Author Spotlight: Sandra Tadros Guirguis
We are pleased to introduce Sandra Tadros Guirguis. Sandra recently published Embracing Abundance: A Journey to Wellness and Wholeness through Faith and Self-Care with us, which is now available for pre-order through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Sandra to share a little bit about her writing, and new book. But first, a little bit about her.
About
Sandra Tadros Guirguis is a passionate Orthodox Christian, dedicated wife, and loving mother of three children. She resides in Toronto, Canada where she has built a fulfilling career as a healthcare professional, fitness expert, and public/corporate speaker.
Sandra works with patients and clients to improve their sleep, eating habits, and physical activity. She also assists those living with chronic diseases and helps them to thrive.
As a public wellness speaker, Sandra inspires others to live abundantly and find joy in their everyday lives. She is a sought-after youth and young adult speaker, encouraging them to live their best lives in service to Jesus. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and support, using her platform to break down barriers and foster open conversations.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, exercising, and engaging in spirited boardgame sessions with her family. She is the proud owner of STG Wellness, which has been featured in prominent lifestyle magazines.
Having navigated the difficult journey of grief, Sandra connects with others who have experienced loss, offering her support and guidance along the way.
This, her debut book, is a culmination of her experiences, expertise, and deep-rooted faith. It serves as a comprehensive guide to wellness, covering topics such as identity, grief support, children, and various aspects of wellness, including stress management, relationships, meditation, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, gut health, and self-care. In this heartfelt and practical resource, Sandra also shares her perspectives on healing, triggers, moving forward, dating, and discerning Jesus’s will in one’s life.
With a dedication to Jesus at the core of her work, Sandra embarks on this new journey as an author, inviting readers to join her in the pursuit of a well-rounded, abundant life rooted in faith, wellness, and love.
Q&A
Q: What experiences led you to be passionate about the topic of health and wellness?
A: I have always loved helping people with their health and wellness, which led me to pursue a career as a healthcare professional. I especially love how the interplay of various wellness systems work together.
For example, if I work with a patient or client to improve their sleep by using sleep hygiene strategies, they are thrilled! Not only are they sleeping better, but sleeping well improves the immune system and regulates ghrelin and leptin, the hunger and satiety hormones, so they are better able to manage their nutritional goals. They’re also able to wake up earlier and spend some time in prayer or stillness, setting them up for a better day, and the cycle continues to improve. It’s so beautiful to watch.
Before my husband passed away, I was confident in my place in the world, my identity, and my five- and ten-year plans. His passing shattered everything: my life plan, my identity, my faith, and my health.
Only through God’s grace can I live abundantly with Him. I made it my life mission to share my testimony as well as encourage and support others whether they’ve experienced loss and trauma or simply want to live more abundantly using all the wellness tools I have experienced, professionally and personally.
Q: What’s one key thing you hope readers will learn from this book?
A: One thing I pray readers will learn from my book is the transformative power of resilience and faith in overcoming life’s most painful and challenging obstacles. Additionally, I aim to equip readers with evidence-based strategies and wellness tools, drawing from my extensive professional training.
In the book, we touch on topics such as gut health, sleeping well, nutrition, exercise, faith, and community. These aspects play a vital role in overall wellness and I want readers to discover practical ways to incorporate them in their lives for lasting health and well-being.
Just as I was encouraged with love, prayers, and support during my most difficult days, I would like to provide this same love-filled encouragement to anyone who needs it.
Q: How is the book interwoven with your faith?
A: My Christian faith is deeply and intricately woven into the book, specifically in the context of healing and wellness. I explore the profound connection between spirituality and well-being, highlighting how faith can be a source of strength, resilience, and inner peace. Jesus came so that we may live and live abundantly. We can serve Him and those around us best when we first care for ourselves.
I share how my faith, although it was terribly shaken during my loss, at a time when I experienced a huge sense of betrayal, has continued to be the foundation for my wellness journey. Whether it’s working out to a Spotify mix, gathering for a small group prayer meeting with my Surrender Sisters, or attending liturgy with my family, my faith has continued to enrich my journey. I want to share this with others.
Q: Do you have any advice or helpful hints for new writers?
A: When you feel even the smallest stirrings towards a topic, start making notes. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, take a moment to jot down the thought. With time, your passion can fuel your creativity.
Pray. Pray for God to open your heart, ears, and mind. Pray that your work may be given for His glory.
Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, doubt, or rejection. Continually renew your focus and purpose.
For me, I imagined that I was writing this for one person, a dear friend who was going through loss. I poured my heart and every insight I could gather into this book as I remained focused on that one person. The minute I started thinking of what others would think of my book, or trolls, or anything negative, I would hesitate. But as soon as I put my eyes back on Jesus and that one friend I was trying to support, it was easier to remain on track.
Q: Is there anything else of interest that you’d like to share?
A: In my spare time, I love to play spirited board games with my husband and three children (I am remarried and we are a blended family; I particularly like the term blended and blessed). I enjoy anything active, whether it’s swimming, hiking, dancing, or strength training. I love to sing out loud to my favourite worship playlist. I sound a little bit like an ailing seal, but that doesn’t stop me! I also really love to read; it’s the only time when I am able to remain still for very long periods.
Connecting Points
Find Sandra Tadros Guirguis online via:
Instagram
Website
You can also hear Sandra in an upcoming radio interview, to be broadcast in Ontario on Life 100.3 on the Get Up & Go Show, 5:30–9:00 a.m., on November 16, 2023.