Joy, Regardless: A Memoir

A powerful memoir about embracing the unknown, reclaiming the feminine and rediscovering the wholeness that’s been hidden in your heart all along. On the outside, Lara Charles had everything she was supposed to need; but inside, a quiet ache left her longing for more. Then life gave her more . . . just not in the way she expected. One curveball (or two) later, Lara is forced to confront the inner beliefs and societal scripts that had kept her feeling ‘good’ but never truly whole. With raw honesty and a touch of humour, Lara invites readers on a transformative journey guided by ancient wisdom and wise souls – one that’s less about escaping to expensive meditation retreats and more about uncovering your true self in the thick of everyday life. Because true joy isn’t found elsewhere – it’s found, regardless.

Praise

"This really is such a beautifully written, insightful and honest memoir. I feel like I’m still catching my breath."
Kate Stevens
Book Editor, Australia
"Lara has written something quite unique — a truly inspirational story and one of great courage and faith. She has a real talent for storytelling, holding nothing back — drawing you in with every page. A must-read for any soul-searching woman."
Bernadette Agius
Author of I'm Staying at Richard's: Raising the Exceptional Son I Never Expected
"I’m filled with admiration for the dedication you’ve made not only to the craft of writing but to the art of being."
Betsy Rapoport
Book Editor, New York
"I enjoyed this book so much. It is a self-help book, also for people who don’t like self-help books, which is, in the end, the best type of self-help."
India Lopez
Book Editor, New Zealand
"Lara’s book is beautifully written and her unique voice shines through right from the start. It’s equal parts humorous and poignant but always unflinchingly honest. It is not only a cancer survivor’s story but a powerful story of her inner journey, which is the journey we all have in common, whether we have cancer or not."
Petrina Hargrave
Co-Founder, Thrivers Ark
"Lara's knowledge is no longer conceptual. It is no longer borrowed knowledge from spiritual teachers or teachings. Lara has taken a dive into herself in a true and deep way. Her writing reflects her special inner light of awareness, a light that many can benefit from its clarity in how to live with true purpose and in happiness."
Shikhaa
Spiritual Teacher and Co-founder of the Wisdom of Meditation Centre, New Zealand
"For me there was kindness and humility that came across in the book's message to the reader - no grand or daunting notion or achievement to aspire to, but rather an opening of possibility, an attainable way to deepen everyday experience despite the demands of day to day life. Lessons in integration, rather than seeking transformation through overhauling my whole life and being. In that way it was inspiring."
R Read
Beta Reader, New Zealand
“This book captivated me from the start and I could wholeheartedly relate. It is beautifully written - emotional, raw and real."
S Herring
Beta Reader, Australia

coming soon!

Joy, Regardless will be proudly self-published in collaboration with Dragonfly Publishing. Presales open in April 2025—sign up below to stay updated on the release!

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Tiny Buddha's Guide to Overcoming Hard Times

I’m honoured to have contributed to this beautiful e-book curated by Lori Deschene, founder of the global spiritual platform Tiny Buddha.
As Lori shares:
"Most people find their way to Tiny Buddha for the same reason—they’re hurting and looking for relief. Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone. Thousands of contributors have shared their stories over the years, many touching upon these same struggles. They’ve also shared the lessons that helped them build resilience, cope with their feelings, and not just survive but thrive.
With an introduction and conclusion from me (site founder Lori Deschene) and 40 of the site’s most popular posts on overcoming adversity, this e-book offers a wide variety of practical tips to help you navigate hard times."
This collection is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and that we’re never alone in our struggles.
click here to find out more and buy your copy
Copyright © 2025 Lara Charles. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Professional photography by Michelle Jacobson and Rebecca McMillian I work across the lands known as Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. In Australia, I acknowledge the Darkinjung People and the Guringai People, Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. In Aotearoa, I acknowledge and pay my respect to Māori as tangata whenua (First People) of Aotearoa New Zealand.