The Subtle Art...

I´ve read The Subtle Art of Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson long time ago, when I was trying to understand how far one can go in terms of positivity. I am a very optimistic nature, positive, maybe too positive and naive, but I also appreciate the gift of negative experiences. In the sense that I am grateful for every moments of my life, while accepting the transformative power of negative experiences.

Manson´s book pledges for taking responsibility and assuming the risks of the non-positive experiences. Our strength in taking the advantage of a relatively adverse situation is what should prevail in the end, the lessons learned while owning the problems and mistakes. 

It´s impossible to be ´positive´ all the time. To make believe that if you think good, all will be good denies a fundamental law of nature, which involves loss and precarity and death. It´s like the myth of eternal beauty and youth. Of course, a bit of plastic surgery does not hurt but getting old is also normal and part of the way things are - ok, except you are Cher, her mother and Madonna. But embracing life, getting angry - without being violent - experiencing sadness and strong emotions is what makes us alive. Positivity cannot be maintained as a permanent emotion. It´s fine to feel bad and sad and also say ´no´ to what everyone else say ´yes´.

This book is easy to read - or to listen as an audiobook - but stays with the reader for the directness of the ideas expressed. It makes some good points that may help us to figure out how important is to acknowledge our emotions and feelings, take risks and, indeed, accept and even embrace failure. No mantra will solve your real time problems and without direct involvement and engagement, your relationships will not move forward just by themselves. 

Rating: 4 stars