Everyday Commitments: Choosing a Life of Love, Realism, and Acceptance

by David Richo

In this unique book, psychotherapist David Richo offers fifty-two promises we can make to ourselves that will help us navigate the ups and downs of daily living in a wise, compassionate, and psychologically healthy way. Taken together these commitments, along with the author's brief reflections on them, offer guidance on how

   • develop genuine kindness toward yourself and others
   • find freedom from fear
   • maintain healthy boundaries in relationships
   • develop greater honesty and awareness 
Designed for daily or weekly inspiration and contemplation, Everyday Commitments also features practical exercises—including journaling, contemplation, and guided meditations—to foster inward growth and lasting positive change.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Relationships, Spirituality

128 pages, Hardcover

First published December 18, 2007

About the author

David Richo, PhD, is a therapist and author who leads popular workshops on personal and spiritual growth.

He received his BA in psychology from Saint John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 1962, his MA in counseling psychology from Fairfield University in 1969, and his PhD in clinical psychology from Sierra University in 1984. Since 1976, Richo has been a licensed marriage, family, and child counselor in California. In addition to practicing psychotherapy, Richo teaches courses at Santa Barbara City College and the University of California Berkeley at Berkeley, and has taught at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. He is a clinical supervisor for the Community Counseling Center in Santa Barbara, California.

Known for drawing on Buddhism, poetry, and Jungian perspectives in his work, Richo is the author of How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Lovingand The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find in Embracing Them. He has also written When the Past Is Present: Healing the Emotional Wounds that Sabotage our Relationships, Shadow Dance: Liberating the Power and Creativity of Your Dark Side, The Power of Coincidence: How Life Shows Us What We Need to Know, and Being True to Life: Poetic Paths to Personal Growth.

Richo lives in Santa Barbara and San Francisco.

Reviews

[Sheilisa Dock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to reignite your personal development journey. It’s one of those you can read multiple times

[Cheryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! I no longer read every self-help book that comes along but after reading Richo's "Five Things" I decided to read all of his work. I appreciate his offerings - wise, grounded, and gentle.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, easy read. if you want help owning your part of forgiveness and living authentically this might help you along the path.

[David Melbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to utilize these commitments in the next fifty-two weeks; I could use all the help I can get! --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book; but you have to put it to use!

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise...but it just didn't add up to much.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The same basic discussions as in his other books, but still useful and very positive thinking.