Think deeply, feel deeply - and develop tools to deal with the world as it really is In a world which can sometimes be challenging, frightening, overwhelming and complex, it's not surprising that sometimes we don't feel okay. This is what makes us human, but so often we are tempted to push those difficult feelings away or distract ourselves. We reach for our phone, we switch on Netflix, we over-work ... but when do we stop and think about how we are really doing? Psychotherapists Jodie Cariss and Chance Marshall, founders of the revolutionary practice Self Space, are passionate about the importance of 'mental maintenance' - the crucial work of looking after our own mental health, every single day. In this book, they unpack assumptions about 'mental illness' and 'mental wellness' to explain why each of us needs to rethink how we look after our mind and give it the attention it deserves. You'll · How to resist the temptation to 'Marie Kondo' (tidy up) your feelings · Ways to embrace your real self, messy bits included, and honour your potential · The attitudes, everyday habits and non-negotiables that can transform your resilience · A toolkit for dealing with life's biggest challenges in your past, present and future Their message is when it comes to our mental health, quick-fixes are bullsh*t, but with true understanding and acceptance of yourself, you can thrive (not just survive).
Jodie Cariss' book struck a chord with me on a personal level. Her words are not just a guide; they felt like a companion through life's twists and turns. The insights into mental maintenance are both profound and accessible, making it easy to apply to one's own journey. Cariss manages to blend vulnerability with wisdom, creating a book that feels like a heartfelt conversation with a friend. This is more than a read; it's a tool for personal growth that I'll revisit often. Highly recommended.
I started this book last January (2024) and have slowly picked at it throughout the year. Ironically, this time last year I wanted to work on my mental health, and then I had the worst year of my life and felt like I was totally doomed (without being tooooo dramatic) and this book became so much more important and helpful to me through a really tough time, than I ever imagined it would be when I first picked it up. I did feel like I was dipping in and out of therapy sessions and would definitely recommend giving this a read if you are wanting to learn a little more about your triggers, how to support your own well being and understanding how your childhood experiences impact you now.
I’m sure there was some great content in this, but I couldn’t get past the narration. Both narrators were robotic, dour and stilted. This might be a better one to read than listen to, I ended up skipping through quite a bit since I couldn’t get immersed in the story.