YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK

Creran presents a self-help book for those struggling with issues of self-worth.

A life-changing event can hit as suddenly as an ocean wave and be just as upending and disorienting. For the author, the abrupt end of her long marriage was the catalyst for a difficult personal journey. While in a vulnerable state, which she describes as “virtually cracked open,” she found it easier to look inward. The author expresses a wish to help others in similar situations with this book, which speaks to readers in the kind tone of a friend—reassuring them that they’re worthy, while also giving them space to delay taking challenging steps until they feel comfortable doing so. Some guidance comes in the form of simple tasks, such as being consciously aware of one’s hands on the steering wheel while driving, or attentively enjoying a long, warm shower as small ways to practice mindfulness. Creran also suggests using affirmations on sticky notes and solo dancing to a playlist of meaningful songs as self-affirming gestures. She deals with recurring negative thoughts, she says, by simply repeating the word cancel each time. Some of the more arduous undertakings include “shadow work,” which involves examining dark or repressed memories. As an example, the author offers a personal story, recalling a time when she was a small child and her father raced down an unlit road with their car’s headlights deliberately extinguished; this stunt led to later anxiety about going to unknown places, she says. She also touches on the difficulties of people-pleasing, as well as forgiveness, finding peace, and other topics. Some of Creran’s stated influences are the work of Louise Hay, Eckhart Tolle, and Deepak Chopra; as a result, much of the advice may be familiar to some readers. However, the author’s thoughtful and unpretentious style makes her advice feel fresh and new.

A warm combination of anecdotes and gentle advice.