The Light Switch Myth: Contemporary Approaches to Creating Lasting Change

Available in eBook, Paperback, and Hardcover.

"I want to start by saying what a gift you are offering to others with sharing your knowledge and understanding of healing. I think it was a beautiful mix between information and reflective opportunities. Using language that makes sense to others is key and I think you accomplish that."

-Anonymous MSW, RCSW (Clinical counselor, reviewed for ethics and accuracy)

"I just wanted to let you know I got your book and really liked reading it. I love the way you inserted self reflection sections..in really logical spaces. This is really great. This is such a great work and I know its a journey; I will use your philosophy of little steps are progress...moving forward is an accomplishment. And to not self judge if I stall out. We all do need self care, especially those of us in the helping professions. "

-K.S. RN & Author

"A book that fosters change in a healthier, more compassionate light." - Nicky Flowers Indies Today

“The Light Switch Myth provides thoughtful, empathetic, and realistic guidance… reminding us that lasting change comes through self-acceptance, not self-criticism.” - Jeyran Main

Featured in Review Tales Magazine (Winter 2026)

"What makes this book especially resonant is its tone. Vere does not position herself as an authority removed from struggle, but as someone who has walked and continues to walk the path alongside the reader. The result is a work that feels validating rather than prescriptive, supportive rather than demanding."

Katie -February 8, 2026

"What stood out to me most is the author’s ability to describe why so many attempts at self-improvement stall or collapse. The book thoughtfully explores how habits, expectations, criticism, and past experiences shape our responses to change. The discussion of how people set moving targets for themselves, underestimate the weight of past wounds, or quietly undermine their own progress felt especially perceptive."

Mike C -February 4th, 2026

"A friend recommended "The Light Switch Myth," and it exceeded my expectations. I anticipated another self-help book selling quick fixes, but Kerisma Vere delivers genuine honesty instead. The title stems from her brilliant metaphor about how we expect change to happen instantly, like flipping a switch, when real transformation is gradual and messy. Change takes time, and this book doesn't pretend otherwise.."

Julie C -January 26th, 2026

"Vere tackles the gap between wanting to change and actually transforming one's life. While desire comes easily, sustained transformation proves elusive for most. Vere provides practical implementation strategies and maintenance techniques rather than mere motivation."

Danielle L -January 5th 2026

Now Available

Ways I Showed Up for Myself: A 60-Day Self-Gratitude Practice A stand alone and companion journal to The Light Switch Myth

Designed to help you end your days with recognition rather than self-criticism.

Many people go to sleep replaying everything they think they did wrong — missed moments, unfinished tasks, and internalized “shoulds.” Over time, this pattern reinforces shame, pressure, and all-or-nothing thinking. Sustainable change doesn’t grow from that place.

This journal offers a different approach.

Instead of focusing on external achievements or generic gratitude, Ways I Showed Up for Myself invites you to notice and acknowledge the small, often invisible ways you showed up for yourself — emotionally, mentally, or physically — even when no one else noticed or praised those efforts.

Through supportive prompts, you will be guided to reflect on:

• moments that felt hard

• where courage, patience, or compassion were required

• how you supported yourself, even imperfectly

• what you maintained, returned to, or experimented with

• and what you were able to let go of for the day

This is not a productivity tool, a positivity journal, or a checklist for self-improvement. It’s a trauma-informed, values-based journaling practice that helps you build self-awareness, self-compassion, and internal motivation.

Designed to take just five to ten minutes, this journal works especially well as a nightly self-reflection practice, helping shift bedtime mental loops from self-criticism to self-compassion. At the same time, it encourages personalization — you’re invited to follow your intuition, skip prompts that don’t fit, and adapt the practice to your needs and schedule.

About the Book

About The Book

The Light Switch Myth challenges the idea that change should be instant, permanent, and all-or-nothing. Drawing from my own lived experiences, alongside my understanding of multiple therapeutic approaches and proven models of change, it blends personal stories, compassionate insights, and practical strategies into a new vision of what sustainable transformation looks like.

This book is for anyone who has felt defeated by “quick fix” promises or overwhelmed by the pressure to do everything at once. Instead, it offers a gentler path: one step at a time, rooted in self-compassion, flexibility, and realistic tools that actually last. It can be a starting place to shift away from perfectionism, harsh inner dialogue, and unrealistic expectations of what real change looks like. I have travelled this path and know it is possible to integrate new approaches and strategies that are kinder, ore sustainable, and ultimately more rewarding. I wrote this book to help others who struggle in the ways I once did and sometimes still do.

Inside, not only will you learn about the origin and cost of some of our unhelpful and limiting beliefs and strategies but you will find encouragement, relatable examples, and small practices that help you trust yourself, quiet shame, and create meaningful progress without burning out.

We all hope for support, encouragement, and understanding from others, but what if we could also learn how to provide that to ourselves, particularly when we are struggling to create change, grow, or heal in ways that are important to us.

Curious what it feels like in practice? Read a short excerpt below — or explore the full sample on the Sneek Peak Page

“The idea that change should be immediate—like flipping a light switch—is so deeply woven into our culture that we often don’t even notice it. We carry this belief in our language, our expectations, and the stories we tell ourselves and each other… But this rule isn’t the truth. It’s a myth. And like many myths, it didn’t appear out of nowhere—it has roots. Once we understand where the light switch model comes from, we can begin to uproot it.”

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

“What I gained from your book is hope — the kind that doesn’t come from promises of instant change, but from the freedom to grow at my own pace. You gave me permission to be human and reminded me that as long as I keep walking the road, I am moving forward.”

— Glory

“I walked away with a lighter perspective. I don’t have to flip a switch — I can take one steady step at a time.”

— Cyndy

“Setbacks are not proof of failure but part of the natural, nonlinear process of change.”

— Sarah

“So far I thinks it’s interesting, easy to read and comprehend. Also well written. PS I haven’t read a book in 22 years"

— K.L.

“One of the things I’ve struggled with is being really hard on myself and feeling like I have to change everything right away. I have struggled with perfectionism in my life, and that kind of thinking usually just leaves me paralyzed . I came across a book called The Light Switch Myth, and so far I’ve found it to be a really helpful resource.”

— J.W.

“I am reading your BOOK, congratulations it's well thought out and well done. So proud of you Kerisma . This won't be your only book. Love you to the moon and back.”

— D

(Admittedly this is my Aunt :) )

The Author

Kerisma Vere is the founder of Towards Wellness Coaching, a writer, and a passionate advocate for sustainable change. Drawing from personal experience, formal and informal education, as well as her coaching practice, Kerisma blends compassion, strategy, and creativity to help others walk their own path toward lasting transformation. Her own path of wellness has been a lifelong journey, unfolding in many directions and teaching her that change, healing, & growth are rarely linear. This lived experience has provided her with deep insight into many of the struggles some of us face and continues to shape the perspective she brings to both her coaching and writing. To learn more please visit us at towardswellness.ca

My Commitment to Accessibility and Integrity

The Light Switch Myth was written to reach people who need encouragement, compassion, and realistic tools for change. I believe cost should never be a barrier to accessing that support.
If your circumstances do not allow you to purchase the book at this time, please reach out to me through the contact form on my website. I will gladly provide you with a free PDF copy.
In the spirit of paying it forward, I ask only one thing in return: if the book resonates with you, please share an honest review — either directly with me, or publicly on Goodreads. Your feedback helps others discover the book and extends its impact to even more people who may need it.
This is part of my commitment to integrity and accessibility: ensuring that support, encouragement, and practical tools are available to everyone, regardless of circumstance.