Self-ish: When Bubble Baths, Wine, and Affirmations Aren’t Cutting It

by Sunita Osborn

Czy czujesz się winny, kiedy mówisz „nie”? Masz wrażenie, że jeśli nie spełniasz cudzych oczekiwań, to zawodzisz? A może uważasz, że troska o siebie to luksus, na który nie możesz sobie pozwolić?

Jeśli udzieliłeś odpowiedzi twierdzącej na przynajmniej jedno z tych pytań, prawdopodobnie zbyt długo stawiałeś innych na pierwszym miejscu. Sunita Osborn, psycholożka i terapeutka, wprost i bez lukru pokazuje, że stawianie granic, odpoczynek i własne potrzeby to nie egoizm, ale zdrowa odpowiedzialność za siebie.

Autorka obala mity na temat bycia miłym i społecznej presji ciągłego dawania, opowiada historie osób, które odbudowały swoją tożsamość po kryzysie, wypaleniu lub stracie, oraz oferuje praktyczne narzędzia do wyznaczania granic i wzmacniania poczucia własnej wartości.

To nie jest poradnik, który mówi ci, że masz wszystko rzucić i wyjechać w Bieszczady. To książka, która krok po kroku pomaga odzyskać siebie — takiego, który nie przeprasza za swoje istnienie i nie boi się być „wystarczająco ważny”.

Przestań być wszystkim dla wszystkich – zacznij być kimś dla siebie.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

158 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2023

Reviews

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mam pełną świadomość, że niska ocena tej książki wynika z osobistych barier i oporu, nie zaś z jej merytorycznej wartości. Jedynie rozdział o samodyscyplinie wszedł jak nóż w masło, stąd przypuszczenie, że reszta też może być użyteczna. Dopuszczam ponowną lekturę, gdy będę na to gotowa. Póki co książka jest dla mnie bardziej poszlaką niż surowcem, z którego da się wytworzyć narzędzia.

[Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 good info!

[Maddy Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though corny at first, it ended up not being too bad. The exercises within did make me think, and I will definitely be recommending to my female patients.

[Katriin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this book because of its standout cover—5/5 for design! The vibrant and witty visuals, combined with the intriguing subtitle, really spoke to me. It felt like a promise of something refreshingly different from the usual self-help books. The cover conveyed a sense of originality, humor, and perhaps a bold approach to addressing self-love and self-care. For that, I have to say, job well done—it hooked me immediately.

Unfortunately, for me, the inside of the book didn’t live up to the cover. While I had high hopes for a fresh perspective, I found that the content fell back on many of the same ideas and discussions that are already well-trodden in this genre. Topics like affirmations, self-compassion, and setting boundaries—though important—felt recycled rather than groundbreaking. The writing was solid, and the author clearly has expertise, but I didn’t find the unique take I was hoping for based on the promise of the cover.

This book might resonate more with readers new to the self-help category or those who need a gentle reminder of the basics of self-care. But for those who have already explored similar books, Self-ish might not deliver the fresh perspective its cover suggests. Overall, a mixed experience for me—a standout presentation but not quite the substance I was hoping for.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the paperback version and listened to the audiobook while reading. I took notes and wrote throughout the book. First, the narrator for the audiobook was amazing. I want to listen to more books by her. Second, the book was amazing. It is easy and fun to read and intensely practical. Dr. Osborn was relatable, enjoyable, and made self-care seem practical and do-able. She grounded it and showed how it is so much more practical...it's staying in touch with friends, it's going to the doctor, it's listening to the things we don't want to do but should do and asking ourselves questions and and then making decisions based on our values and not just our self-gratification and impulses and not berating ourselves for having those impulses. I am buying this book for some female friends of mine and gifting them. I absolutely loved this book.

[SusanTalksBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the *audio* version of this book, which is not listed on Goodreads at this time. Author Sunita Osborn has written a book about "self-care" that heavily references social media trends around #selfcare, #selflove and similar hashtags. She explains how many of these social media posts are not really showing self love in a clinical sense. She reiterates known concepts in a new way, about being true to your values, doing what helps you achieve your goals, being your best self. This was a nice refresher with a bit of a new twist. 3.5 stars rounded up. Audio book was about 4 hours and from Los Angeles Public Library.

[Heather Ramshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook version- As someone who was called selfish growing up, and has since done everything in my power to avoid this, ‘Self-ish’ was a very refreshing and important read. Took a lot away that I hope to hold on to. Spoiler: be more selfish!

[Laura L. Lekang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. It's definitely directed at women but the take aways were amazing. She has a really easy, free flowing writing style and adds in humor (which I love). Sarcasm is my native language. Great for anyone who wants to get a better handle on themselves. It's ok to be selfish.

[Eli Täpp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and easy non-fiction from MIRKO. I liked the approach that all woman should be more selfish and how general perspective has somehow cornered us. I didn’t like the long descriptions of different dictionaries and social media.

[Marji · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5⭐️. Easy read and some good take always. There is workbook type areas at the end of every chapter.

[Ketlin]

Ma ei oskagi hinnata vs kommenteerida.
Polegi seda tüüp raamat, mis endale siia märksõnadega kirja panna.

[Mel rose ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2/5: Women, please read this!