Gutsy: Mindfulness Practices for Everyday Bravery

by Leah Katz

"Gutsy is a fresh perspective on ways to live the happiest, boldest, most self-loving and compassionate life we all deserve." --PhD, author of The Happiness Track Western society too often trains women out of feeling innately confident in who we are and in the wisdom we hold inside. Instead, we are handed down a set of expectations about our bodies, our disposition, our religious identification, our sexual orientation, our mothering, and our career choices. Dr. Leah Katz draws on her training as a psychologist and her experience leaving an ultra-Orthodox Jewish faith and culture to offer tools and insights for getting "unstuck" from society's unrealistic and often harmful expectations for women that we have adopted as our own. By learning to identify what is holding us back, and adopting a mindset of joy, gratitude, and resilience, we can fulfill our dreams--and, really, fulfill ourselves. It's time to get gutsy and create the rich, vibrant life we have always wanted.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2022

Reviews

[Jennifer McClellan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it really hard to relate as an atheist when nearly all of her discussions were centered around her Jewish faith and religion in general. I suppose this is a good motivational book if you’re Jewish. 🤷‍♀️

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a push to be more brave or motivated. READ THIS BOOK. I would say a must read.

[Matthias Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading Katz's Gutsy. Peppered with relatable anecdotes and mindful exercises, Gutsy tells us the story of identifying what is in our way and learning how to overcome it to embrace our full potential. This is a wonderful addition to anyone's library of self-development and mental health.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect this book to hit me as hard as it did. I really loved the practical advice but some chapters (especially "Our Stories on Worthiness") really struck a chord in me and I found myself having realizations about my own path and thinking patterns.

Reading this book, you feel like you are in a session with a loving and supportive therapist. I only wish there were MORE exercises and affirmations. If a Gutsy workbook comes out, I'll be the first to buy it!

Being raised Catholic and being mother of two, there were many stories that resonated strongly with me (especially the "Frozen" story, glad I'm not the only one who cried!). I felt seen, reassured, and challenged to become an even better version of myself. Highly recommended to all ladies, especially fellow "strivers" :-)

[✲ pau ☽ · Rating 3 out of 5]

big fan of leah katz on social media so i wanted to support her and give her book a try. it's peppered with lots of inspirational nuggets of wisdom on how to live more authentically, meaningfully, and gutsy. i especially enjoyed the chapters on the scripts and storylines we tell ourselves, feeling braver in relationships, and overcoming people pleasing. wasn't captivated as much as I thought I might be by how this was written but dr. katz' writing is like talking to a friend. surely this book will help anyone looking to start integrating mindfulness into their lives.

[Annie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with a group of wonderful women and it really helped to share our thoughts and experiences on each chapter. If you take the time to really answer the questions she poses, you can't help but uncover what is hindering you or what might be triggering self-defeating behaviors. Then she offers help on how to emerge from those unhealthy patterns. I definitely feel that I have moved forward from reading this book.

[Andrew Regal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read much self-help, but this book showed me that I am more resilient than I ever knew. It's a beautiful takeaway, especially if you are feeling down. The book provides crucial insights into daily living and coping.

Dr. Katz also describes her fascinating life journey, and she indeed knows gutsy.

[Niro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Dr. Katz makes mindfulness compelling and accessible. Her stories are relatable and helpful to understand why we need to be more present even with ourselves to reveal our deepest desires. Anyone struggling with distraction and self-doubt needs the practical wisdom offered in this book.

[Nyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Appreciated the kindness in her writing. (Note: Would have appreciated more examples that weren't related to children as, surprise!, not all of us do, and yet there are joys we experience in life.)

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I might. I love her social media account but this book fell a little short for me, but I also don't enjoy a lot of anecdotal input versus facts and solutions.

[Chloe Northart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life, I recommend this read more than any other to the women in my life. I guarantee you will take something positive from this read to carry with you in life to help you feel happier and more fulfilled.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sometimes mildly illuminating and sometimes incredibly frustrating.

[Sydney Klarich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I know the author personally. I hope she makes a journal based on this self help book.

[Emily B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5… this was a 5 for me, but I know that it may not resonate with everyone.

[North · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with church group

[Randi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Extremely generic "live, laugh, love" advice with religious sprinkles. Pass.