Sometimes It’s Good To Be Anti Self-Help
- Details
- Written by Amy B. Scher

(here’s how to do it)
Here’s the discussion I’ve been having with an author friend recently.
Self-help is good. But there is a tipping point where self-help begins to have the opposite of its intended effect.
When you dive too far into spirituality, “working” on yourself all the time, analyzing your emotions, healing, etc. you become consumed by it. And there is no way to get out of problems by making your life about them.
There is a huge conflict there.
We are not meant to spend our lives analyzing and “working” on ourselves. We are meant to use the tools and practices available to make being human easier and more joyful.
But almost no one gets this.
So I’m going to show you exactly what shifting this pattern looks like.
For one week, in whatever ways you are comfortable, become anti self-help by taking the pressure off yourself and embracing the joys of being mediocre.
Here are the rules for your holiday homework:
- Refrain from trying to change anything for the next week: don’t try to fix your life, heal your body, or anything of the sorts. Give yourself a break.
- Give up all the stuff you *think* should do for self-care
(yes, even energy work!) - Instead, without analyzing, pick one self-care thing you actually love or need the most
(and do that only) - If you read, don’t read self-help books (read anything else)
- Rediscover the joys in TV, art, doing “non-productive” activities
- If it won’t physically harm you, eat something that’s deemed “bad”
(sugar, carbs, whatever you love) - If you have permission from your doctor, take a break from non-essential supplements for the week
I’m going to leave you with an excerpt from my book, How To Heal Yourself From Depression When No One Else Can.
It’s possibly my favorite thing I’ve ever written:
“In Mary Oliver’s famous poem “The Summer Day,” she asks of us, What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? While the question can feel overwhelming to ponder, I hope that your reaction to it is not that. I hope that after our time together and the work you’ve done and continue to do, you now see things in a different light. I hope you have lightened up on yourself and dropped some of the sh** that has dragged you down. I hope, mostly, that you will keep feeling. Keep healing. And that you will go and live your one wild life, even and especially if it means sometimes saying no, finding your own quiet joy that no one understands, and giving a few less f***s than you ever have before.

AMY B. SCHER is an award-winning and bestselling author of This Is How I Save My Life (Simon and Schuster), How To Heal Yourself From Depression When No One Else Can (Sounds True Publishing), and two other books about human-ing and healing. She’s been featured in The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, GMA, CNN, CBS, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus, and more.
Credits: amybscher.com
© 2021 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved on CrystalWind.ca
Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!
Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!
Disclaimer Health
All post and information provided within this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes or taking supplements that may interfere with medications. Any products or information discussed are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any illness, disease or lifestyle. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this website.
Latest Articles
Dive into the Mystical World of the Crystal Wind Oracle Deck!
Get All the Enchanting Details Now!
NEW Expanded Boxed Edition!
Now with 58 Cards for Richer Wisdom!

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!
Epilepsy - Finding A Cure
Your donation can make a difference!
Help us find a cure – donate now!
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Featured This Month
Lammas by The Hedgewitch
Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discer... Read more
Abalone Shell
Echos Of The Ancestors Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and th... Read more
Chalcedony
The Stone Of Orators Chalcedony was very popular as a decorative stone in ant... Read more
Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun
The god Lugh was worshiped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection... Read more
Sun in Cancer
Cancer Sun Sign Characteristics Overview The name "Cancer" comes from Latin, ... Read more
Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology
Egyptian astrology was one of the earliest forms of astrology. The Egyptians w... Read more
Cancer Mythology
The Mythology of Cancer: A Celestial Tale of Loyalty and Sacrifice Among th... Read more