Permission Granted

May 10, 2021
Memoirist Louise (Someone Has Led This Child to Believe) returns with an impressive collection of tenets intended to help build self-esteem. She begins by urging readers to identify their passions and to make a “pact with personal freedom.” Readers are instructed to give themselves permission, because doing so, Louise writes, allows the mind to focus on change and growth. Louise argues that by opening up to others, one can become more courageous and allow one’s “innate self-worth to shine through.” She also provides exercises for acknowledging aspects of one’s character that may not be ideal, as well as for accepting and moving on from difficult experiences. Throughout, there are questions for reflection, mindfulness practices, and affirmations, and Louise’s upbeat tone is undeniably motivational: “There is no need to wait for someone to grant us entry into our best selves and our best lives.” Readers will discover simple, effective ways for defining a personal sense of purpose here.