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i finally finished this book after working through it for the past few months!
it's a pretty basic and entry-level introduction to the whole "self help" genre, which for sure has some pitfalls, however i did think that it was pretty comprehensive. i also really enjoyed that this book was meant for someone who is skeptical of this whole genre (i definitely am...), and i felt like that really helped me to be open-minded while reading it :D i have some critiques of this book, but generally, i think it did more good than bad.
i would recommend if you're trying to make some changes in your life and the thought of reading a self-help book you nauseous. i'd rate it a 7/10, but some of the lessons were a 10/10!
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my therapist told me i should read this book. i dismissed it because it was categorized as self-help. i was expecting it to tell me that my material conditions would go away if i changed my attitude. the neoliberal ideology that makes this genre so harmful. but i tried and i found it really really useful!
the thesis of the book is that you don't need to obey your thoughts and feelings or struggle against them. you can accept and acknowledge them without making them control you. this approach helped me reconceptualize what was going on inside my head. i don't think i ever would have figured this out on my own. there's also exercises that you can try. think trial and error. you just need to find one that works for you.
not everything in this book will apply to everyone. depending on your material conditions it might be a waste of time. there are valid reasons to hate your life. in those situations you should try to change your life and not your attitude. but if you are just looking for a new attitude this could be useful.
one concept i found really helpful was listening to the voice in your head like an anxious older relative. they have good intentions and are very concerned about you. but they're not always right or reasonable. and when they are it doesn't mean you have to listen to them. just laugh and say thanks. i know you are trying to be helpful. but i don't need your advice right now. then go and live your life how you want to.
Dec 4, 2024
I had found myself at a crossroads in life and this book really changed how I see shit.
Mar 18, 2025
So I read way too much fiction so Im trying to balance it out by listening to nonfiction audiobooks that will give me some life skills hehe. I started with this book (spotify audiobook linked) and i really like it so far! my mom recommended it to me and its really interesting so far because it follows Adlerian Psychology and I just love learning about different psychological perspectives and such. Theres also another book called The Courage to be Happy by the same authors and its definitely going to be my next listen.
Jan 14, 2025
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starting my thanksgiving vacation right with a glass (or two) of white wine + my current read :)
i'm gonna write a review of the book on here once i finish, but so far i am absolutely loving it!!!!!
Nov 25, 2024
omg i really dont know why but i am soooo so so obsessed with cranberry sauce
bonus points if it's from a can AND more bonus points if its still in the shape of the can
Nov 24, 2024
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i've recently been coming out of a huuuge depressive slump, and the best thing i did for myself was to start waking up a little bit earlier for work, make myself a yummy coffee, and sit by my big window and read + think for ~20 mins. it boosts my mood soooo much throughout the day and helps me to be so much more mindful
Nov 25, 2024