Monday, April 12, 2010

Finding Joy - Mental and Physical Realignment

I've been reading the book - How to Get A Life That Doesn't Suck by Michelle DeAngelis. It is a book full of strategies and self-help suggestions. Published in 2008, this book is reminds me of Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction - Laura Berman Fortgand and Life Makeover by Cheryl Richardson.

Cheryl Richardson's book gives you an exercise to do each week for a one year period. Laura Berman Fotgang gives you 90 days, whereas Michelle DeAngeleis offers to take you on a three part ride to obtain joy that you can work on over time.

What I really like about the DeAngelis book is the BE YOUR BEST charts on page 106 and 107. These charts look at body, mind and spirit. They provide great self-care strategies that one can pick up and run with. Also helpful is the "Get Back on Track" recommendations that are included throughout the book.

Michelle's book Get A Life That Doesn't Suck is well written, but what I found confusing was the mixed joy metaphor that went over to joy riding, test driving examples, and use of the back on track concept. In addition, when added to the cover lemon concept of getting a life that does't suck, I found myself getting very confused. Maybe a better title for this book would have been The Ride of Your Life - finding your joy and loving the ride.

DeAngelis suggests getting rid of the physical and mental clutter in your life, Cheryl Richardson also suggests reducing the physical clutter by creating space and cleaning your office space. Laura Berman Fortgang has many helpful exercises that look at mental clutter in part one of her book, although the word clutter is not actually used.

So, if you are looking to find some joy and wanting to realign your life consider reading any of these three books.  You may also want to consider using a transition or life coach to help you on your journey.

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