Review of "Your Year for Change: 52 Reflections for Regret-Free Living," by Bronnie Ware, 2014. New York: Hay House, paper, 207 pages.
Helping ourselves while helping others...
Social workers, counselors, and street helpers dealing with the difficulties of broken systems, people who are sometimes hard to communicate with, and police and other groups who mean well but may be doing the opposite of what is needed may feel overwhelmed. They may feel alone, sad, disgusted, exhausted.
But a new year has begun! There is hope!
Bronnie Ware is an inspirational writer and speaker who gives us in this book ways to deal with each week of the new year. Ware gives us great ideas on how to move forward and value what we have. She encourages us to think about the wonderful things we have, consider our journey, and develop our fortitude to go ahead and make a difference.
Without telling all that is in the book, I can say in this brief review that Ware is a good writer, very inspirational, very hopeful about what we can do.
Ware’s inner peace is obvious as she weaves her encounters with animals and birds into the advice she has for us to become more at peace with our lives. It is enjoyable to read her accounts of the bull that visits her house and the birds that accompany her as she reflects.
Ware has good advice and reminds us in her low-key and peaceful manner to embrace our lives and the magnificence out there. She tells us in basic and straightforward terms to let it be, work with others, take one step at a time, show our gratitude to others, and develop our compassion. Another good reminder is that we need to shake free from our addiction to the Internet.
Ware is full of inspiration to share.
Social workers, counselors, case workers, and helpers on the street all deal with a huge amount of stress in helping the homeless and other disenfranchised persons deal with stigma, loss, discrimination, poverty, hunger, and the special Chicago addition to the mix called “cold weather.”
Teachers, researchers, and professors need inspiration, too. Learning from others is an interesting process, and new spiritual ideas may be welcomed by some educators. Some educators just might like this book that reminds us of the peaceful world we could help create. We educators love peace, we love harmony, and we love helping. Ware hopes people will see what they have to offer, celebrate the good works they do, and enjoy the things they like.
Ware tells us, “It is time to allow your magnificence through” (p. 107).
Chicago helpers and colleagues need to remember that spring is right around the corner…
So do I recommend this book?
Yes, I recommend the book for your personal library and to remind you what great resolve and character we have. It is time to read this positive book and remember a new day has come. Says Ware, “It is time to start again” (p. 153).
Using this book, many people may be able to do so.