"One, two, three...I still can't find who I am suppose to be". When trying to think of what new topic to write about, my inspiration was literally right in front of me, in reference to me facing my book shelf. I don't read a lot, don't let the book shelf comment fool you by any means. When I do read, it is usually a book that holds great meaning to me. I have had a very hard year. In good times and in bad I am always seeking for advice. I am the type of person that doesn't like when people see me cry, however, I am open to being vulnerable when facing difficult situations. I like to hear others perspectives and opinions. I find it therapeutic, as well as helpful. When facing the numerous challenges that I have endured, I have been recommended "self-help books". You might be laughing, but it is true. Believe it or not there is a whole market for them, and Barnes and Nobles fills about three aisle worth. It is nice to think everyone is trying to give everyone advice right? Not exactly.
The thought came to me of how many self-help books or advice books I have received or read over the years that have actually helped. The books claim the solution to our problems to be so simple, and obvious. We all have heard or seen advertisements for things like "Get a six pack in 10 days if you do this workout". "Here are 5 easy steps to getting over your Ex" or "Here are 3 ways on how to become less worried". The advertisements allow the consumers to believe that if they just follow these "simple" rules of instruction that they will have their problems solved.
Why do we as consumer fall for it? Are we desperate looking for a quick fix? Are we tired? Perhaps feeling hopeless? I honestly think all of these and more could be the right answer to why we fall for the self-help advice, that doesn't seem to be doing much helping.
Life is a difficult game, that no one knows exactly how to play. There seems to be some skips or go back to jail cards in the pile, sprinkled in with a skip you, and a rare double your reward card in the deck. Not all advice you hear is good advice. This is coming from someone who has heard a lot of bad advice, but also some very helpful advice as well. Take information sometimes with "a grain of salt", as my mom likes to say. Don't follow everything you hear.
In all the books I have read, I can't say I have read one book that has given me all the answers. There are books that have guided me, and lead me to positive perspectives that perhaps I might not have figured on my own. Don't feel discouraged after reading or hearing advice if it t doesn't work for you. We are all different. No life or situations are exactly like another. What might work for you, might not work for someone else. Stay calm, stay true to yourself, and know it will work out the way it is suppose to in the end.
Maybe steps 4,5, and 6 will have the right answers...kidding!!
