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Tidbits of Care
Self Care  /  May 17, 2021

Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love: Book Review

I recently read a book that wasn’t fiction. Being a lover of stories, it’s always been hard to read non fiction books. In fact, my non fiction reading is contained to magazines articles from National Geographic or how to articles on the internet. And I certainly don’t read self help books. I actually used to think those kind of books were…well, annoying. But recently, I started to think that I have been advocating for others to practice self care, to become more aware of their own mental health and to really take care of themselves on a soul level. That is the point of my blog after all, to help people live their most authentic lives by being their best selves. And yet, it struck me as as strange that I had never read a single self help book. And being in a bit of a funk (likely due mostly to lockdown and pregnancy horomones) I decided it was time to read a little book I had picked up, Believe in Yourself and Love What You Do by Kate James.

Little disclaimer before we go forward. I am not working with the author, or Total Balance. I found this book by chance and am sharing my thoughts and feelings on my blog. No compensation is being received.

Who is Kate James?

If you had asked me who Kate James was when I first picked up this book, I would have pointed to the cover and said, “the author. Duh.” Because I had no idea. I buy books not because they are some best seller list or because everyone is recommending them, but because I am drawn to them. Meaning I usually skip over all the “hype” books. Hype actually turns me off of books. But, to answer the question who is Kate James, she is life, business and leadership coach who works with clients from all walks of life–from people like you and me to CEOs of big companies. She founded Total Balance in 2002 and is often invited to speak at press, radio and tv events. She even has meditations on the Insight Timer app. In 2014, she realized a life long dream of becoming an author by publishing the little book I just read and has since published more.

Now, I didn’t know any of this when I picked up the book. I couldn’t told you a single thing about Kate James, and honestly, who she was didn’t matter. What mattered to me was the title spoke to me, and the two or three pages I glanced over resonated. I bought the book on an instinct, and I am really glad I stumbled across it that day in the bookstore.

Related Article: Why Self Care is Important

Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love

I have a fancy little edition of this book. Honestly, the pink spine and gold lettering first drew my eye in the bookstore. I flipped through, liked what I read and decided to get the book. My husband was a little surprised I think, because it was a quick decision for me, and as I’ve said, I don’t read non-fiction. But like I said above, it resonated. The blurb on my book reads,

Kate James serves up fifty bite-sized and practical tips on how to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

I can’t even remember if I glanced at that blurb in the book store. Maybe. But honestly, if I had, it would have just confirmed what my gut was telling me, that I needed to read the book because isn’t that exactly what I have been trying to do for years? Isn’t that what I’m finally realizing in my life? Living a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

What I really love about the book is the layout–it’s easy to read or flip through and read in segments rather than cover to cover. It also has little exercises you can do–such as considering your strengths, discovering your values, how to be mindful, and discovering your purpose. I often found myself wishing I had a sticky note pad ready to jot down things. It’s a book that gently forces you into self reflection and one I read slowly. I likely could have read it all in one sitting, but I decided to read only a few sections a day, and some I even re-read. The book helps you connect to you and what you want, and nudges you to really consider how happy you are, to stop negative thinking and habits and to become more confident and less egoistical.

Self Help That Isn’t Commanding

I often found self help too commanding for my taste. I felt talked down to. Perhaps I was being defensive when I glanced at these books. I’m not sure. But if you have ever felt that way or just aren’t sure what a self help book has to offer you, then this is the book for you because isn’t like that at all. The sections are short, to the point and come across as suggestive rather than do as I say. I appreciate the gentle guidance of the tone, as discovering yourself is about you and your journey and you are only onion peeler of your own layers of emotion and identity. A book or coach can only act as a guide rather than a commander. I would totally recommend this to anyone who is feeling adrift in life, or who is starting a new chapter–a new job, going to college or uni, getting married or having a baby. It’s important, in my opinion, at those times to pause and reflect on your life and your inner most passions and values in order to continue living an authentic life.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed today’s book review! It’s certainly something I’ve never done here on the blog before and I am so happy I could share my reading experience with this little book with all of you. Self help is important and there are many ways we can seek that out–therapy, books, blogs, podcasts and Youtube videos–little of this was available when I was in my twenties, and what was may have been looked upon skeptically. But I encourage you all, young or older to step out of your comfort zone and maybe read a book like this that you otherwise never would have. It may surprise you how profoundly you connect with the ideas.

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Related posts:

Self Care and Personal Goal Setting for a Happy 2021
How to Create A Healthy Home
6 Ideas to Uplift You this Spring

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Hi! I'm Giulia
I write a lifestyle blog that seeks to inspire others to begin to their own journey into self care, one tidbit at a time. I am passionate about sharing my own journey from the last decade, and what I've learned along the way. I love chips and dip and Tudor ficiton.

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We all struggle. It’s a natural part of being human, yet we resist it and think the struggle lessens us. It does not. It strengthens us. So when the struggle is real, take a deep breath. Reflect. Ask for help. And just do your best. You are more capable than you think. #selfcare #mentalhealth #selfcareblog #lifestyleblogger #bloggers #believeinyourself #yesyoucan #youcan #blogging #bloggingcommunity #tidbitsofcare #blogs #blog #blogger

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    17 Comments

    • Faye says:
      May 18, 2021 at 10:13 am

      I don’t think i’ve ever really read a self-help book before either to be honest! Like you, I always seem to think that they come off a little annoying haha. I love that this book wasn’t too in your face with its ‘self help-ness’. Sounds like a great read 🙂 x

      https://www.femaleoriginal.com

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 18, 2021 at 10:21 am

        It really was!

        Reply
    • Tiffany nMcCullough- Metaphysical Mama says:
      May 18, 2021 at 11:12 am

      THis sounds like a wonderful book! I have always enjoyed reading self-help books, but I know what you mean about some of them talking down to you. I love that this one doesn’t do that. I also like that it includes exercises and encourages introspection. This sounds like a great read! thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
      Tiffany nMcCullough- Metaphysical Mama recently posted…Learning How to Connect With Your Spirit GuidesMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 18, 2021 at 11:21 am

        My pleasure!

        Reply
    • Faye says:
      May 18, 2021 at 11:31 pm

      Thank you for sharing this! I have been wondering if I should look into some book on “believing in myself” lol and then you bring up this! I have the same thoughts of you – I will normally head for a fiction or a pretty magazine
      Faye recently posted…5 Practical Ways to start Slowing Down in LifeMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 19, 2021 at 7:54 am

        Hope you enjoy the book!

        Reply
    • Jodie | That Happy Reader says:
      May 20, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      I love how this book called you and that you found it so meaningful. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 20, 2021 at 5:31 pm

        Interesting when that happens isn’t it?

        Reply
    • raising2children says:
      May 20, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      Great book review – well worth reading to help with the self care journey. thanks for the recommendation
      raising2children recently posted…River’s Would You Rather Questions for KidsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 20, 2021 at 5:31 pm

        My pleasure!!!

        Reply
    • Simona says:
      May 26, 2021 at 8:45 am

      Having never read a self-help book before, I was surprised to find myself attracted to this one in particular, probably because you gave it so much justice Giulia! I might even consider reading it, like you i MUCH MORE ENJOY OTHER TYPE OF BOOKS LIKE FICTION, SO GOOD JOB ON GETTING ME INTO THIS!
      X
      Simona recently posted…The Must-Have Summer Items of 2021My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 26, 2021 at 8:57 am

        lol any time hun!

        Reply
    • Jenny in Neverland says:
      May 26, 2021 at 8:59 am

      Great review! I love the look of this book – it’s such a pretty cover too!
      Jenny in Neverland recently posted…How To Boost Your Sexual Wellness & Feel Empowered ft. VIVAMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 26, 2021 at 9:00 am

        Right?! I’ll be referring to it in the regular when I’m down.

        Reply
    • Della Driscoll says:
      May 26, 2021 at 10:03 am

      This is definitely a book that is up my street and I love how it’s quick and easy to flip through x
      Della Driscoll recently posted…Book review: Find Me by J.S MonroeMy Profile

      Reply
    • Fransic verso says:
      May 26, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      AWesome book, she is really a good writer. Great review and will definitely check more if you going to share more reviews.
      Fransic verso recently posted…Great DIY crafts tips to make the process easierMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        May 26, 2021 at 7:20 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
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