A new book by Linda L.M. Worley, MD
Smooth Sailing Life®
Navigate Your Life, Live Your Purpose, and Make a Difference in the World
One picture of a sailboat, easy to recall in the heat of the moment, to help you recognize what is happening and see a way through.
Coming December 3, 2026
free
With my compliments
The metaphor at a glance
What each part of the sailboat stands for, plus a quick check of your own vessel. I’ll email it to you.
The companion workbook
Created especially for readers: all the exercises from the book, plus a few extras, with room to write.
Look for the link inside your copy.
A book club guide
Discussion questions for reading the book together.
Coming soon.
Your book club, with me
Reading it together? Tell me about your group. When my schedule allows, I love to join by video.
Sometimes you discover your purpose in your lowest moments.
I was a young physician, not long out of training. We had two young children, my husband was still in training, and our family depended on my salary. I was drowning. Sleep-deprived, I was caring for patients in a broken system I passionately believed needed fixing. I hit a wall the day my boss told me to look the other way and work even harder if I wanted to keep my job. Once in the privacy of home, I finally curled up and sobbed.
“I can’t do this. I’m capsizing!”
Finding me in that moment, my husband, Mark, pulled me close and whispered, “Reef in your sails, my love. Reef in your sails.”
And in that instant, the Smooth Sailing Life Nautical Metaphor began to take shape.
Each of us was born in the form of a sailboat
For more than three decades, I’ve taught this metaphor to patients, physicians, students, and coaching clients. Each part of the boat stands for a part of you. Once you can picture it, it’s easier to see what needs your attention.
“One flame. Lighting another. And another. Until the darkness simply has no room left.”
From the closing chapter of Smooth Sailing Life
Welcome, friends
I’m determined, optimistic, and idealistic, with a hint of a rebel mixed in. I love to tackle vexing problems and challenges with unconventional solutions.
These days, my greatest joy is encouraging others to live authentically and reach for their fullest potential. Smooth Sailing Life is the manual I wish I’d had: practical wisdom gathered over three decades as a psychiatrist, educator, and coach.
Early praise
“Smooth Sailing Life offers what many self-help books promise but few deliver: a practical, memorable framework for understanding ourselves with honesty and compassion.”
Rev. David Wheeler
Senior Minister, New Covenant Christian Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“For the first time in a long time I believe burnout will not defeat me.”
Tonya Balmakund, MD
Professor of Child Neurology, Arkansas Children’s Northwest, Fayetteville, Arkansas
“Engaging with Dr. Worley’s
Smooth Sailing Life can
transform you from
passenger to captain of your
own ship.”
Reid Finlayson, MD, MMHC
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (ret.), Vanderbilt Health, Nashville, Tennessee
Get the book
Three ways to read it
Pre-orders open in early November.
The book publishes December 3, 2026.
Color hardcover
Full color throughout. A keepsake edition, and a lovely gift. Available only here.
Printed to order; please allow extra time for delivery.
Coming soon
Paperback
Black-and-white interior. Available on Amazon.
Coming soon
Kindle
In color on a Kindle Fire; black and white on classic Kindle readers. Available on Amazon.
Coming soon
Want to know when pre-orders open?
Write to me
Have a question about the book, a story to share, or simply want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you. I read every message.
Prefer email? Write to me at drWorley@SmoothSailingLife.com.
A note about your well-being: I’m no longer in clinical practice, and writing to me doesn’t create a physician–patient relationship, so I can’t offer individual medical or mental health advice. If you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911. Read the full disclaimer.