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Has a Self-Help Guide Ever Helped You?
I’m seeking advice wherever I can find it, and really appreciate of all your helpful comments. (Please keep them coming.) Yesterday, a friend chimed in with what she’s sure is the definitive answer. Read anything by Rumi.
Illustration by Hope Gangloff. See her paintings at Susan Inglett Gallery.
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When I was 16 years old, an ex-teacher of mine who I was very close to recommended I read “Revolution From Within” by Gloria Steinem. It was about self-esteem. I remember reading it and crying.
I can’t really say if I recommend you read it, because it was a long time ago and I don’t know what you are going through. But at one point, a book did help.
I was really helped by several personal finance self-help books eleven years ago. All of a sudden, I became that person who files their taxes early, owns a label-maker, and is really organized. I have not acheived all my financial goals, but at least now I don’t “forget” to pay my bills or pay everything late. About the same time I was inspired by a book called “Learning to Think Like Leonardo DaVinci.” I don’t think I really successfully implemented any new way of thinking based on this book, but it was interesting to read.
I have a 20-year-old copy of “A Fine Romance,” by Judith Sills, which is available on Amazon. It’s sane, intelligent and oddly reassuring . It was the last book I ever bought about dating and commitment … and if I’d read it 10 years earlier I could have avoided a lot of heartache.
Wishing you better days ahead, Wendy!
Thanks for the suggestion. Looking forward to the upswing!
I read, and for a long time depended on, “Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It helped me connect with and accept myself for who I am and become a more authentic version of myself.
Good luck in the search!
I find that any book by Charlotte Joko Beck, or Shunryu Suzuki is helpful for reminding one of the basics. I don’t sit, did for awhile, but I still find that on bad days I can grab either of these books, and just open on a random page, to find some perspective.
When I was young(er), I swore by A Fine Romance by Judith Sills. It’s full of really smart advice about how to navigate a relationship. I haven’t picked it up in 15 years, but I still remember some of the advice. My favorite is “you can’t make him want you; he has to get there on his own…and he might not…and you have to let it go”. Not those exact words, my interpretation. Still good advice
eleanore
http://www.TheSpinsterliciousLife