This book and I were meant for each other. A few weeks ago, I went on a trip to the city, and like every time my friends and I get the chance to leave our remote town, one of the first things we do is rush to the thrift stores, as the city ones often have more gems than our little mountain ones. Before we left, I hurried to the book section with little hope, but I came across this one. My initial thought was that it must be a bad book to be abandoned here. However, my curiosity led me to think it was worth the $7 risk. And what a gem it turned out to be!
This book is all about the feelings you've been avoiding for so long — the big, uncomfortable ones. Uncertainty, Comparison, Anger, Burnout, Perfectionism, Despair & Regret. The authors share definitions, insights, vulnerable stories & valuable strategies to help you learn how to feel those feelings & manage them effectively.
"Uncertainty, Anger, Despair, Envy. We all experience these difficult emotions; But when you're overwhelmed by your feelings, it can seem like you're the only one who is struggling. In our disconnected and emotion-phobic society, many of us are made to feel bad about ever feeling bad. Having difficult emotions doesn't mean you're malfunctioning. It means you're human."
So... if you want to learn how to be Human, keep reading! :)
BIG FEELINGS - How To Be Ok When Things Are Not Okay, by Liz Fosslien & Mollie West Duffy
WHAT THE INTERNET SAYS...
"Big Feelings" by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy is a book that explores the complex world of emotions and offers practical advice on how to understand and manage them effectively. The authors, drawing from both scientific research and personal experiences, delve into the various aspects of emotions such as why we feel the way we do, how emotions influence our behavior and decision-making, and how to cultivate emotional intelligence.
The book covers a range of topics including the neuroscience behind emotions, the role of culture and society in shaping our emotional experiences, and strategies for navigating difficult emotions like stress, anxiety, and anger. Fosslien and West Duffy also emphasize the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and resilience in dealing with emotions both at work and in personal life.
My experience of the book - book recommendation
What I really liked about this book :
Firstly, many of the concept the authors share are illustrated. Sometimes, an illustration can go further than words alone. And when it's both fun and illustrated, it sticks in your brain...
Secondly, this book really helps reframe the purpose behind emotions and feelings. Even though our emotions can be intense & overwhelming, the authors dismantle myths and challenge misconceptions to show us how they are simply messenger. They serve as our guides, and this book gives them the role they deserve.
Thirdly, if you have no idea how to be more compassionate with yourself in front of any of your big feelings, this book will teach you how. The tone used & stories shared by the authors make it easy for you to relate. They sound like a compassionate & caring friend trying to validate your feelings & help you out.
Fourth, though the chapters are structured around 7 primary emotions, the book uncovers much more, delving into the realm of "sub-emotions" like stress, anxiety, sadness, or grief. This book relies on the fact that emotions are nuanced and exist on a spectrum, offering readers a deeper insight into the intricacies within each emotional category.
While handling big feelings at home can be challenging, dealing with them in the workplace can be even more daunting. With practical strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence in all areas of life, the authors provide valuable tips for navigating workplace challenges as well!
This book is for you if :
your self-love & self-esteem are close to zero
if you've been very hard on yourself for years
if you've let your perfectionism rule your own world
if your feelings are so intense that they scare you
if you've avoided them for as long as you've lived
if you don't even know what it means to truly sit with your feelings
if your self-esteem & self-worth are attached to external factors, & you feel stuck
if your anger is disturbing for you & come out (or don't) in unhealthy ways
if you feel bad for feeling bad
This isn't your traditional self-help book. This is a guide to more self-compassion, self-acceptance & self-love in times when those big feelings seem overwhelming. This book arms us with the tools to navigate our emotional rollercoasters with resilience and understanding. Because in the end, it's not just about managing emotions; it's about embracing them, even in the midst of life's inevitable ups and downs. :)
Take care,
love. Co
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