This is the first time that someone has explained the effects of changing your inner monologue in a way that makes it feel possible!

Who I am becoming? Where am I going? How did I get here? These are a few of the questions that Ms. Hall leads us as we discover our best kept secret deep within us. Under the facade of our behavioral patterns lies the stories that we tell ourselves everyday, which cultivate and charter the lives that we end up living out. Or, as Annie Dillard would say, our days become our lives.

Reading this book gave me a sense of ownership and conviction for myself, not from a peppy, self-help, rainbows-and-unicorns world, but from a firm conviction that the lies we tell ourselves everyday can be altered and transfigured into beautiful stories of quiet confidence and assurance. We must step off the merry-go-round of the megaphonic criticism that we speak to ourselves and in turn seek to discover the hidden meaning. Her method is simple.

1. Pay attention to your stories
2. Analyze them for truth and reality
3. Change the bad ones to serve you
4. Press repeat until they become ingrained.

This is the skeleton upon which flesh is given as Ms. Hall chronicles stories of people who have received a dramatic life change simply by silencing and seducing their inner storyteller to be kinder, nicer, and more polite to that pesky inner critic, ever present, ever lurking in the ebony shadows.

Was this a life-changing read? Not sure. It will take some time for me to put these things into practice. I am convinced, however, that the implementation of these steps and skills will assist many on their journey of inner healing and birth a greater self-awareness. It's not the monster under the bed that we must fear; the monster within seems much fiercer.

I finished this book quickly, and now I’m going to read it again more slowly. I’m going to take the time to start identifying my icebergs (and triggers) and find great stories to replace them with. My hope is that in doing so, I will also be more sensitive to the stories that others are telling themselves. My hope is that I can teach my daughter to tell herself the good stories.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4374155054

This is a well-written book with practical examples. It is a great read & very easy to follow. I was able to get an advanced copy & I am so glad. I can't wait until I can get my hands on a hardcopy & I plan to gift copies out as well.
I absolutely loved this book!!

This is such a great book. It’s really well-written. I loved the practical, realistic examples, as well as the magical storyline that kept me captivated. It’s a great read if you’re tired of any aspect of your life. Whether you’re considering a career change or trying to reach a personal goal that’s always eluded you, this book is the guide you need!

I found this to be a very helpful and thought-provoking guide to rethinking life, which is common thread for so many of us in these times. Readable, applicable with lots of anecdotes and prompts for how to change the an article in your head.