'I've got some news': Inspirational Aussie Turia Pitt unveils bold new book Selfish, calling it the book she 'wishes' she had during her darkest days
The 37-year-old athlete and bestselling author, who lives in Sydney with her husband Michael Hoskin and their two young sons, revealed the news to fans on Wednesday.
"I've got some news. I've written a book, and called it SELFISH: how to unlearn the rules that are breaking you," she captioned a video post on Instagram.
In the clip, Pitt explained that she deliberately chose the title because she believes the word "Selfish" needs a "serious rebrand".
"We are told by the people around us, the people in our lives, by society, by the narratives that we see in the media, that we need to be selfless, that we need to put other people's needs ahead of our own," she said.
"And I bought into that narrative. I bought into that myth."
Pitt said trying to live by that rule left her feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, until she eventually suffered from a major burnout last year.
"This is a book that I really wish I had to help me navigate that time," she said.
The motivational speaker added that Selfish contains deeply personal reflections, including stories she's never shared publicly before.
"There are stories in this book that I haven't shared with anyone. So I'm a little bit nervous about the book going out into the wild," she said.
"If you feel lost, uncertain, or even like you're living life for someone else, I think this is the book for you."
Due out in October, Selfish is Pitt's sixth book since surviving the horrific 2011 grassfire that changed her life forever.
Then a 25-year-old mining engineer and ultra-marathon runner, Pitt was competing in the Racing the Planet: Kimberley ultramarathon when she and another runner were trapped in an out-of-control blaze.
She suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body, was placed in a medically-induced coma, lost seven fingers, and underwent more than 200 medical procedures.
Her recovery took two years.
Her debut memoir, Everything to Live For (2013), told the story of her life before and after the fire.
A follow-up, Unmasked, was released in 2015 and included a Young Adult edition.
Pitt has since released a number of other books, including Good Selfie, a self-confidence guide for teens, Happy (and other ridiculous aspirations), and even a children's picture book, titled Koko and the Coconut.
Fans have already flooded social media with support for Selfish.
"I love that you called it Selfish! You're right we all need to look after ourselves first," one follower wrote.
"I am not a book reader, but this one Turia- will definitely be in my hands and won't want to put it down.
"I am sure it will be beyond inspirational and authentic. Congratulations," added another.
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