ELORA – Joseph Gibbons is a professor in fitness, exercise science and kinesiology at Humber College, and an accredited mental health first aid instructor and practitioner.
After the Elora resident experienced his own decline in physical and mental health after being burnt out three separate times in his career, he wrote a book titled Discovering Optimal, which will be released on Sept. 12.
“[The book] was born out of my desperation with my health,” said Gibbons.
“I was doing seemingly all of the right things to be healthy in terms of exercise, diet, lifestyle – with one exception … I neglected the rest.”
Gibbons began researching “desperately” to find new ways he could continue his overworking lifestyle.
“Then it got to a point where I finally found the missing piece, which was for me to pull back and live a more balanced life and actually rest more. My mental health [then] started to flourish,” he said.
Discovering Optimal aims to help others increase energy, health, clarity and overall happiness.
“It’s really a holistic approach to health,” said Gibbons. “But what’s different about it is, as people go through the journey, I have them be very introspective on what is necessary for them to accomplish a healthy life.”
Gibbons explained he has always enjoyed research, and the book, his first, brings together both ancestral wisdom and 21st century science.
“As I started to write, I realized that I have a deep love of writing, I didn’t realize I did,” he said.
When Gibbons was picking a cover for his new book, the publisher’s designer sent over about 12 different cover designs.
“None of them resonated,” he said.
Rachel Albano, another Elora resident, is an artist who is friends with Gibbons and his family. Gibbons began looking through her work and stumbled upon a piece called Along the Way.
“It really kind of spoke to what the book is about. The book is not an easy one, two, three step guide to getting better. It’s not a quick fix. And so, the art resembled the journey,” Gibbons explained.
The book will debut locally on Sept. 30 at the Elora Centre for the Arts from 6 to 8pm. The author will host the unveiling of the book along with a presentation and book signing.
Albano will also be at the event to unveil her art.
“I’m feeling very excited, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little bit nervous,” said Gibbons.
Discovering Optimal is available for purchase at The Elora Centre for the Arts, Magic Pebble Bookshop in Elora, the Bookshelf in Guelph and on DiscoveringOptimal.com. You can also follow Gibbons on Instagram @optimalseeker.
Joseph Gibbons – Submitted photo
Gibbons said he would like to thank the community, including the Elora Centre for the Arts, Lianne Carter and Sonia Cheng.
