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Words We Carry

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“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it, deflating my own ego without the help of anyone else.”

What do our shopping habits, high-heeled shoes, and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect how we choose our relationships now?
D.G. takes us on a journey, unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions demonstrate how the hurtful events in our lives linger and set the tone for how we value our own self-worth.
Words We Carry is a raw, personal accounting of how the author overcame the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love herself.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2014

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50 people want to read

About the author

D.G. Kaye

11 books146 followers


D.G. Kaye is a nonfiction/memoir writer. Kaye writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.

Kaye writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and the lessons that were taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome some of the many obstacles that challenged her. From an emotionally neglected childhood, to growing up with a narcissistic mother, leaving her with a severely deflated self-esteem, D.G. began seeking a path to rise above her issues.

When Kaye isn't writing intimate memoirs, she'll bring her natural sense of humor into her other works.

D.G. began writing when pen and paper became tools to express her pent-up emotions during a turbulent childhood. She began writing notes and cards for the people she loved and admired when she was afraid to use her own voice. She journaled about life, and her opinions on people and events. Later she began writing poetry and health articles for a Canadian magazine as her interest was piqued by natural healthcare.

D.G. began reading extensively on the subject of natural health care after encountering quite a few serious health issues. Against many odds, Kaye has overcome adversity several times throughout her life.

Kaye looks for the good and the positive in everything and believes in paying it forward.

“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”


Her Favourite Saying: "Live. Laugh. Love …and don’t forget to breathe!" is her website logo, to remind herself and others that we often forget to take a pause.


You can find D.G. on social media and her author and blog pages:

www.dgkayewriter.com
www.goodreads.com/dgkaye
www.amazon.com/author/dgkaye7
www.linkedin.com/in/dgkaye7
www.google.com/+DebbyDGKayeGies
www.twitter.com/@pokercubster
www.facebook.com/dgkaye
www.about.me/d.g.kaye.writer

Books: www.smarturl.it/bookconflictedhearts
www.smarturl.it/bookMenoWhatAMemoir
www.smarturl.it/bookwordswecarry
www.smarturl.it/bookHaveBags

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Fiza Pathan.
Author 42 books393 followers
February 21, 2024
‘Words We Carry’ by motivational coach and stellar author D.G. Kaye is a book that will revolutionize the way you perceive yourself and those around you. The book is engaging, inspirational, highly motivating, and written with the exuberance of an author who walks the talk. I was especially stunned by this book which made me question my own negative perceptions about people and their interactions with me and which now I hope to change or resolve. All this was thanks to this amazing motivational self-help book on self-esteem and our many obsessions in life – get your copy of this book today!

The book focusses on the way the stellar author Kaye has managed to overcome her past inhibitions and negativities by focusing on her positive aspects and attributes. She does not merely write about this in a simplistic or matter of fact manner, but in a way that will act as an educational tool or as an analogy for her readers, who she is coaching through this fantastic book. Her real-life story of growing up with a difficult mother and how she has risen above her childhood demons play an intrinsic and interesting role in this little book. Through her own personal journey of self-discovery, she guides the reader to their own core or essence which is done in a beautiful and wholistic manner.

Self-Esteem, Positivity, Relationships, Obsessions, Diversity and Positive Self-Talk are the topics discussed here in a heart-to-heart manner in this gem of a book. It is a quick read but the powerful words of this very unusual self-help or non-fiction writer will stay with you for a long time to come. And to remind everyone, that is exactly what a self-help or better yourself book should be like and not like an unending barrage of unwanted information and statistics!

The one thing I personally abhor in the self-help non-fiction books of today are the number of statistics, graphs, pie charts, et al., to confuse the reader even more than they already are, but in Kaye’s book, I found none of that which I highly appreciated. Instead, I found real soul curry which infused in me the will to live, move on, and take on the world as it is without having any expectations. I found analogies in her book which I could relate with even as an urban Indian growing up in Mumbai. Lastly, I found that I could hear the genuineness in the words of inspiration penned by the author which calmed my frayed nerves and eased the tension in my head, making me realize that it is okay to be yourself, even if you are starting to slowly realize that at age 34.

I found humility in her text as well which is sadly lacking in the self-help books of today. The Self-Help books of today are too arrogant, proud, and self-absorbed – you feel that the author instead of advising you is actually pounding you with his or her words in a brutal and invasive manner without consideration for the past feelings and baggage of the individual. You won’t find that aggressive pounding in ‘Words We Carry’ and for once, the book will be what it is: a calming relief in the midst of a storm of worries and anxieties. A true self-help book indeed!

I loved the portions about the various obsessions of the author which have been chronicled in a vibrant and colorful manner. Let not the reader be fooled. This portion of the text does coincide and has a direct relation to the main topic at hand which is building self-esteem in an individual. I enjoyed reading about the author’s love for make-up, shoes, clothing, and the like. I have also a similar obsession with books and curiosities so I could relate with her on that aspect. What I admired about it however was how she linked it up with self-esteem and that was really a clever move on her part. Witty, energetic, and full of life is what screams out at the reader from her words making the readers otherwise dark and cloudy day full of light and life. Kaye’s energy is seriously contagious!

Her advice on relationships and how we tend to attract partners according to our personality types is worthy of perusal. She emphasizes the need for positive self-talk and the importance of transparency in relationships, even ones on the internet which was handled in a brilliant manner. These portions really kept me engaged and up all night reading.

Women will especially find this book to be very helpful and effective, especially those who’ve been trying to attract a potential partner for years but have not really understood why they always seem to miss the bus. Those women who are facing abuse in their romantic relationships will also find this book rewarding and enriching, especially those who are living-in with their partners.

I’m a perfectionist by nature and have always been hard on myself. This month was a tough month for me, and I was being especially brutal with myself. But Kaye’s book was a relief indeed and it made me look at my life realistically. It made me realize among other things that only I know how far I have come and how much I have achieved, and if I’m not going to be my own bestie internally, who is going to be? This kind of positive self-talk goals penned in an easy-to-understand manner is what makes up ‘Words We Carry’. If you need some positive self-talk today, look no further than this motivational coach – D.G. Kaye!

Uniquely handled and absorbing is what I found ‘Words We Carry’ to be, grab your copy of this impactful book on self-help today and unleash the power of positivity in your life.

D.G. Kaye obviously gets 5 stars from me! Kudos to her on a job well done!

I can’t wait to check out more of her books in the coming days and weeks.
Profile Image for Sally Cronin.
Author 23 books190 followers
November 9, 2017
Words We Carry is packed with the accumulated knowledge, wisdom, survival tips and strategies from someone who went through difficult and unhappy childhood and teen years.

I think it is fair to say that most of us are less than confident about our body shape, and that is particularly tough when you can no longer use the excuse of puppy fat, and your friends are heading out in slinky black dresses and high-heeled shoes.

Unfortunately, not all mothers are born with the nurturing gene and as soon as you become competition, there is an opportunity to reinforce your lack of self-esteem with carefully chosen and cutting words. I would like to think that the experiences that D.G. Kaye describes were rare, but I am afraid that after counselling women on their health and weight for twenty years, the story is very familiar.

Those harmful words from those who are supposed to love us, are the ones we carry throughout our lifetime, unless we can find a way to dilute their power and replace them with affirmations of a much more positive nature.

D.G. Kaye describes her strategies to claim her own identity, build her self-esteem and evolve from the ugly duckling that she had been made to feel she was, into a swan. This involved a makeover in a number of departments, including wearing high heels at all times and over every terrain, and standing out from the crowd with her now signature titian hair colour. She also developed a healthy, outgoing personality and independence that led her to discover groups of people who accepted and embraced her as a friend.

In the second section of the book Kaye looks at the impact this early negative conditioning had on her relationships, including romances with older men whose different approach to dating and expectations provided a more secure environment. Unfortunately, having entered one serious and long-term relationship, echoes of the verbal abuse that she received as a child and teenager, threatened to undo all the hard work that she had accomplished. Thankfully she went on to find happiness and empowerment with someone who appreciates all that she has become.

Kaye looks at issues such as the difference between Alone vs. Lonely, Negativity and Self-Worth, Forming Healthier Relationships, and importantly Exposing our Personality Through the Internet. All the chapters provide commonsense strategies to overcome a lack of self-confidence, and I do think that women and men in their 50s and 60s, will definitely be able to draw parallels to Kaye's own experiences.

Whilst I recommend this memoir/self-help book to men and women of my age, I also think that it should be read by all mothers whose daughters are heading into their teens and beyond. It might just remind them of how fragile their child is when about to face the outside world, and that there are enough external challenges to be overcome, without encountering them in the place they should feel safe.

It is also a book for young women who are struggling with weight issues and those who feel that they are not as attractive as their friends, or who feel that they are somehow going through something never experienced before.

There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. By reading this they might take strength in knowing that this is an age old problem, and that they can change the narrative and write their own story.
Profile Image for K.D. Dowdall.
Author 4 books59 followers
March 20, 2020
It is my belief that every woman on the planet should read this non-fiction inspirational story that reveals the negative self-esteem experiences that many if not all women encounter during various incidents throughout their lives, and the consequences of those experiences often begin in early childhood.
D.G. Kaye writes with empathy, compassion, and a plethora of knowledge using her own experiences to help other women understand the importance of realizing their sense of self that is intimately associated with our self-worth. Self-worth is not a vanity and it not excessive pride. It is how we access our own sense of being, of who we are.
The author, D.G. Kaye, writes with a warm-hearted conversational style that beautifully eliminates dogma and in effect the judging of us, by us, and others for what we may perceive as a failure to have fallen victim to ridicule, to embarrassment, and instead we begin to believe in our personalities and our value in the world.
Our society often appears to judge women by our appearance: a cultural sense of what beauty is, a person’s station in life, and least but not last – money. If as a child we experienced being bullied, laughed at, ignored, and ridiculed, our self-worth without a positive, loving alternative from your parents, grandparents, and siblings—is damaged and our chances of feeling unlovable, inadequate, and homely take root in our psyche. A psyche that is damaged presents difficulties in our self-expression, our personalities, and our ability to thrive in the world without a sense of inadequacy. This sense of inadequacy leaves us open to being further damaged by others.
D.G. Kaye, the author, encourages us, helps us to understand, and presents a rationale that can and does present a newer, healthier view of ourselves as well as to develop healthier relationships. Once we rid ourselves of negativity, jealousy, envy, and that awful feeling of inadequacy, our inner personalities, our joy of life, and our sense of inner happiness will begin to shine.
D.G. Kaye’s inspirational non-fiction for women is the best of its kind that I have ever read, and a must read for all women. I give this book a 5-star rating.
Profile Image for Lisa Thomson.
Author 5 books22 followers
July 19, 2018
This would make a wonderful women's book club read! There is so much material in "Words We Carry" that women will relate to, and want to weigh-in on. Physical beauty vs. inner beauty, self acceptance, fashion, make up, relationships and how they all converge to create a positive self image and overall lifestyle.

D. G. Kaye shares her childhood and early adult experiences that shaped her self esteem. She also shares many ways to improve self esteem for anyone who has gone through a tough childhood or devastating relationships. She courageously bares all to help the reader understand that confidence and self esteem are within our own control. I give this a solid 5 stars and highly recommend for women young or old.

Author 7 books15 followers
January 8, 2018
As a writer, I have immense respect for fellow writers who share their personal journeys and challenges with the sole intent to help ease the burdens of others. In Words We Carry: Essays of Obsession and Self-Esteem, Author D.G. Kaye not only shares her very personal journey to self-worth, she does so with an enlightened, grateful heart. Personally, I loved Kaye’s candid, engaging, and often times humourous writing style. This is an incredibly personal read and one that offers guided hope and encourages self-reflection.

Our lives are shaped by our experiences; every encounter, every moment holds the capacity to build us or break us. Our resiliency to endure and overcome, in large part, correlates with how we see ourselves, how we value our self-worth. Kaye doesn’t profess to be an expert on this topic; the value of this book lies in the authentic approach in which she shares her personal journey. Our self-esteem and personal acceptance are intrinsic to a life of fulfillment, a life of joy. Our ability to celebrate our unique qualities and embrace our imperfections is not a simple endeavour, but it is possible. Amazing things transpire from this inner peace, and this memoir is a testament to that truth. Kaye brilliantly shares her journey to self-love, her tenacious spirit shines bright, her words are an offering of hope for those who may be struggling to chart their own course. Her approach is genuine, her encouragement sincere. She is in your corner! A highly recommended high-star read!
Profile Image for Janice Spina.
Author 53 books111 followers
August 19, 2016
A thought-provoking book!

The author candidly shares her feelings over issues of self-esteem and Inadequacy that stemmed from her family life. She opens her heart and pours out the pain and suffering that she had to endure before she found her true self.

She relates her experience with ill-fitted relationships and how she saved herself from being dragged down by their harmful psychological and mental abuse. Everyone at one time can feel the angst that she describes from jealous friends, possessive mates or just selfish and self-centered people that come into one's life.

She put her best foot forward and overcame depression and rose to the top with a positive attitude, a smile on her face, and a jaunt in her step and self-esteem. Debbie Gies is an inspiration to anyone who feels trapped in their life.

Words We Carry was an inspiring look into the life of this lovely, caring, and resilient woman told through her heart-felt words and sense of humor in the worst of times. I look forward to more insightful books by this talented author.
Profile Image for Deborah.
Author 12 books116 followers
September 9, 2016
‘Words We Carry: Essays of Obsession and Self-Esteem’ is a perfect title for this collection of memoirs about growing up with self-esteem issues, and the obsessions created by that situation, both in defence, and in growth and recovery.
D.G. Kaye presents us with another no-holds-barred insight into her difficult childhood, and how it formed the strong, confident adult she has become. This book also appealed to me on the grounds that I grew up in the same time period, and remember fondly the fashions and the freedoms of the age. Shoe fetishes I understand, though not to such a hilariously obsessive degree. Big hair? Oh yes.
Lipstick and make up have never figured strongly in my life (when you work outdoors in all weathers, its nigh on impossible), but I totally understand the colour statement – in my case, orange is my signature colour too, only in clothes, not lipstick. But then, we do share hair colour...
On a serious note, there are many Words I carry with me from bullying at school, that I now recognise as such, and sharing this author’s journey helps me to trace some of the effects they have had throughout my life. I respect her advice to ‘get out of’ toxic relationships, and although there is one such in my life I won’t be cutting loose, this book has given me a far greater understanding of the attitudes and remarks of the person in question, which will make it so much easier to deal with – thank you!
Kaye writes in an absorbing manner, so that even when the subject is one I don’t identify with, she still draws me in for fascination value. Her positive attitude to life, especially considering the trauma of the words and events of her childhood, is music to my ears. Take that encouragement, dear reader, and you too can turn your life around, as this courageous lady has done from such an unpromising start.
Profile Image for Carol Balawyder.
Author 16 books26 followers
December 16, 2014
In her introduction D.G. Kaye says "I wrote this book to share the negative experiences and obstacles I've encountered in my own life. I have tracked my own insecurities and the self-esteem issues of my past in an effort to recognize and conquer the negative image I had of my youth...all so I could finally learn to love myself."
Anyone who has read her previous books knows that you can count on D.G. Kaye to be open and candid and in her own words, "baring my raw self to the world." Her honesty and transparency makes for a book that allows the reader to relate with the yearnings in all of our hearts and souls to be our true selves.
This is a book that ought to be on parents' and educators' to read and re-read list: "...words linger much longer than physical wounds. The damage done to our delicate egos, especially when we're small, stays with us through the rest of our lives."
What is comforting is that D.G. offers sound advice on how to repair our damaged egos and take care of our sense of self. She provides concrete examples of her own life and how she conquered her fears. "If we don't take responsibly for our own choices, we can become ruled by someone else's power. This results in us giving up pieces of our own identities to satisfy the whims of someone else, leaving us with little self-esteem...Everyone has something beautiful to offer."
This time around, D.G.Kaye has this beautiful book to offer.
Profile Image for Vashti Quiroz-Vega.
Author 5 books175 followers
September 16, 2018
Once in a while you come across a book that really speaks to you. Reading ‘Words We Carry’ by D. G. Kaye was like having friends over for coffee and revealing our innermost secrets or speaking to your mentor about life and how to make it better. The author, who has natural psychology, opened my eyes and made me ponder why I react the way I do to certain things or certain people. I enjoyed author, D.G. Kaye’s writing style––so friendly and warm. This book is well written and is easily one that can change someone’s life.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt insecure, self-conscious or inadequate. An easy 5 star read.
Profile Image for Luna Saint Claire.
Author 2 books133 followers
August 17, 2017
Authentic and Intelligent. I read the introduction to Words We Carry, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. Everything D.G Kaye wrote about growing up—the obsession with fitting in, being slim to point of hipless, trendy fashion, big hair, makeup and even the high heels that we practiced walking in from the time we were three years old, had me nodding my head until I felt like a bobble-head doll. I was struck by a sentence in her chapter on flirting. “Our egos may lead us to believe that we have to be the object of someone’s attentions to quantify our sexualities.” I can see now how as young girls we learned to flirt and use our sexuality to gain advantage. D.G. Kaye openly shares her memories of growing up, vividly detailing her feelings and insecurities. I personally can identify with every single chapter, right down to the movie Psycho and my fear of the dark. But this is a timeless book and one that is still extremely relevant today. Kaye’s chapter on vanity, centers on insecurity and people pleasing (friends, parents, teachers, boyfriends) out of fear of rejection but more so for validation. In the section Relationships, she reveals how in a past relationship her overly compassionate, ‘I can fix him’ mentality lead to an erosion of her self-worth. Kaye advocates doing away with negativity and not letting it overtake your life, and permeate your well-being. She stresses the importance of addressing and overcoming one’s fears, which if ignored can easily make one a target of abuse. Kaye’s chapter on that subject rang true for me as well, and is a clarion call to develop self-esteem early in life. But it is never too late. Kaye hit the bulls-eye with the statement “We all possess the ability to save ourselves.”
Profile Image for Ivy Logan.
Author 6 books95 followers
January 15, 2025
While writing a non fiction self-help book it is unexacting and easy to share a profusion of information and advisements on what many authors sanctimoniously believe is the right way ahead. They feel they have done their job and done it well and probably many of them have, BUT to open up your life and your tribulations, to share your victories and failures, to let strangers and friends and relatives in is so much harder. To let them see what you are all about, to let them see your journey, to reveal your secrets. Could you do it? I don't believe I could. But author D.G. Kaye does so splendidly and with a sangfroidity one is tempted to emulate in 'Words We Carry.'

Her story is rooted in and begins in her impressionable childhood years and how the unkind words and observations of others, the cruelty of an uncaring mother affected her. Through the years as she grows up it was constantly a quest of experimenting with what worked for her and what didn't. Her passage was a lesson in learning to conquer the demons that constantly preyed on her, about fighting her deep rooted insecurities, learning to laugh out aloud, talking about things she kept buried deep in her soul.

The author makes the reading all the more immersive with her sense of humor, with her ability laugh at herself and by sharing personal anecdotes that make her story very relatable.

I love the author's observation that our minds our delicate gateways to our egos. They are indeed. Our minds are so fragile. They easily retain memories of ridicule or embarrassment. I like the fact that she encourages her readers to move beyond the realm of merely existing and become what they want to be.

Above all the message of the book is love thyself and D. G. Kaye is not preaching, she has lived this life lesson. She has gone through the process of learning to love herself, accepting herself and she shines on. She is an example for others. Through this book she hopes her readers too will imbibe the message of self love. Will you? For this is the most important message of all of 'Words We Carry.'
Profile Image for Lisette Brodey.
Author 20 books255 followers
April 3, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by D.G. Kaye, but as soon as I read the first few pages, I knew it wouldn’t be the last. There was so much I could identify with in the blurb, so on a whim, I downloaded it.

The issue of self-esteem, which the author speaks so knowingly about, is one that affects more people than I believe most of us even realize. Low self-esteem manifests itself in many ways and that can make it more difficult for some to see. Yet, I believe it visits a preponderant number of people at some point in their lives, if not throughout. Reading this book was like talking to a new friend and sharing common experiences. Kaye’s uplifting yet honest writing style makes it very easy to turn the pages.

Even with the issues that I hadn’t personally experienced, I knew many who did (and still do), and I really appreciated Kaye’s down-to-earth approach to examining these issues and offering simple, relatable advice for those seeking to better their lives. As I especially connected to some aspects of the author’s relationship with her mother, I’m absolutely planning to read her book Conflicted Hearts. Our situations, while very different, are also very similar in ways.

Kaye discusses subjects in this book that took me back years and also resonated with me in the present. There are many reasons that I would recommend this book. Not only do I appreciate the common-sense advice, but I believe the author’s words are extraordinarily validating and will help many who feel alone in their pain. This book is also beautifully written. Excellent.
Profile Image for Marina Osipova.
Author 8 books32 followers
January 10, 2020
A must-read for all of us, young and mature
In the authors’ words, “We need to love ourselves and respect ourselves before anyone else can. If there’s fire, get out!” is in the core of this unquestionably must-read book.
I wish I’d read this insightful narrative many years ago. Anyone who’ll read D.G. Kaye’s story, I believe, would find something about herself. The kind and “talking with a friend” narrative—not lecturing but a friendly conversation heart-to-heart with us, her readers—prompted me to reflect on myself and admit that there is still a lot of work to do on the way to a happy, self-esteemed person.
Though not a joyous subject, the author tactfully leads the reader to ruminate about herself from the positive point of view. What a wonderful way to learn how not to judge and not to deprecate yourself!
What inspired me—and I trust every single word of the author—is that she tells her own story. Surviving the difficult, denigrating experiences of her childhood and young adult years, she had found a way to restore herself for a happy life. Even more, making it a mission to help her friends and us who got lucky to come across this amazing book.
Would I have a daughter, this book would be my present for her 14th birthday.
I can’t recommend Words We Carry highly enough.
Profile Image for John Dolan.
Author 18 books259 followers
January 24, 2020
Female obsessions: shoes, clothing, weight, hair, makeup and lipstick. As a man reading this book, this was certainly an eye-opener! But D.G. Kaye doesn’t just deal with the superficial aspects of life and self-esteem from childhood to adulthood, she also covers relationships (including toxic ones), guilt, negativity, and how they all impact on self-worth.
Books like this can easily descend into either the mawkish/self-obsessed or become hectoring. Ms. Kaye – writing in a charming and engaging style – walks the tightrope between these extremes well. Many folks, especially ladies, will find this an invaluable addition to their library.
“Take ownership of yourself and your feelings.”
Indeed, yes.
Profile Image for Deborah Bowman.
Author 7 books17 followers
October 30, 2014
D. G Kaye Bares Her Soul to Resolve the Self-Sabotaging "Words We Carry" THAT AREN'T EVEN YOUR FAULT!

D.G. Kaye uses all her feelings of empathy, compassion, and honesty to reveal the power of WORDS that hurt, destroy, and demean. Words that in most cases have been forced upon us, and we never forget their poignant sting or understand the devastating effects they have on our lives and our relationships. You create the reality that has been engrained in your mind whether it's wrong, unfair, or just plain mean, spiteful, and filled with envy and jealousy. YOU ARE THE "WORDS YOU CARRY" THROUGH LIFE! Isn't it time to delve back to the source to first recognize and then change your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth?

WORDS start piling up at a very young age...long before we understand why such labels are placed upon us by inconsiderate, angry people, usually our families, who are lashing out at everyone around
them in an attempt to make themselves feel better. Who do they hurt? Just about everyone, including themselves. But the delicate psyche of a child, who is born seeking only love and acceptance, is so susceptible to ridicule, negativity, verbal abuse, and degradation. It is rarely child's fault that they are bullied, laughed at, used between adults as weapons in grownup games, or called names that stick like glue.

Ms Kaye reaches back to her personal, traumatic early years to release the WORDS that practically destroyed a beautiful, giving, loving personality. In her easy, flowing writing style, where you feel like you're communing with you best friend...sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes comedic, always strong and resourceful...you get the best she has to give to show how you too can rescript the WORDS that keep you downtrodden and afraid to ask for and receive what you deserve out of life.

Thank you D.G. for this heartfelt, soul-searching book to set us all free from the "Words We Carry" that only inflict pain and suffering. YOU TOO CAN FIGHT BACK AND WIN!



Profile Image for Colleen Chesebro.
Author 17 books88 followers
July 5, 2018
I purchased this book months ago, and for whatever reason, let it languish in the dusty corners of my Kindle. What a mistake! My eyes have been opened...

D. G. Kaye bares her soul by sharing some of the experiences she endured as a child and onward into her adult years, at the hands of a narcissistic mother. It's all there, in excruciating detail, the shaming and the harmful words used to inflict pain resulting in the author's low self-esteem.

She says:

"Many factors contribute to the complexities we experience throughout our lives, all of which aid in shaping our self-perception. We tend to carry baggage from our wounded egos—from the slights, injustices, and teasing of our pasts—which, when harbored internally, can fester into a damaged soul."

Needless to say, I can relate to her experiences from my own upbringing. I immediately felt an empathetic connection to the author as a person, and that is where this author excels in her writing. By sharing her experiences, she appears to have found the formula for how to deal with her own issues head on!

Words We Carry is jam-packed full of sound "girlfriend" advice for those of us who are ready to change our perceptions. In fact, D. G. Kaye suggests that we learn to "become uplifted and inspired by positive people instead of clinging to negative people who will suck us dry of energy and, in the process, take us down with them."

Real change is brought about when we learn to deal with ridicule and rejection. The author stresses an attitude of "self-love," something we all need a healthy dose of at least once a day.

I didn't feel like this was a "self-help" book, instead, I found this book to be more inspirational in nature. It gave me hope that I can learn to let go of the hurt from my own past.

This is the third book I've read by D. G. Kaye. The author touches a chord in me every time. <3
Profile Image for Jane Carroll.
Author 3 books66 followers
March 1, 2015
I really gained a lot from reading Ms. Kaye's memoir. I appreciated her struggles with self-esteem and how she came to terms with herself and began living life on her terms. I appreciated her candor about the process and her advice for how other women can do the same. And yes...I've been more conscious of wearing my lipstick...thanks D. G. :)
Profile Image for John Maberry.
Author 7 books17 followers
March 7, 2018
I entered the inner sanctum of the other gender. The perspective of those members of the female sex who are concerned with appearance is foreign to me. I've heard it said that women dress for women and so do men. I have seen some truth in that but also have some reservations. Still, D.G. Kaye's evolution of her own concerns with hair, makeup, clothes and more was interesting and informative to me. As a man, it's difficult to fully appreciate the stresses and strains of all the effort that goes into what appears to me as a theatrical exercise that culture and insecurities demand. Kaye goes into the details of her own reasons for making the effort and how she has evolved. She offers much advice for fellow females from her years in the trenches of romantic encounters. So for women, my guess is that this book will be helpful, reassuring and instructive. For men, it will be at times bewildering and at times revealing.

Two anecdotal incidents have some relationship to this entertaining book. One was the appearance of a fellow law student in the late 1970s. While most first year students (including women) dressed much as they did as undergraduates. This woman, on the other hand, wore clothes and makeup that appeared to my eyes as somewhere north of high-end office/professional and evening cocktail party. Some fellow male students mocked her (not to her face) as "showgirl." Given the times, misogyny was rampant so I took it as such, even as I wondered why she looked as she did. But for all the guys, including myself, for all any of us might have known, she might have a job as on-air TV personality or a high-level hill staffer that she might go to directly from classes. Such is the shortfall of sense in many men that continues on into later age from youth.

The other incidents that confirm that men dress for women is my own history, when trying to advance in the dating game with a woman I'd grown interested in. By the time things got secure, some sloughing off commonly occurred. While I have always appreciated beauty, that hasn't been the attraction for me--rather it's the personality beneath that has been most attractive. I think Kaye's book confirms the sensibility of that perspective.
Profile Image for Ann Fields.
Author 5 books10 followers
July 1, 2017
This is the second book (but certainly not the last) that I have read by Debby Kaye. In “Conflicted Hearts,” the first of her books that I read, I was amazed at the transparency in which she opened her life to readers. That approach proved effective in helping me to connect with her. I took away much from that reading experience, as I did with this one, “Words We Carry.” In WWC, Debby does it again - bares her life. Using excerpts from her childhood, teenage and young adult years, Debby shares some of the hurtful, shaming and neglectful events, words, and situations that led to her early attachment to low self-esteem. She goes a step further in this book by showing how she divorced low self-esteem by pursuing healthy, authentic relationships and by being intentional with her thoughts and actions. This led her to self-worth, self-acceptance and self-love.

Although I do not share Debby’s exact life experiences, I could relate to so many of the circumstances and harmful words she described. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that many women will relate as so many of our (female) issues stem from our physical appearance. Or rather, our “lack of” as compared to super models or in Debby’s case, her outrageously gorgeous mother. Later in life, Debby learned to counter her mother’s impossible beauty standards. How? She states, “Determination and an inquisitive mind are necessary to rid oneself of anxieties and faulty self-perceptions.” This is just one of the gems she shares with readers. There are others such as this one dealing with ridicule and rejection: “Love thyself.” Simple as a statement but powerful when applied to one’s life.

This is a short read but so full of wisdom, encouragement and self-correction that one read is not enough. Be warned, you may find yourself turning to this book time and time again.

I encourage you to take this walk with Debby as she journeys to self-awareness and confidence. I promise you’ll be rewarded as well.
Profile Image for Balroop Singh.
Author 14 books83 followers
October 12, 2017
‘Words We Carry’ by D.G. Kaye is a brilliant memoir about building self-worth, learning to love yourself, understanding your inner voice and coming to terms with whatever life offers. We have to face negative experiences at various stages of life, some in the form of negative people we meet and others in the form of words that at hurled at us by bullies. Those words keep hurting even when we grow up unless we address them to put them in their perspective. Kaye shares her own struggle with those words and how she rooted them out of her psyche.

Insecurities and fears are an imperative part of growing up. Often we try to deny them, brush them under the carpet and put up a brave front. Hidden fears manifest themselves by eating into our self-esteem. Kaye talks about them candidly and shares how she confronted them to drop the unnecessary baggage that was saddled on her by her own mother, whose beauty intimidated her as a child and a teenager. Self-analysis and determination to shake off her inadequacies, developing a positive attitude and learning to appreciate her capabilities strengthened her resolve to reach a benchmark that she had set for herself.

It was her best friend Zan, who pulled her out of the emotional traumas and acquainted her with her real beauty, her benevolence and her confidence. This book would never lose its relevance and is appropriate even for adolescents who encounter all those issues that Kaye discusses in a conversational style. The section on relationships is extremely enlightening. Citing her personal examples, D.G. discusses how certain people could be toxic and why they should be shunned. Her insights are inspiring, her obsession with shoes hilarious and her resilience worth emulating.



Profile Image for D. Peach.
Author 24 books176 followers
November 6, 2020
D. G. Kaye shares the true story of her growth from a child with poor self-esteem into a confident woman who changed her thinking, took responsibility for her relationships, and discovered happiness. Though she shares her personal experiences, many of her observations are common to other women, and there are lessons to be gleaned from her advice.

The book is divided into two sections: Appearance and Relationships. The focus of the appearance section is on boosting self-esteem by paying attention to physical appearance. It isn’t about being beautiful, but about feeling beautiful and investing energy into clothes, shoes, hair, and makeup that enhance a woman’s strengths and make her feel attractive. Chronic lazy dressers like me may not relate to Kaye’s love of shoes and big hair, but there’s a lot of humor in this section that kept me smiling.

Section Two, Relationships, was the most meaningful to me as it opened a discussion of the deeper issues that contribute to low self-esteem, as well as the vicious cycles that can lead to isolation, depression, and abuse. The author maintains that healthy self-esteem is essential to healthy relationships of all kinds. She provides strategies for evaluating relationships honestly, changing patterns, and taking control of choices.

Words We Carry is part memoir/part self-help. Recommended for women who are struggling with feelings of low self-esteem and want to make a positive change in their relationships and lives.
Profile Image for Diana.
17 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2017
Inspiring

This book was very inspiring snd to the point. The information make you take a moment to reflect on my own life .
Profile Image for Molly.
224 reviews
August 16, 2016
A real treasure of honesty and sound advice. The author shares her reflections and experiences with low self esteem and how she has managed to rationalise, analyse and overcome the effects this has had on her life and relationships.
Writing about her mother who was intimidating and cold, attraction to the wrong guys, attraction to older men and many other themes, D.G.Kaye never fails to hit a nerve and turn her bad experiences into sound advice. I want every young girl to read this and understand the lessons Kaye has learned. Wouldn't life be much simpler.
I felt often emotional reading this book, identifying with the author and agreeing with so many of her lines. A book very well worth your time.
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