Be happy

We have some new additions to the self-help section of the library:

Staring at the Sun: overcoming the terror of death, by Irvin D. Yalom is written in a nice narrative style, filled with personal stories, that make it very easy to read. The author is an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford, and he encourages the reader to use mortality as an impetus for communicating with our loved ones, examining our priorities, and taking a few risks to make ourselves happier.

Emotional Sobriety: from relationship trauma to resilience and balance, by Tian Dayton, is for anyone who deals with stress in self-destructive ways: overeating, substance abuse, overspending and lashing out. Dayton is a clinical psychologist who advocates looking at the root cause of self-destructive behavior, and suggests ways to restore your emotional stability.

Forgive for Love: the missing ingredient for a healthy and lasting relationship, is by Dr. Fred Luskin. It's an important concept: holding a grudge against your partner will spread bitterness throughout your relationship and will destroy it in the end. He's not necessarily talking about major incidents (such as infidelity), but even little errors that are unforgiven (leaving the toilet seat up, again) will eventually blossom into something bigger. Let go of it, and move on.

Be Happy Without Being Perfect: how to break free from the perfection deception, is by Alice D. Domar. Sorry, I can't identify with this...(actually, this book is great for overacheivers and A-type personalities who feel as if everything has to be done perfectly or they have somehow failed).