OVERWHELMED? SCARED? AFRAID? These three words only BEGIN to describe the feelings that rushed through Donna. She faced an angry ocean and a powerful rip current that threatened the lives of her son and nephew. But these words are ALSO experienced by many young people today as they face their own “rip currents” in life.
In Break That Grip, Donna shares the powerful parallels between respecting the ocean and respecting life. She shares her heartfelt stories and equips young people with strategies to free themselves from their inner critic. Repeatedly applying the easy-to-remember steps will produce more positive outcomes, and we’ll experience a brighter life. This book is for people who want to expand, evolve, and finish strong.
- Learn strategies for remaining calm and positive.
- Harness your true potential.
- Equip yourself with tools for problem-solving.
- Appreciate and grow from challenges.
- Rip Current Survival Strategy
What if surviving the ocean could teach you how to survive life?
When author Donna Bollinger pulled her son and nephew from a deadly rip current, she discovered more than an ocean survival strategy — she found a powerful life strategy for overcoming fear, anxiety, and stress.
In Break That Grip: Lessons from the Ocean of Life, you’ll learn how to recognize the “rip currents” of negative thoughts, panic, and pressure — and discover practical tools to break free, stay calm, and reclaim your joy.
Inside this inspiring book, you’ll discover:
Proven ocean safety strategies and rip current survival lessons that also apply to everyday struggles.
The S.O.A.R. strategy (Stop, Observe, Adjust, Reframe) to escape fear and build resilience.
The R.I.S.E. strategy (Respond, Inhale, Stay warm, Exhale) to strengthen relationships and respond with compassion.
Stories, songs, and activities that bring these lessons to life for both youth and adults.
How CPR starts with the heart — why being prepared emotionally is as vital as physical readiness.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or young adult, this book equips you with life skills education, emotional resilience strategies, and personal growth coaching tools to overcome challenges with confidence.
If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in life’s rip currents, this book offers a lifeline.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
Self-Help / Motivational & Inspirational
Education / Leadership & Character Development
Juvenile Nonfiction / Safety & Social Topics
Personal Growth
Donna thought it was her job to save everyone with all of her own strength until her life and the lives of her loved ones were threatened by a rip current on the beach of Emerald Isle, North Carolina. After this experience, she became increasingly determined to learn how to apply proven strategies, which she previously ignored, for escaping these swift and deadly channels of water that surge away from the shore. As she trained with seasoned lifeguards and first responders, she began to recognize the distinct analogy between learning how to manage the ocean and learning how to manage her thoughts and feelings. Being a single mother of four, an animated storyteller, and a creative composer, Donna shares fun and helpful stories along with her powerful message that teaches how to overcome those strong currents in the ocean and how to apply that same strategy when gripped by paralyzing riptides of emotions in life. While reading this book, you can apply and practice the easy-to-remember steps, and your outlook on life will improve dramatically. There has never been a better time in history to implement these universal lifesaving strategies to save ourselves and our planet.- Learn strategies for remaining calm and positive.- Harness your true potential.- Equip yourself with tools for problem-solving.- Appreciate and grow from challenges.- Embrace who you truly are.
