Temporary Beauty
A Memoir about Panic Disorder and Finding Purpose through Art and Meditation
by Myles Katherine Coleman
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Pub Date 14 Apr 2024 | Archive Date 14 Sep 2025
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Description
Temporary Beauty is a collection of memories, poetic ponderings, travel adventures, journal entries, nightmares, and love stories, following Myles through her picturesque childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on to her adventure-filled twenties as a photographer in the Pacific Northwest, discovering herself as an artist. After her diagnosis of Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in high school, she spent her college years struggling to find her footing, finding solace in art, meditation, and travel. Temporary Beauty is a reflection of what it means to be a career-driven woman in modern society, an honest and unapologetic account of the darkness that mental illness can bring, and a conscious reminder of the fragility and beauty of human existence.
"And regardless of my mental illness, deep down I do believe that the day will come where I can walk through the woods, alone, and feel not an ounce of sadness or crippling fear. The grass will be filled with neon-green four-leaf clovers, and delicate pink blossoms will hang silently from the perfectly silhouetted fog-lined trees. I will smile to myself about all that I’ve accomplished. I’ll be proud of myself for defeating my unhinged mind. But that would mean that I’d have to have won the ultimate battle. The one between me and my anxiety. The one battle that never seems to end." — From Temporary Beauty
Advance Praise
"""This might be the best memoir I've ever read. Vulnerable, raw and honest, it was an inspiring read that made me feel connected to the world around me. I recommend it 100%, especially to those who struggle with mental illness."" - Evita Dallou
Rated 5 stars by Reader's Favorite
""Temporary Beauty: A Memoir about Panic Disorder and Finding Purpose through Art and Meditation by Myles Katherine Coleman offers an intimate, poignant look into the author's battles with mental health and her journey toward self-acceptance through art and mindfulness. Coleman divides her memoir into six sections, each named after a natural element, drawing from Buddhist Six Element Meditation practices. This structure grounds the narrative and mirrors the healing and calming process she experiences. The memoir takes readers on a transformative journey, beginning from Coleman’s early encounters with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder to her discovery of art as a means to quiet her mind. Her reflections on these experiences are honest and raw, capturing the relentless challenges of living with panic disorder. By sharing her struggles, Coleman creates a deeply relatable experience for readers who may feel isolated by their mental health challenges. Photographs taken by Myles Katherine Coleman during her travels add a unique layer to the memoir, offering moments of visual respite and connection to the natural world. These images testify to her passion and dedication to capturing beauty, even in personal darkness. Coleman’s writing, filled with vulnerability and resilience, will resonate with those with mental health struggles. Her story is one of hope, illustrating how art and meditation can be powerful tools for finding peace and meaning in life. Temporary Beauty provides a heartfelt testament to the power of art and mindfulness in managing the complexities of mental health. Coleman's journey inspires readers to seek healing and growth, embracing each moment of resilience."" - Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite"
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798218381639 |
| PRICE | US$7.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 376 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Katie S, Reviewer
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Temporary Beauty by Myles is a journey through the heart and mind of a young woman navigating life’s ups and downs with grace & resilience. The book is like a scrapbook of her life, filled with beautiful memories, poetic reflections, and honest glimpses into her struggles with mental health. Her journey is inspiring, especially as she learns to find peace in art, meditation, and travel. "Temporary Beauty" is more than just a memoir; it's a celebration of strength, creativity, and the delicate dance of life. If you're looking for a book that will leave you feeling inspired and connected to the fragility and empowerment of the human spirit, this one is for you! 💕
Thank you NetGalley & the author for my advanced reader copy.
Venus V, Reviewer
“I think the fact that I have anxiety leads to a fear of my anxiety taking over my life, which leads to a constant battle with myself to prove that I am not just anxiety. I do believe that I was meant for something much greater than that, which is why I continue to fight it every day.”
A scrapbook of Myles’s existence as she treads the fierce waters of living as a woman with an anxiety disorder. It includes her first hand accounts, photographs, journal entries, beautiful prose, triumphs and tribulations.
I immediately connected with Myles due to my own diagnosis of “panic disorder/generalized anxiety disorder.” The aloneness one can feel while having severe panic attacks daily and with constant triggers is absolutely crippling, and reading Myles’s story was like a mirror at times. But, she found herself within the chaos and as a reader and fellow worrier, it was lovely to see. She defied all odds and wrote a book, became an accomplished photographer, has a partner who accepts her completely. A worthwhile memoir, and I’m very happy to have read this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
Brandi S, Reviewer
Coleman is such a talented writer. You can feel the anxiety in her writing, but the good times she has are also described so well, and you can feel her ease during those points.
Mia C, Reviewer
Coleman's ability to put me on edge and give me anxiety purely by detailing her emotions and experiences should be studied
Liane E, Reviewer
Temporary Beauty is a raw and honest exploration of mental health and the power of creativity. Coleman's memoir is both heartbreaking and hopeful, as she shares her journey with panic disorder and how she found solace in art and meditation.
The book is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of her experiences and insightful reflections on the human condition. I found myself deeply moved by her vulnerability and resilience. If you're looking for a memoir that's both inspiring and thought-provoking, I highly recommend this one.
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