A Book A Week

I don't typically make New Year's resolutions. The passage of time naturally ushers in changes, so I haven't felt the need for sweeping goals at the start of the year. Reflecting on it, I realize that I've only committed to one resolution that endured. In 2012, I set out to read one book per week, which altered my future for the better. Today, my blog is a lasting accomplishment and a continual source of joy. Despite this, I don't excessively pressure myself to meet specific goals. While I read more books last year than ever before, I'm not striving to surpass that achievement this year. Instead, I aim to embrace the potential of each day, accepting both its positive and challenging aspects. 

The concept of a self-help book imparting meaningful wisdom has always been something I've scoffed at, considering them more a clever way to sell books than a tool that could genuinely help me. However, with the start of this new year, I was curious enough to try one. Glennon Doyle's Untamed was recommended as a book that shares a valuable mindset for healthy living through its mix of memoir and lifestyle advice. It seemed like an intriguing combination with potential value. When I found a copy of the book at my library's bargain book sale, it felt like fate had intervened. I decided to dive in and explore what it was all about.

Doyle's quick wit and compelling story immediately captivated me. She commenced her journey as a devoted Christian wife and mother, primarily focusing on caring for her family. However, somewhere along the way, she realized that her desire to create the best life for those around her came at the expense of her true self. Doyle began to understand that her authentic role in life was to live it to the fullest, stay true to herself, and demonstrate to her children the kind of life that embracing one's true self could bring. What ensued is a narrative of navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and realizing that the strength or fragility of a family is not determined by its structure but by the unique value that each individual brings to the combined whole. 

After reading Untamed, my skepticism about self-help books has considerably diminished. Doyle's journey of self-discovery resonated deeply with me, especially as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Many aspects of her story mirrored parts of my own experience, and her complex relationship with religion particularly aligned with my views on the subject. Her narrative can undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for embracing the parts of oneself that may be feared or kept in the shadows. This process, as Doyle demonstrates, brings a sense of liberation, and I hope readers draw this empowering message from the book. While some of her recollections may feel more authentic than others, and a few instances seem somewhat fictionalized to fit the narrative, each story emanates from a place of positivity, aiming to inspire contemplation and self-reflection. Although I personally don't feel the need for a book to prompt this kind of introspection, I recognize its ability to benefit those who may need a little push of inspiration in their own lives.