Film & Book Reviews by Ashley S.

First off, I want to begin by saying that I do not enjoy self-help books. I remember reading a few quotes here and there, then finally having a physical copy enabled me to give it a chance.

Immediately, I was hooked. Manson is able to reel you in with his ability to form smooth, cohesive language and relatability. Essentially, he presented the whole not giving a f*ck concept by discussing the importance of awareness. We often find that individuals that let external things, like people, get in the way of their “happiness” it becomes an issue of character. This book is about pretty much giving in to what life has but having the control to dictate what effects you. When we talk about “don’t try,” we consider the law of attraction. I am a firm believer that when you let things take their course they tend to fall along your path at divine time.

Now we consider happiness and how most of us are in a constant state of wanting to feel and be the happiness. According to the CDC, In 2020 18.4% of Americans reported having been diagnosed with depression. This is a growing epidemic in our country for an array of reasons. Many issues plague our society today that have caused this current divide that seems to be overflowing. When it comes to happiness, I have found that we must accept things as they are and not try to control the things we cannot change. This is easier said than done but we have to understand that the World exists outside of the physical realm. Plato’s Theory of Form talks about how our spirituality extends within the inner-working of the universe and all it entails. I think if we want to feel the happiness we have to have to honest with ourselves and accept. This is difficult if you have an avoidant personality; Low self-esteem, tight criticism threshold and fear of abandonment. Oftentimes, you find yourself thinking “Damn, why do I do this? Why did I respond like this? Why do I feel like everyone is against me?”

Which brings us to the Feedback Loop from Hell. This is where I was like holy sh*t! This is an actual real thing. Picture this: You experience an event or interaction and suddenly you begin to feel these intense feelings of anxiety. Now you’re sitting there thinking wow, this anxiety is really getting to me. Then you start beating yourself up about the fact that you’re experiencing the anxiety. Now you have anxiety about having anxiety! The Feedback Loop from Hell. I mean, this is like putting it into words. To be in this loophole is so crazy that it’s like legitimately digging your own grave. When I read this, it helped me realize that not only do these feelings exist in the mind, but you are in control. When we consider that feeling of loss and instability, there is a moment of self reflection that has to take place. I think we can all agree that it’s difficult to be honest with yourself when you are letting your thoughts play games in this feedback loop. Everything in life is cyclical.

This book made think about intention. What do you really want in life? Think about what’s important to you and how you can keep that close. I think we get lost in the miniscule things in life and may lose sight of what really matters the most to us. Life is riddled with obstacles and choices. We just have to make sure that we choose what makes sense, what matters most, and what will continue to be fruitful. Intention is important because it creates an image. Be realistic with yourself and what you intend to do, because that is ultimately what will bring you the most serenity out of life.