was possible.  Ann had so many ties in Settle and the UK; which made it a huge challenge to move away.

Joe Lord, Mayor of Settle said “Ann was an inspiration and guide for me and many other people in Settle. She left a wonderful lasting impression on the town, including the 'Give and Take' days, the Youth Shelter and TRAMPS cinema to name just 3 of her many projects and initiatives.  She is now in a new chapter of her life story, so I am really pleased that she has dedicated her first book to a town where she is still so highly regarded."

Ann said “The word selfish is very often misused in our society by parents, partners, politicians and even some religious leaders.  It evokes strong emotions in people and can be used by some to control and manipulate.  It is important for the health of both individuals and society to encourage people to put themselves first.  This will not make them uncaring; indeed the opposite is often true as they tend to become more compassionate.  It’s good to be positively selfish! “

Her second book ‘Being Happy with Change.’ is more about the emotional transition to the new situation.  Leaving Settle behind for a life of self sufficiency in a foreign country took some adjustment but Ann is happy with her new situation.  “It’s a great feeling to be growing my own aubergines, peppers and salads and gathering wild chestnuts and walnuts while learning how to renovate a house.  All a big change from working in Settle Physio Department - which I also enjoyed!  I love the people of Settle, think about them a lot and remain in regular contact with many of them.  Though the people here speak a different language I am happy with how my life has turned out and I now look forward to change.”

Ann and Tom set off in a 30 year old camper van from their home town of Settle, North Yorkshire just over a year ago to seek a simple life in France.  They sold their home and Tom’s business and had no idea where they would live but knew that they wanted sun and simplicity!  A year on they have moved out of their camper van and into their little house which they renovated themselves.  As well as writing further short books Ann is currently writing a joint book with Tom which will be a full length story of their adventure to find a home in France and the highs and lows of the first year.

‘Being Selfish is Good for You - and the World!’ is available as an e-book from: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/362736

‘Being Happy with Change’ is available for free by visiting Ann’s profile page and following the link: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/annalgie