Dr Julie Smith’s Open When was met with some resistance and curiosity.
The idea of having a bunch of “letters” to open based on feelings seemed really helpful, but as I continued to read her book, I started to wonder whether it was just another self-help book.
As someone who always gravitates toward self-help and life-coach books, I realised that some of the ideas were things I’d come across before.
A few chapters on mindfulness and cognitive reframing felt a bit like déjà vu. But that didn’t mean the book was bad; it just changed how I approached it.
Instead of feeling like I had to read every single page, I focused on the parts that really spoke to me. I skimmed through the basics and zeroed in on chapters that tackled specific issues, like dealing with social anxiety or imposter syndrome.
This way of reading made me see that Open When isn’t meant to be a one-size-fits-all guide. It is adaptable, which makes it a bonus.
However, if you’re someone who likes to do thorough research into topics, this book might be a bit too basic. It offers a broad overview of emotional well-being without going into greater detail on topics highlighted.
Overall, Open When is a comforting read, and if you’ve read a lot of self-help before, some parts might feel familiar, but the book’s flexibility lets you focus on what matters to you.
Just be ready to make it your own, based on what you’re going through.