Lessons from ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’
Life rarely follows a straight path. Sometimes, I forget this lesson. As much as you want things to go one way, inevitably, things will be thrown in your path that require you to adjust in flight. As the old saying goes, “It might not be what you want, but it’s what you get.” Over the past few years, my reading has been confined to bedtime stories like “See Spot Run” and “The Cat in the Hat,” but recently, I read a book that was a perfect read at the perfect time.
A dear and close friend of mine (you know who you are) gave me a book called “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson. Whether we identify ourselves with family, work accomplishments, success, or any number of things, over time, we each build an image that we come to be known by. What happens when that identity we built seems to get lost? Personally, a lot of my identity was based around work and the accomplishments that came with it, but when that identity is altered, it can be difficult to adjust. Manson’s book, with its blunt truths about life, struck a chord with me. It reminded me to embrace life’s challenges (and perhaps even my own limitations) and to understand what truly requires my attention, energy, and focus.
The book’s lessons on prioritizing what to give a “f*ck” about were really game-changers. Leading a life filled with targets and deadlines, I was reminded that it is more important to find value in who I am instead of what I do. Change is never easy; it forces you to face a new reality, chart a different path, all while maintaining a strong belief in yourself.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” didn’t just shed some much-needed perspective, I truly think it is a guide for anyone at a crossroads, seeking direction, and doubling down on their own sense of self. A great read and I wanted to take the time to share this. A great read that came at a great time… paying it forward.
Robin.
