BE THE MAGIC OF YOU

Debut author Karjala, a professional counselor, combines practical exercises with thoughts about developing a better outlook and greater self-awareness.

The best self-improvement books stand out due to the originality of the author’s voice and his or her willingness to show vulnerability. Karjala depicts herself as having needed every one of the tools and ideas inside this book in order to achieve “Emotional Freedom” and self-love. While weaving together ideas about the power of words, physical exercise, journaling, and thankfulness, the author navigates common self-help topics, such as fear and self-doubt, downbeat self-talk, and the negativity that can be hidden inside a support system. She suggests various techniques, such as physically “tapping” on key points on one’s body and journaling about gratitude, so that one may visualize a life of abundance and confidence. The book’s strongest elements are its conversational tone, clear descriptions of specific exercises, and the author’s personal stories about her struggles with self-worth and self-doubt. In one section, she effectively emphasizes the importance of having a support system of people committed to one’s future and happiness. In one particularly compelling and vivid passage, she compares certain negative people, known as “Dream Stealers,” to crabs that “pull each other down, never allowing another to reach the top and freedom.” Throughout this work, the author makes sure to emphasize the importance of expressing gratitude for the life one has had so far and expressing love for the self as it is right now.

A compelling and enriching self-help manual.