Throwing A Bone

Nerdom gets reviews all the time. But what about The Mess? You guys deserve a review too every once and a while. And today I am here to give it to you!

I am not blind that the Nerdom here on My Mess gets a little extra attention. Mainly that is because I am such a large nerd myself. But I was talking to James this week and realized that I end up enjoying the types of writing pieces I do for Nerdom more than what I write for The Mess. In all honesty, I find the quality better and more fulfilling. That by no means, means I will stop writing The Mess because I think it is very necessary for a different part of me. As well as, for a different part of you, our audience here on My Mess. But to switch things up a bit, I thought I would write a review for The Mess today, one that brings the same self care we have been striving for here but with the flare and love Nerdom seems to thrive in.

It is not often that I read a non-fiction book. The more I think about it, I don't even think I know the last time I did. Nope, got nothing. But thanks to James's obsession with Joe Rogan, which was bestowed upon him by our lovely friend Adrian [thanks buddy], he found Jordan Peterson. He really enjoyed the discussions Peterson participated in and was eager to learn more. That eagerness is how he found "12 Rules For Life: An Antidote To Chaos".

Rule #8: Tell The Truth-- Or At Least Don't Lie. Alright here's the truth, I did not want to read this book. I only read it because I like bonding with my husband over books, and more often than not he lets me pick the book. So, when he says he wants to read something, I am eager to do it. Not for whatever the book is but because I like engaging my husband in his interests because he so often engages me in mine. That is where growth happens. And this was no different. I didn't want to read this book but I am so glad I did. This book challenged me so much and it is definitely one I think I will find myself reading multiple times throughout my life to serve as further guidance, a check on my attitude, and how I proceed with how I live my life. When you first look at these rules you might find yourself skeptical at best. Listen to the man. If nothing else, you have to admit he is honest.

More than honest though, he is extremely intelligent. If you have never heard him speak before I encourage you to check him out before reading the book. Or you can take the journey I did and listen to the audio book because he read it himself to make sure his message was clear. Either way, I point this out because for those of you who are interested in reading or listening to this, it is not for the faint of heart. He does not pull his punches. Not in his truths or in the way in which he presents them. He is firm. There is no "room for interpretation", this is a take it or leave it scenario only. I guess part of me needed that going into my first "self-help"-ish book in who knows how long.

The down side to that point though is since he is honest and himself, and I have informed you that he is extremely intelligent, he can go into a lecture type format at times. I didn't mind it but I definitely could not listen when I was tired because you would miss something and I figured it might be on the test. That's a joke. I point this out because though I do not mind it, some people might. Just as much as he doesn't pull punches on his message he also doesn't pull punches on his intelligence. Meaning, this is not a YA reading level if that is something that matters to you.

This book hit me hard and challenged me in a very well rounded way. Which I found rather annoying, in the best way possible. I am not going to break the book down any further because I am going to highly encourage you to experience this one for yourself. I know, that is not very Nerdom of me, but this is The Mess after all. We are all about self care here and sometimes self care is reading [or listening to] a book. Challenging your beliefs, your current level of education, your experiences and how you have interpreted them and applied them to your life, that is something a book can do, especially this one. I hope this provides you with the opportunity to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually whether you end up taking it or leaving it. So, if I get to assign homework than this is it: give this book a try. Read or listen to it with an open and challenging mind and see where it leads. I would love to hear what it is you glean from it.

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Thank you very much for tuning in to this very special episode of The Mess here on My Mess. I hope you enjoyed this little treat. If you did, definitely tune in on Wednesday's for some Nerdom. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening and go into this new week refreshed and with a new attitude. The one thing you should keep the same though is, to stay messy!