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my friend recommended this to me after i realized i've basically only ever dated alcoholics. the only copy at my local independent bookstore was this really cunty original cover from the 1980s so i knew it was meant to be. didn't know i needed it but i needed it. if you find yourself constantly trying to solve someone's problems and absorb or cover for their bad behavior/substance issues/irresponsibility pick this little mf up on thriftbooks and do all the journaling prompts. that's soooo much therapy's worth of Realizations for like $10 and some elbow grease. free yourself!!
Apr 27, 2024
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this book is a true story about a therapist who starts going to therapy. you get to read about her experience and the experiences she has with her patients.
one of my favorite reads that i’ll recommend to anyone who’ll listen 💕 it brought me out of a really tough time and made me feel grown!
Mar 10, 2024
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my therapist told me i should read this book. i dismissed it because it was categorized as self-help. i was expecting it to tell me that my material conditions would go away if i changed my attitude. the neoliberal ideology that makes this genre so harmful. but i tried and i found it really really useful!
the thesis of the book is that you don't need to obey your thoughts and feelings or struggle against them. you can accept and acknowledge them without making them control you. this approach helped me reconceptualize what was going on inside my head. i don't think i ever would have figured this out on my own. there's also exercises that you can try. think trial and error. you just need to find one that works for you.
not everything in this book will apply to everyone. depending on your material conditions it might be a waste of time. there are valid reasons to hate your life. in those situations you should try to change your life and not your attitude. but if you are just looking for a new attitude this could be useful.
one concept i found really helpful was listening to the voice in your head like an anxious older relative. they have good intentions and are very concerned about you. but they're not always right or reasonable. and when they are it doesn't mean you have to listen to them. just laugh and say thanks. i know you are trying to be helpful. but i don't need your advice right now. then go and live your life how you want to.
Dec 4, 2024
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if you’ve ever dealt with someone close to you that makes you paranoid, drained, exhausted, sad, etc. this may be a book for you. unfortunately narcissists are out there and they love to prey on innocent nice people. whether its a friend or family member, it’s incredibly difficult to sever the connections and cut ties with someone you care about even if the relationship is toxic.
anyways i‘ve had some bad characters pop up in my life, and i was recently recommended this book by a therapist. honestly wish i had this book a decade ago, it’s extremely helpful in the healing process and it dumbs down how to move on, stop repeating patterns, and remove yourself from guilt or responsibility from people that aren’t good for you 🖤
Dec 14, 2023
Top Recs from @visceralscenery
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best friend and i were yapping about how important it is to actually be celibate for a while and maybe even not date for a bit when you're single instead of hooking up until you find a partner. it sucks for a little bit and you are really forced to confront your demons and then one day you forget about it. whatever floats your boat but i think it's probably good for the soul to be celibate here and there and focus on other shit. i'll go like a whole year like it's nobody's business
Jan 27, 2024
seems like up till maybe 50 years ago if you knew the right guy with a printing press you could get some wild credit for being the first person to have a mostly normal thought. no matter how poorly you articulated it! sometimes it feels like the only sane thing to do is create your own critical framework....you are no less powerful than These Guys. they just made some of this stuff up
Jan 24, 2024
Apr 20, 2024