Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book for free to review from the publisher for my honest review!
I love self-help books especially when it comes to emotional health and personal growth. Take Your Life Back: How to Stop Letting the Past and Other People Control You is an eye-opener for all of us that feel we are defined by our past.
Authors Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop teach you how to let go of the past so you can work on becoming the person you are meant to be. Our past should not define us. A great book for those who have hit rock bottom or feel like they are not the person that they want to be. Whether you feel like you are being held down by your past or another person, this book will help you get to the root of your trauma and help you overcome it.
It covers several forms of trauma such as emotional abuse, physical abuse. personality disorders, spiritual abuse, dependency, and narcissism to name a few.
It also includes a 12-step program to help you regain control of your life and learn how to move forward to be the person you are meant to be.
My Thoughts
While I enjoyed the knowledge the book had to offer, the first half of it was rather “dry”. It wasn’t until chapter 10 that it started to intrigue me and hold my attention. It was also not the type of book I expected. Or, maybe I should say not the information I expected. Nonetheless, if you are dealing with some kind of trauma from your past, it is worth the read.
From the Back Cover
“I want to have better relationships . . . but is it all on me to fix things?”
“This person’s approval means everything to me. It’s like it controls me.”
“Why can’t I get free from this cycle?”
If you find yourself having these feelings, it’s time to take your life back. Through personal examples, clinical insights, and spiritual truth, Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop will show you how to overcome the habits and history that are keeping you down―and take new, positive steps toward change;
- overcome the habits and history that are keeping you down―and take new, positive steps toward change;
- heal from the hurts, setbacks, and broken relationships that affect you every day;
- develop better boundaries with others in your life;
- stop overreacting and start responding appropriately to any situation or circumstance;
- break the cycle of behavior that harms you and your relationships;
- find the freedom you have longed for.
Your past and current circumstances don’t have to define you, and they don’t have to determine the direction of your life. Take Your Life Back is the key to moving from reactive attitudes and behaviors to healthy, God-honoring responses that will help you live the life you were meant to live.
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