Saturday, January 25, 2020

Book Review: You Do You by Sarah Knight

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the second book I’ve read by Sarah Knight and I’m wishing a little that I’d read them “in order,” as this book kept referencing her first two books (one of which I now have and will be reading shortly). Again, this wasn’t earth shattering, but I've rarely gotten through self-help books and I’ve made it through two of hers -- easily and somewhat quickly. I find it kind of sad that someone had to write a book giving people permission to live their authentic lives and that I’m one of the ones reading it. Sometimes, though, maybe we just need a reminder.

This book basically gives you permission to just be you, but keeps the golden rule in mind -- don’t hurt others in the process of being you. The basic premise of the book is to break down some of the “rules” of society, These include: Don’t be Selfish; Do your Best, Don’t be Difficult, Be a Team Player, Don’t Quit Your Day Job. There is also a Should and Shouldn’t section, one of which is Put Family First.

Apparently, she took a lot of flack on the selfish part in a previous book, but I agree with her. If you never take time for yourself, then you basically make yourself a martyr. At some point, you have to be a little selfish.. I think today’s term is self-care. This section spoke to me as I have neglected self-care and am overly stressed as a result. The part about family also spoke to me. It has it’s down side as well, but ultimately we have to live our lives. That may take us from family, but it doesn’t mean total disconnection.

I’m also a person who once quit my day job. There were a lot of reasons for it and I had a plan, so obviously I agree with her take on that as well. It was scary, but ultimately it was one of the best things I have ever done. I’ve never regretted it.

We are all raised with guidelines and they may vary from family to family, region to region, culture to culture. While they have good intentions, sometimes they lead us to lead lives that may hurt us. By ignoring some of these guidelines, we live better lives, which not only benefits us, but also those around us.

I liked that she emphasizes that being you should not hurt others. And, the Epilogue reminded us that we all judge others - so not only should we be ourselves, but we should let others be themselves as well.

This is not a life changing book, but it’s a good reminder that it’s okay to be who you are and that sometimes society’s guidelines need to be tossed. As long as the tossing doesn’t harm others.

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