Author: Blake D. Bauer

Bauer says that “Everything happens for a reason, especially health challenges of the mind and body.” (2020, p.36) Many of these challenges in life, according to the author, could have been lessened had we not been more into pleasing people than in caring for ourselves. He says this is happens because we are not being true to ourselves. Some numb themselves to this pain. Others simply ignore it. Doing so can cause anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, and frustration. (paraphrase, p. 46) Affirmations can assist us in overcoming these dead ends. Bauer offers steps to work though these affirmations and provides questions to assist in this process.

“Fear is the greatest obstacle in turning our unhealthy selfish tendencies into a form of healthy selfishness that first benefits us and then later benefits everyone we know and meet. Fear of hurting others, fear of owning the hurt we have caused, fear of being judged, fear of being rejected, fear of being vulnerable, fear of losing love, fear of losing support, fear of losing a partner, spouse, or friend…” (2020, p.69) Thus, suffice it to say that losing the fear can only make us more whole and happier. Doing that means we must find value in ourselves.  

Finding our self-worth establishes self-love. Why is this so hard? “If you stop pretending to be something you are not, or to feel other than you do, then what?  -  If you allowed the world to see your darkness and your light, your vulnerability and your power, do you fear you’d end up alone?  -  It is ironic that we as human beings inevitably have to ask ourselves, How do I be myself?” (2020, p.90) To which Bauer said, “I found myself when asking this question.” (p.91) 

So, do you know how to be yourself? I don’t intend to give away the whole book, but I hope to have made you curious enough to decide whether or not this book is for you.