First of all, this is not a book review!
These are the things I thought about while listening to the audiobook. So, I guess the book fulfilled an important purpose: it jump started my brain.
Here is a little background information:
I've noticed the book the last few months. I remember it showing up on Audible, Amazon and the display of every bookstore. And let's face it, the title is intriguing.
I kept on picking it up and reading the beginning when browsing through bookstores. Then my brother-in-law also told me that it is on his to-read-list. Shortly after, I saw someone I follow on Instagram also mentioning it (Thank you, Nichkhun). I was wondering why it keeps popping up.
Since I'm slightly paranoid and always show up way too early to absolutely avoid being late, I have a lot of waiting time. I usually spend it listening to my favorite songs over and over again (again & again?^^), but then I decided to use my accumulated Audible credits and get the audiobook.
I'm not a self-help book reader. I prefer reading about fictitious stories and even biographies and science sometimes, but the overall reaction to the book made me curious. Well that and the title.
I especially like the beginning of the book. I was actually cracking up (laughing) during the first couple of chapters because they were so on point and I was able to identify situations in my life and the life of people closest to me with it.
But then I started thinking. In general, the insights make perfect sense. Honestly, we might have already thought the same things ourselves, but why does it feel different to hear them out loud?
Have you ever said or hear someone say "I've never said this out loud..."? Well, my best friend Sarah just said that to me last week, that's why the thought popped into my mind.
We think a lot (well some of us anyway) but we don't always say it out loud. Sometimes hearing the actual words, makes it seem more real. It's probably a little superstitious. Well anyway, saying things out loud can make us feel better. It can be a release.
~~ Still try to select special individuals to open up to! I don't suggest saying deep personal stuff like this to a stranger, acquaintance or even work colleague. Don't serve your heart on a silver platter for everyone to stab at, because let's face it, there are a lot of horrible people out there.
So when in doubt, just talk to yourself (out loud). It's not crazy! Sometimes you just have to talk to someone that takes you seriously and gives great advice. Hehe. ~~
Anyway... That's why I decided from now on, I'll try to write about more honest things and maybe help somebody who is struggling through something similar. And - by using the book as an example - I'll try to embrace my imperfection a little bit more.
I feel like hearing what others say (if you can identify yourself with it), sometimes makes things easier, because you realize, others have similar experiences and that might change your outlook on (the seriousness of) your situation, or it gives you an idea on how to work through it.
I hope, at one point, my words make a difference for someone. Maybe even improve someone's life.
So from now on, I will try to be a little bit more honest about myself.
I will still post reviews and photos of events or concerts, but I feel like just posting these things makes my life seem more glamorous and special than it actually is. Even though, that was never my intention! I just wanted to share things that got neglected at work.
So, besides the things I assume are more interesting, I will throw some personal realizations in, every once in while.
I almost typed "I hope that is okay", but - thinking of the book - I stopped myself. Well, I still typed it, but with a different intention. I want to share some things and if some people don't want to know about it, well it's their decision to read it or not. That's one of the f*cks I'm not going to give and instead focus it on something more important!
Seriously, read the book. It's great! =)
