Author writes book to help inspire others to empower their lives

Cathy Manherz holds her book “Just Because.”

A local author has written her first book with the aim of helping others be the best version of themselves.

Cathy Manherz has authored “Just Because – Empower Your Life Through Simple Acts of Purpose” and after only being published in August, the book is already in its second printing.

A motivational speaker and retired financial advisor, Manherz said the latter saw her work for a firm for 20 years before going out on her own. As a motivational speaker, she encourages people to follow their dreams and never give up.

“I’ve been speaking about becoming the best version of yourself,” said Manherz.

The book began in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic started. When the pandemic ended, progress on the book slowed until, in 2023, she decided to put speaking engagements on hold until the book was completed.

“I decided I should put my speaking notes on paper,” she said.

“Just Because” launched Aug. 6 and the first 500 are already sold.

“That told me there was a need for this sort of thing,” said Manherz.

The book is “a motivational guide,” she added. It contains what she said are inspirational stories she believes will help others as well as stories about people who have inspired her in her own life. 

One of those is her wife Patti’s grandmother, who lived to be 100-years-old.

“She was so much fun until the day she passed,” said Manherz.

The story of her sexuality is also in the book, as a chapter details her relationship and stories of her life as a gay woman.

Chapters also include acts of kindness, time management, trying new things and much more, with portions of the book acting as a workbook with exercises people can undertake while reading it. The title “Just Because” came from her performing acts of kindness and when asked why she did it, the reply was always “just because.”

“I just want to inspire people,” she said. “I don’t want people to just read the book. I want people to implement the book.”

People from all walks of life are buying, and enjoying, the new book, she reported.

“I think what I love about it is the demographic it’s reaching,” she said.

The book is 160 pages and Manherz said the intent is to have people read it quickly, go back and re-read it and implement what is inside.

Manherz had lived much of her life in London and Grand Bend but moved back to Amherstburg to be closer to her parents.

“I want to be here for the next chapter of their lives,” she said.

“Just Because” is $22.95 and published through Cranberry Tree Press. It is available locally at the River Bookshop, Carol’s Unisex Hair Design and Speck’s Restaurant. She is doing a talk at River Bookshop Nov. 9 from 1-3 p.m. It is also available through Indigo.

“I just want people to become the best versions of themselves,” she said. “That’s my message. Life is great. I want people to live their best lives.”

Author writes book to help inspire others to empower their lives

By Ron Giofu