R. Eddy

Life, Simplified for those of us complicating it.

Revisado: 05-01-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Get this book. If you're in the self-help addiction realm, as I am, you'll be pleasantly surprised by all the references to additional books you've either read or have on your to-read list, as well as possibly a handful of new recommendations to add to your ever-growing list. For me, this added credibility, knowing that the author was climbing up a similar tree as I am. Full disclosure, I knew Karla (the author) in high school. Not well, but well enough to know she's an exceptional human being with a heart of gold. I had every intention of purchasing her book in support, but as I am currently in a self-induced quite overwhelmed parasympathetic state, I still had it on my to-do list when she graciously offered up a few copies in exchange for an honest review. Here I stand promising you that while indeed I do know Karla's heart, I have not kept in touch nor followed her closely for many years. Reading her book was an honor and I give you my honest commentary.

That was a lengthy intro, if only to say I truly enjoyed this book, as someone without an alterior motive or needing to present a 5-star review that hasn't been earned. This is a fabulously straightforward, yet not superficial book by any means. In 2024 when having an imbalanced nervous system is becoming a trendy norm, Karla brings both the simplicity of what you need to do to Live Your Best Life, and the approach of a friend, sister, mother and coach all into one. At times you're reminded of what to do. At others, you're only reminded to take a step back and simplify the chaos you've self-inflicted. This audible version, that she narrates herself, starts off honestly a bit robotic, but as it goes on, the author reads it with the ease of a conversation, even adding in examples and commentary that I don't believe would be on the written pages of the actual book, including some "Now, years later" additions. In retrospect though, how DO you make the copyright page sound interesting?

Karla brings calm and assurance to a subject many of us ignore, overthink or overcomplicate. It's spiritual, without impressing a particular religion upon the reader or making one feel uncomfortable. In fact, she's encouraging in her approach to find the spirituality that speaks to you as in individual. Her writing is nonjudgmental and she encourages you to go inward for answers, rather than searching for them elsewhere, like many of us self-help addicts tend to do. She does add a "My prayer for you" after each section, which at first I was taken aback by, but then grew to love as it made me feel like she was in my corner, encouraging me at each step along the way.

Her writing is empowering, encouraging the reader to accept themselves as they are and free themselves from unrealistic expectations, making positive suggestions and moreso simple explanations as to why and/or how to quiet our busy minds. Her writing inspires the reader to take action for change, without making you feel like you're about to embark on an uphill battle. Many books leave the reader, from my experience, feeling overwhelmed; however, this one leaves you feeling encouraged even if you're the kind of person who ends up moving on to the next book without taking any of the recommended action. For me, this is enough to earn it 5-stars. Too many books leave you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, or that your path needs to conform to contain certain steps or even that you're path needs to be something beyond that which feels do-able. Karla brings you back to Earth, reminds you of the basics, while also gently steering you in the direction of positive change.

As someone with adult-diagnosed ADHD, I am a constant over-thinker and I appreciated the back to basics, but thoroughly well-rounded approach with wonderful suggestions. That being said, I do have one critical point and that is that during one chapter specifically, it is easy to see the authors limited understanding of the neurodivergent population. That those who struggle with it cannot for example, "simply" make changes to "be organized" or "eat well" as can the neurotypical population. These well-intentioned references to seemingly simple life tasks made me want to throw the book against the proverbial wall; however, these recommendations were aimed at the general public and not necessarily a fault of the author, just something to note in case you ARE in the ADHD hurricane. However, IF you are, I still highly recommend this read as the overall recommendations and the way it is delivered is delightfully uplifting and hopeful and will no doubtedly move you around the corner in a direction that is much more helpful than perhaps the mountain you are climbing now. That small section for ways to improve your daily is likely already on your radar in much more detail.

In conclusion - You need this book. Read it at the beach; Gift it to a friend. It's what every human needs in this overworked, overstimulated world to remind us how to recenter and enjoy what matters most.

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