Q: I know things are not going well in my life, but it has more to do with how I think about and react to things. I don’t think I am seriously upset enough to need counselling. Friends have suggested several books, but I feel overwhelmed when I have to read right through a book. Do you have any suggestions?
A: Reading is often helpful if we do it in ways that allow us to have a healthy talk with ourselves. Books consisting of short articles are often more helpful, since we don’t feel pressured or overwhelmed by them.
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I would suggest many of the books of daily meditations, which don’t have to be religious. They are often helpful because they make us more objective about ourselves and feel less trapped within our problems.
For men, I would suggest Touchstones, published by Hazelden. For women, I would suggest Women Who Do Too Much, published by Harper.
Your feeling of discomfort is a healthy sign. It directs you to take a look at your life. It is important to look at where you are and where you want to go.
Unfortunately, our instinctive reaction when facing stress and change is to get stuck in past problems.
If you have access to a computer, check the website for Creative Bound. Many of its books are for self-study and self-direction.
One of its book, Road Signs, by Betty Healey may help. Healey started a new career after 30 years in the health field. While commuting to work daily, she became aware of the many road signs and then began to look at her life as a journey containing many personal road signs.
Healey’s guide to personal travelling incorporates ideas from many people and has a travel tip at the end of each of her 24 directional vignettes.
This helps you to focus on how you use the ideas she has shared with you. Her style is down to earth, designed to encourage you to effectively pursue your own journey of life.
Road Signs is a book that I read with enjoyment, and pick up regularly to remind me to pinpoint where I am on my map of life and which direction I am going.
Peter Griffiths is a mental health counsellor based in Prince Albert, Sask. His columns are intended as general advice only. His website is www3.sk.sympatico.ca/petecope.
