Isn’t living the good life what we are all looking for? Do we actually stop and consider though what the good life is? Alexandra Stoddard is an interior designer, lifestyle philosopher, and presenter on the topic of personal happiness. You Are Your Choices – 50 Ways to Live the Good Life is Alexandra Stoddard’s 25th published book. If you’re seeking the good life, and need just a little help, I recommend you check out this book.
I have to say that by now I’ve read a good number of books on seeking happiness, self-improvement, and such-like inspirational topics. When I checked You Are Your Choices out of my local public library I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now I find myself reluctant to return this book. It’s a keeper – it’s going on my wishlist. The easiest way to explain why is to quote some sections from the book.
Chapter 15 – Redefine What is Beautiful
“It is in the small acts of our intimate, private, everyday lives that we experience the beautiful. When we create little moments that are pleasing to our senses, especially our eyes, we elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary… The life we can make beautiful is the one right before us…”
Chapter 26 – Be Aware
“How many of us can truthfully say that we are centered in the present, mindful of what is real? How watchful and alert are we? When we are aware we have full consciousness of something; we’re mentally awake and alert… How many people do you know who are truly awakened, who are able to think and do what is right, who regularly work on purifying their minds? Few of us perceive reality.”
This is just a taster of what you’ll find in the book. Each chapter begins with a relevant quote, introduces a topic to think about, inspires with ideas on how to implement the topic in your everday life, and ends with another inspirational and related quote. Authors of the quotes include Deepak Chopra, Robert Browning, Emerson, Robert Louis Stevenson, Shakespeare, Marcus Aurelius, Dr Seuss and Sir Isaac Newton.
I can’t say I agree with all of Alexandra Stoddard’s philosophy on living the good life. We can’t all live in a beautiful seaside cottage. I don’t personally think that frequent trips to France are a supportable element of living the good life. Nonetheless, if you need help to remember to slow down, notice, and celebrate beautiful and wonderful things in your life take a further look at this book and consider it for your wishlist.
You can read further reviews of You Are Your Choices – 50 Ways to Live the Good Life at Amazon.com. Purchases made through this link support Loving Nature’s Garden.
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Yay! You’re back! Thanks for the reminder to seize the moment. I try to find beauty and joy in whatever circumstance I find myself, but sometimes I need a reminder. I don’t know if I need the “good life” but I try to approach every day with an open and eager mind. I’m so thrilled that Dr. Seuss is quoted in this book. I may have to check it out just because of that!
Carole, thanks for the comment. I love Dr Seuss too – so whimsical, unexpected, and just plain fun while being thoughtful at the same time. My favorite is Fox in Socks. What a challenge for getting the tongue around! And those crazy Dr Seuss illustrations with the mangled and impossible stairways… I read Dr Seuss’ biography one time, it was rather interesting, but not quite what I expected.