"The Obstacle Is The Way" - Book review
For reasons of my own I decided I needed this book in my life over a year ago so I purchased the audio book, which is the only way I can "read" a book these days.
Can I just say I love when authors narrate their own book. I feel like it gives the audio version more authenticity, you can really hear the passion and get a sense of the authors character. Ryan Holiday has a way of making you think deeply about something while at the same time being humored by his words. He has a no bullshit way of making his point, getting down to the nitty-gritty and delivering the message clearly.
“The Obstacle Is The Way” is a very motivating and encouraging book that draws examples from stoicism to teach the reader how to focus on the things they can control and forget everything else. This book uses examples throughout history of extremely smart and successful people from all walks of life who took the obstacle and made from it, their way; the way that lead to their success and from it the success of others.
“If an emotion can't change the condition or the situation you're dealing with, it is likely an unhelpful emotion. Or, quite possibly, a destructive one. But it's what I feel. Right, no one said anything about not feeling it. No one said you can't ever cry. Forget "manliness." If you need to take a moment, by all means, go ahead. Real strength lies in the control or, as Nassim Taleb put it, the domestication of one's emotions, not in pretending they don't exist.” ― Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
But what does this have to do with parenting? Is this a parenting book?
This is an anything your struggling with book. Just like a sermon on a Sunday you can just about take any of the things Ryan talks about in this book and make them fit into your life while squeezing a solution or new perspective out of it.
Did your kid just scream I hate you and run to their bedroom and slam the door when you’re trying to leave the house for dinner at your parents? Here’s a good quote:
“Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.”
Literally my favorite line from the book and I tell it to myself ALL THE TIME.
Since last year I have re-listened to this book about four times and each time I hear new things and apply old things to new “problems”. Even if you are not working right now, not creating right now, your “just a parent” right now, you are still need of this book.
I hope you get a chance to read/listen to this book and I hope you love it and find encouragement in the areas of your life you need it the most!
