FLEX YOUR FEELINGS

5 stars out of 5

When I requested this book, it was mostly because I've been a student of psychology most of my life; so much so, in fact, that my undergraduate degree is in the subject. Little did I know, however, that the direction my life would take at the time I started to read it would bring a few much-appreciated insights. Those life events, alas, also meant I was late in finishing and reviewing the book - a pre-release copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, for which I'm thankful (and very apologetic). But now I've finished, and with a little help from the book, I'm working to get my personal life back in order once again.

For openers, while it's easy to read, this isn't what I call a "pop-psych" book; you won't find cognitive distortions like "stinking thinking" or "analysis paralysis" (although I'll give the author, a clinical psychologist, points for tidbits like, "You only need to get up one more time than you fail"). Rather, she outlines seven steps for achieving emotional fitness: mindfulness, curiosity, self-awareness, resilience, empaathy, communication and playfulness. And she follows that up with a discussion of why we need to get better at each and presents specific steps for getting there.

That doesn't mean it will be a walk in the park. As she puts it, "Every single thing you want in your work and personal lives lives on the other side of discomfort." Examples taken from her personal experiences as a therapist are helpful, and exercises make it easier to put the suggestions to work in your own life so you can become, as the book description suggests, the best leader, entrepreneur and human you can be. At the end are resources like related books and the author's sources that back up what's in each chapter. I certainly learned from it, and I'm sure other readers will as well.

Flex Your Feelings by Dr. Emily Anhalt (G.P. Putnam's Sons, May 2025); 288 pp.