They say "It takes a village."
And yet today it can be difficult, if not impossible, for others to penetrate the 'boundaries' that we all seem to build up around ourselves."No thanks. I can figure it out by myself."
30 Things invites you to take a step back from that kind of individualistic mindset and consider a different model for your life. One that embraces a larger community.
One that doesn't just value advice from others, but actively seeks out such help. One that is open-minded, attentive and committed to positive change.
You won't find anything too 'preachy' in these pages. Nor is 30 Things a book filled with lofty aspirations, pious platitudes or impossible goals.
Bill Schaberg simply presents thirty different pieces of worthwhile advice that he has been given over the years, tells how each one first came to him, and then relates how he tried to incorporate them into his life.
30 Things is a book of practical advice. Advice that - if actually put into practice - can help promote the book's promised goal of "living well".
At least, that's been the author's experience.
Hence, 30 Things... where he shares advice that he sincerely hopes might work for you too!
About the Author :
Bill Schaberg is the proprietor of Athena Rare Books, a firm specializing in first-edition philosophy books published between the 16th and the 20th centuries. Deeply committed to the study of philosophy since college, Schaberg finally had to admit he was never going to find the "answers to life" that he was so diligently searching for within that discipline. While the ancient philosophers (those original "lovers of wisdom") were primarily trying to discover the best ways for us to live our lives, modern philosophy has veered off into several different specialties (theories of knowledge, language analysis, etc.) that add absolutely nothing to our understanding of how to go about "living well".It took more than a few years, but Schaberg finally realized that those answers are best found in the experience of others - experiences that have been candidly shared and then attentively heard, accepted and acted upon.
Review :
oe Nowinski, PhD, internationally recognized clinical psychologist and authorThere are many things to like about 30 Things, written from a position of humility as opposed to authority, which makes the advice offered easy to digest. It stands in contrast to the patronizing approach that typically characterizes "advice" writings. Most of the "things" in fact emanate from the author's own experiences and originate with others he respects. I heartily recommend 30 Things to all who are open to seeing life at times from a different perspective.
Clinical Therapist Adina Silvestri, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor 30 ThingAs a licensed therapist specializing in substance abuse and erasing shame, I found 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well by William Schaberg to be a valuable source of wise and practical advice. This book provides an array of insights that are especially beneficial for therapists and their clients on a journey toward healing and self-improvement. Below are some key highlights and how they can be applied to therapy:
You Can Pretend to Care, But You Can't Pretend to Be There
- The importance of presence in relationships is highlighted by Schaberg, which is a vital concept in therapy. Being fully present with others builds trust and deepens emotional connections.
- Practice: Encourage clients to practice mindfulness in their interactions, focusing on truly being there for their loved ones without distractions.
Identify the Places Where You Encounter the Spiritual and Go There Often
- Finding and regularly visiting places that evoke a sense of spirituality or peace can be incredibly healing for clients. This advice promotes self-care and the importance of environments in emotional well-being.
- Strategy: Help clients identify their personal sanctuaries, whether physical places or mental states and incorporate regular visits to these spaces into their routines. And who doesn't want to understand the subconscious better?
In conclusion, 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well offers practical lessons that can significantly benefit therapeutic practices. Schaberg's insights offer clear steps for living and more.
