“You are a miracle to be alive,” the doctor said, as he wheeled Charles McLellan into surgery, “and you were put there to save lives.”

The Story of Charles McLellan

Serving as the Program Director of the Wellness and Recovery Center North, Charles McLellan survived a horrific knife attack that claimed the lives of two of his colleagues. His mindfulness practice, honed throughout his life and numerous challenges, including addiction and serving time in prison, saved him in ways that astonished him during his darkest hour. Above all, it revealed the capacity of courage in the face of adversity and an inner strength we never knew existed, even when we think all hope is lost. No sooner had McLellan recovered from the attack than he was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer, and his journey, harrowing and enlightening, has revealed both the essence of who he is and what we all can be at our best—resilient, strong, and boundlessly capable of love and gratitude.

In Be Cool to Yourself, McLellan guides readers on their own journeys to healing, well-being, and cultivating inner strength through mindfulness. Combining hard-won insights into healing and trauma-informed mindfulness practices, he provides daily mindfulness practices to learn to love oneself, love others, and utilize the best of the human spirit. Be Cool to Yourself is a testament to the resilience that lies inside of every one of us, even when we face the unimaginable.

I meditate with my eyes closed, to live with my eyes open.

Charles McLellan

Rooted in California, Charles loves connecting with people, traveling and experiencing cultures with his wife Colleen and their dog. His journey is fueled by gratitude. Charles finds inspiration in transforming challenges into feeling like a badass.