What I'm Reading: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That's the only thing you should be trying to control.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

I've put off for a long time reading this book. I had a lot of expectations and most of them were bad. I was actually pleasantly surprised reading this. It made me more introspective and reflective and gave me a deeper urge to travel and get to know myself.

The main criticisms I've read of the book complain that Elizabeth Gilbert is "self-indulgent" and has not right to complain due to her "privilege." I take issue with both of these. First of all, the book is about being self-indulgent. Taking some time for yourself and really getting to know yourself. Indulging yourself in food, prayer, and relationships.

Secondly, the criticism (and idea behind it) that Gilbert has no right to complain and be depressed because she's got so much going for her is an issue that runs deep in the mental health community. Depression and anxiety can strike anyone, regardless of their background, and it's a really serious issue. Telling someone that they have no right to their depression only serves to worsen the issue.

I was able to relate to a lot of the issues she struggles with in the book, mainly anxiety and what she called "monkey brain." These two things are the main reasons why I am incapable of doing something most people don't even think about: sleeping.

Sure, I didn't relate to her as a person and wouldn't have made all of the same decisions, but I related to her struggles, appreciated her open-hearted honesty, and began to think to myself what kind of a journey I needed to go on to become a more balanced person.

#nerd #book #thoughts #nonfiction