Introducing Your Next Read

Welcome to Wholly Naomi. This book is not only a story, but an invitation to begin your own journey with The Nine Ways to Change, shaped through the experiences of Naomi.

Life can be more difficult than we expect. The weight of disappointment—of a life that feels as though it could be more—sits heavy on the heart. It can feel like grief: a loss of something so precious that living without it seems unbearable. Yet this grief is unusual, for it mourns not what has been, but what has never fully come into being. It is the ache of an unseen promise, an unnamed calling, a quiet knowing that life can mean more, that we ourselves can offer more.

It is often through this ache that we are set apart, drawn into a place where we listen more deeply. In stillness, distractions fall away and deeper truths rise to the surface. We need this kind of stepping back from who we think we are in order to remember who we truly are. In this separation, in the longing for what feels lost, growth quietly takes hold. And in the returning—finding our way back with the traces of what we have learnt—love is renewed, and we discover not only what is familiar, but our true selves, our whole selves, formed and made whole.

And so, the work of wholeness begins not by escaping from what unsettles us—though I know from experience how tempting that can be—but by turning toward it. What we call shadow is often the very place where our true presence waits to be found. By taking an honest inventory of our lives—naming what feels broken, what can be mended, and what must simply be accepted—we begin to loosen its grip and allow life to take a more natural shape. This is not the work of tearing everything down, but of discerning where change is possible and where surrender is required.

Lasting change doesn’t have to overwhelm us or demand a complete overhaul. More often, it begins with peeling back the layers—making small adjustments or, at times, taking bold steps—always with the aim of gaining clarity, to see things differently. And clarity itself becomes the answer to our prayers: revealing the boundary between what lies within our influence and what does not. Much of our struggle flows from the need to control everything—an impulse that breeds disconnection and drives us toward false comforts that never truly satisfy. True rest is found not in grasping for control, but in recognising where our influence begins and ends, and in learning to let the rest be.

Wholly Naomi is therefore not only a story that encourages personal reflection. It is a call toward tangible, pragmatic change. It is about taking steps—sometimes small, sometimes bold and brave—toward a life that feels more hopeful, more aligned with who we are, and more open to love. This is a life shaped by courage to move us forward, trust to keep us open to what we cannot yet see and surrender to release what we cannot control. These qualities guide us step by step toward becoming the person we’re meant to be. And in the words of one of my favourite writers, Richard Rohr: life is not about us; we are about life.

To help you on your way, I am introducing you to The Nine Ways—a pathway guided by nine numbers, each helping you grow into the truest version of yourself and live a life you can love. By a life you love, I do not mean one built only for your own satisfaction, but a life to which you give your love—a life that overflows into the lives of others.

Today, it feels we need this transformation more than ever. The world we inhabit right now is marked by uncertainty and division. Around the world, poverty and hunger remain widespread, with hundreds of millions of people living without enough income to meet basic needs. Vulnerable communities—especially children—are disproportionately affected by conflict, exploitation, and instability, leaving many without secure homes, access to education, or protection of basic rights.

At the same time, for those of us in the developed world, we face our own struggles. Our societies have become shaped by self-sufficiency and achievement, yet many find themselves anxious, restless, and searching for deeper meaning. Technology connects us more than ever, yet loneliness grows. In the pursuit of security and success, we can easily lose sight of what matters, leaving life feeling fragmented and unfulfilled.

And so we stand at a crossroads. Each of us is faced with a choice: to continue on the path of self-serving pursuits, or to widen the circle of our love—for one another, for creation, for the greater good. One way leads to greater disconnection; the other, to renewal and purpose.

The invitation of this moment is clear: to live not only for ourselves, but to give our love more widely, so that our lives become part of something larger—something that heals, restores, and brings hope. For when we are at our best, we give our best, and we can change the world for the better. Investing in our personal growth and wellbeing will not only benefit us, but also make the most positive contribution to the world. We become the change-makers, the inspirers, and the uplifters in our communities and beyond. We are then the models of compassionate, driven, and empowered individuals the world needs. By creating a ripple effect of positivity that touches the lives of those around us, we lead lives that love and help others to do the same.

So how do we embark on this transformative journey?

It begins with seeing—recognising what’s working well, what’s not, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Assessing each area of our lives is the starting point. It’s like taking a compass reading to navigate through unchartered territory.

What aspects of your life are thriving, bringing you joy, and aligning with your beliefs and values? For these are pointers towards your true self. What’s not working as well as you’d like it to? For awareness is the first step toward change. What are the opportunities for your personal growth? These are the stepping stones to becoming your best; being better and happier. What no longer serves you? For letting go of old ways provides new space for change.

As you start this adventure, I want to ensure you get the most out of your reading experience. Wholly Naomi is to be read sequentially, with each chapter building upon the one prior. This life is a continuous journey of growth, and so too is Naomi’s story. It’s possible that you’ll find aspects of her character and circumstances that resonate with you, and as she embarks on her journey of The Nine Ways and transforms her life, you too may experience many of those changes.

So, while you may go back to the previous chapters, I encourage you to resist the temptation to skip ahead; at least, not until you have read the entire book once. Embrace the story unfolding in front of you with an open heart, chapter by chapter, and immerse yourself in this journey.

Have a journal or a notebook ready as you read. This will be your space to capture your insights and reflections. Wholly Naomi isn’t just about reading; it’s about engaging with the content on a deeper level.

Each chapter holds a unique perspective and a distinct lesson. They are crafted to guide you through The Nine Ways, providing you with insights that encourage self-reflection and introspection. Think about the nine numbers, their meaning, what they symbolise, and what they have to teach you about yourself and your life.

As you read, you may notice that not every exercise undertaken by Naomi is explicitly detailed in the book. This approach is intentional. Some exercises are highlighted for sharing Naomi’s story, while others need to be done under further guidance. The focus of this book is to capture Naomi’s encounter with The Nine Ways and for you to be introduced to them.

If you head over to www.whollynaomi.com you can download The Nine Ways Wheel. This wheel offers a visual representation of The Nine Ways, each marked by a number. It will prompt you to assess your happiness levels and to be more mindful of your present circumstances. It will also help you focus on the areas of the Nine Ways that may need more attention and effort.

In coaching circles, we often use the measure of satisfaction with one’s life. Satisfaction commonly refers to the fulfilment of our desires or expectations. It’s a sense of contentment that arises when you achieve a goal, meet a need, or experience something positive. Satisfaction can be more specific and tied to achievements or circumstances.

While satisfaction is valuable for specific goal attainment, assessing the level of happiness provides a more comprehensive and enduring perspective on wellbeing. It encourages us to consider the broader aspects of our lives that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Happiness is an all-encompassing feeling that is not dependent only on specific achievements or events.

Assessing your happiness encourages you to consider the lasting impact of your choices and lifestyle, promoting sustained wellbeing. While satisfaction and achieving goals contribute to leading better lives, our emphasis here is on the holistic view of our wellbeing—placing happiness at the forefront. Happiness is tied to the quality of your relationships and social connections. Happiness is aligned with engaging in activities for their intrinsic value and joy, prioritising the experience itself over external rewards or achievements. We’ll take a holistic approach to assessing your life, the happy way.

I encourage you to complete The Nine Ways Wheel as and when prompted in the book. It’s an opportunity to engage with the story more actively and absorb its significance. As you journey alongside Naomi, make notes about your thoughts, reflections, and updates. As your understanding deepens, so will your assessment. The Nine Ways Wheel and corresponding journal notes will become a personal record of your insights, serving as your guide on your path of self-discovery.

As you turn the pages, remember to approach each chapter with an open heart and mind. Allow yourself to resonate with Naomi’s experiences and pause and reflect on how her journey relates to your own.

I believe the pages ahead hold not only Naomi’s story but also the possibility of your own discovery. My prayer is that you will find a life that is better and happier, more balanced, beautiful, and whole—a life rooted in love, the life your true self longs for you to know. And as you walk this journey, may your own story become a light that helps and inspires others to discover the same.

Yours,

Louise Gilbert

New Zealand

[Excerpt from Wholly Naomi]