You Are the Boss of You is an introspective guide for reclaiming personal power and healing. Shauna Brittenham Reiter combines her personal struggles with trauma and mental health with a toolkit of practical strategies. The book weaves her story of resilience with lessons on setting boundaries, healing trauma, self-soothing, and redefining self-worth. Each chapter explores a key aspect of personal growth, from softening perfectionism to honoring sleep, with actionable advice for creating a life aligned with your deepest desires.

One thing I appreciated about the book is its honest vulnerability. Reiter’s willingness to share her journey, like the forty-day fast that landed her in a psychiatric ward, is not only brave but creates a strong connection with the reader. The chapter on healing trauma resonated with me, where she unpacks how unresolved childhood experiences echo into adulthood. Her perspective on recognizing these patterns and gently confronting them is relatable and encouraging. The anecdotes make you feel like you’re sitting with someone who has “been there” and genuinely wants to help.

I also found the writing style straightforward and powerful. The chapter on boundaries, for instance, dives into why we often say “yes” when we mean “no” and how that erodes our self-respect over time. Her examples of practicing saying “no,” like declining a party invite without overexplaining, are simple but effective. It hit home for me because I tend to overcommit and then regret it. Her guidance felt like a friend reminding me to put myself first without guilt.

Chapter 9, “Advocating for Yourself,” stood out to me as one of the most empowering sections of the book. It struck a perfect balance between relatable examples and actionable advice, encouraging readers to take control of their own narratives. What I liked most about this chapter was its focus on the emotional and psychological blocks that prevent people from standing up for themselves and the practical strategies Reiter offers to overcome these challenges.

You Are the Boss of You, by Shauna Brittenham Reiter, is an empowering read. It would resonate with anyone navigating trauma recovery, struggling with boundaries, or simply seeking a more fulfilling life. Reiter’s raw honesty, paired with practical tools, makes this a great book for readers ready to reclaim their agency and live authentically. If you’re ready to become “the boss of you,” this book is worth the read.

Pages: 288 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DBVN56ZG