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Your Life Isn't for You: A Selfish Person’s Guide to Being Selfless
“The message of this book is important to all ages. Living for others makes one’s own life more meaningful . . . a great book with a great message.” —SeattlePI In this book, Seth Adam Smith expands on the philosophy behind his extraordinarily popular blog post “Marriage Isn’t for You”—which received over thirty million hits and has been translated into over twenty languages—and shares how living for others can enrich every aspect of your life, just as it has his. With a mix of humor, candor, and compassion, he reveals how, years before his marriage, his self-obsession led to a downward spiral of addiction and depression, culminating in a suicide attempt at the age of twenty. Reflecting on the love and support he experienced in the aftermath, as well as on the lessons he learned from a difficult missionary stint in Russia, his time as a youth leader in the Arizona desert, his marriage, and even a story his father read to him as a child, he shares his deep conviction that the only way you can find your life is to give it away to others. Your Life Isn’t For You was named the Gold Medalist for Inspirational Memoir in the 2015 Living Now Book Awards! “A small, easy to read but powerful book full of positive messages. It is lighthearted and filled with important life lessons aimed to give readers a heightened sense of self awareness.” —Book Examiner “Seth’s amazing book illustrates a powerful and proven path to happiness and gently reminds us how easily we forget this profound focusing on others brings the deepest joy.” —Lindsay Hadley, Founder and CEO, Hadley Impact Consulting
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
33 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Seth Adam Smith
14 books44 followersSeth Adam Smith is a best-selling, award-winning author and blogger whose writings have been translated into over thirty languages and featured on the Huffington Post, Good Morning America, Fox News, CNN, the Today show, Forbes, and many other news outlets around the world. In 2015, his book "Your Life Isn’t for You" was awarded a gold medal for inspirational memoir.
A survivor of a suicide attempt in 2006, Seth is an advocate for resources and understanding concerning depression and suicide prevention, and he regularly writes about these topics in his books and on his blog. He and his wife, Kim, currently live in Arizona but have “belonging places” throughout the United States. He recently published "Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern," and is currently working on a series of historical novels set in Colonial America. Learn more at www.SethAdamSmith.com
A survivor of a suicide attempt in 2006, Seth is an advocate for resources and understanding concerning depression and suicide prevention, and he regularly writes about these topics in his books and on his blog. He and his wife, Kim, currently live in Arizona but have “belonging places” throughout the United States. He recently published "Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern," and is currently working on a series of historical novels set in Colonial America. Learn more at www.SethAdamSmith.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 13, 2024
This short book is a good reminder to not be a completely selfish asshole, which is a reminder most of use could use fairly often.
October 21, 2014
This slim inspirational guide "Your Life Isn't For You: A Selfish Person's Guide to Being Selfless" is part short memoir, essay, and philosophies authored by Seth Adam Smith.
When his essay "Marriage Isn't For You" went viral in 2013, getting over 2.2 million views in 36 hours. The essay was printed in the Huffington Post and numerous other newsfeeds and publications. Smith appeared with his wife Kim on GMA and Fox and Friend's to talk about the success of his newsworthy essay. Later it would be translated by volunteers in over 20 languages to be received world wide.
In 2005 at the age of 19, Smith was appointed to go on a 2 year term to be a missionary in Eastern Russia near the city of Viadivostok. This was a particularly troubling time for him, as he struggled with undiagnosed chronic depression, and later attempted to end his life. Smith was pulled from a car, (he had swallowed a full bottle of sleeping pills also a half bottle of pain pills) and saved by his father who called the EMT's. While recovering Smith would realize what a selfish act this was and dedicated his life more fully to service of others.
In growing up his father read him "The Selfish Giant" (Oscar Wilde), Smith talks about the impact of literature on his life. While in Saint Petersburg he saw the statue of "The Resurrected Russian" and related the story of Fydor Dostoyevsky who became one of the greatest worldwide writer's of literature. Prometheus, hesitant at leaving the safety of Mt. Olympus, his story about service to those he loved. The book winds down with the sentimental essay: "The Legend of the Northern Lights" about the Alaskan Great White Bear who instruct the salmon to swim against the current towards the great river in the eternal sky, upon arrival they transformed from silver/greys to brilliant greens and reds becoming part of the Northern Lights.
To his credit Smith also volunteered at a wilderness therapy program for troubled youth in Arizona. It would have been more interesting to hear more about this program and the students rather then some of his ideals/philosophies, which too often seemed like filler material. Some of the stories were related on a surface level, lacking in detail. The religious concepts and principles may not appeal to some readers, though the theme of unselfish service to others to heal is a noble cause. I liked the book cover art.
When his essay "Marriage Isn't For You" went viral in 2013, getting over 2.2 million views in 36 hours. The essay was printed in the Huffington Post and numerous other newsfeeds and publications. Smith appeared with his wife Kim on GMA and Fox and Friend's to talk about the success of his newsworthy essay. Later it would be translated by volunteers in over 20 languages to be received world wide.
In 2005 at the age of 19, Smith was appointed to go on a 2 year term to be a missionary in Eastern Russia near the city of Viadivostok. This was a particularly troubling time for him, as he struggled with undiagnosed chronic depression, and later attempted to end his life. Smith was pulled from a car, (he had swallowed a full bottle of sleeping pills also a half bottle of pain pills) and saved by his father who called the EMT's. While recovering Smith would realize what a selfish act this was and dedicated his life more fully to service of others.
In growing up his father read him "The Selfish Giant" (Oscar Wilde), Smith talks about the impact of literature on his life. While in Saint Petersburg he saw the statue of "The Resurrected Russian" and related the story of Fydor Dostoyevsky who became one of the greatest worldwide writer's of literature. Prometheus, hesitant at leaving the safety of Mt. Olympus, his story about service to those he loved. The book winds down with the sentimental essay: "The Legend of the Northern Lights" about the Alaskan Great White Bear who instruct the salmon to swim against the current towards the great river in the eternal sky, upon arrival they transformed from silver/greys to brilliant greens and reds becoming part of the Northern Lights.
To his credit Smith also volunteered at a wilderness therapy program for troubled youth in Arizona. It would have been more interesting to hear more about this program and the students rather then some of his ideals/philosophies, which too often seemed like filler material. Some of the stories were related on a surface level, lacking in detail. The religious concepts and principles may not appeal to some readers, though the theme of unselfish service to others to heal is a noble cause. I liked the book cover art.
August 13, 2014
*Disclaimer I received this book for free in a giveaway*
To be honest this book wasn't what I expected, but I think it was a good choice to read it.
Its VERY short. Keep that in mind.
If you find suicide to be triggering this is not the book for you. He references his attempt at suicide and his families reactions to it in the book.
This book has some religious leanings, but nothing that makes me feel like only religious folks would get something out of it.
I found some of the stories moved me. Particularly, the one about Ronnie.
Anyhow, it is very much at your discretion whether or not this book would interest you. The focus in the book is about how helping others helps you. It has a focus on how the author; by realizing that there were others outside himself was over to move past his depression. If that sound engaging check it out. If it doesn't pass it by.
To be honest this book wasn't what I expected, but I think it was a good choice to read it.
Its VERY short. Keep that in mind.
If you find suicide to be triggering this is not the book for you. He references his attempt at suicide and his families reactions to it in the book.
This book has some religious leanings, but nothing that makes me feel like only religious folks would get something out of it.
I found some of the stories moved me. Particularly, the one about Ronnie.
Anyhow, it is very much at your discretion whether or not this book would interest you. The focus in the book is about how helping others helps you. It has a focus on how the author; by realizing that there were others outside himself was over to move past his depression. If that sound engaging check it out. If it doesn't pass it by.
August 18, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
This book has a fun cover and subtitle. It is a quick and easy read. I read it in less than an hour.
I was familiar with the author's famous blog post "Marriage isn't for You" which is the main reason I was interested in this book.
This book details the author's suicide attempt and his recovery from it which resulted in this book. It
This book has a fun cover and subtitle. It is a quick and easy read. I read it in less than an hour.
I was familiar with the author's famous blog post "Marriage isn't for You" which is the main reason I was interested in this book.
This book details the author's suicide attempt and his recovery from it which resulted in this book. It
April 23, 2015
Did I enjoy this book: It was alright. It was a quick read with a good message.
However, I don’t think I am the target audience. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means a completely selfless person. But I understand that my life isn’t all mine. I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, etc. And I’m not in my late teens or early twenties. That is the age range for this message. I think those who are just becoming adults and going out on their own would benefit from this book.
At first–and this sounds awful–but I couldn’t feel that bad for Mr. Smith. (I know, that sounds horrible.) It just felt like he was a kid who was very blessed but just wasn’t happy. Kind of a woe-is-me tale. However, once I learned more about his depression and what he was going through, I started to feel more compassion toward his situation. Once we got into his story about coming back to “life,” it really took a turn for the better. I found it uplifting and promising. I enjoyed hearing his stories about his times in Russia, both before and after his suicide attempt. These stories depicted the selfless aspect of Mr. Smith’s message. And I really appreciated the story of “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde being woven throughout Mr. Smith’s tale. It worked. On the other hand, I wish the story about Prometheus (being a light) wasn’t included in this book. It didn’t seem to fit with the the theme for me. I thought it would be better suited for a different subject.
Would I recommend it: I think so.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/11/ch...
However, I don’t think I am the target audience. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means a completely selfless person. But I understand that my life isn’t all mine. I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, etc. And I’m not in my late teens or early twenties. That is the age range for this message. I think those who are just becoming adults and going out on their own would benefit from this book.
At first–and this sounds awful–but I couldn’t feel that bad for Mr. Smith. (I know, that sounds horrible.) It just felt like he was a kid who was very blessed but just wasn’t happy. Kind of a woe-is-me tale. However, once I learned more about his depression and what he was going through, I started to feel more compassion toward his situation. Once we got into his story about coming back to “life,” it really took a turn for the better. I found it uplifting and promising. I enjoyed hearing his stories about his times in Russia, both before and after his suicide attempt. These stories depicted the selfless aspect of Mr. Smith’s message. And I really appreciated the story of “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde being woven throughout Mr. Smith’s tale. It worked. On the other hand, I wish the story about Prometheus (being a light) wasn’t included in this book. It didn’t seem to fit with the the theme for me. I thought it would be better suited for a different subject.
Would I recommend it: I think so.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/11/ch...
January 18, 2022
2.5 stars.
I read this as an audiobook, and the tone and pitch of the narrator were excellent. However, the book didn't do what I expected it to do at all. I thought going in that this was going to be about learning to be selfless, as advertised. As it turned out, this book was about something both more general and more specific.
This book is the author's recount of his attempted suicide and his experiences, thoughts and religious awakenings surrounding it. The author is a Mormon, who was disillusioned with his mission to Russia. He suffered from depression and attempted suicide at a young age.
The author then continues with his central, arguably very simplistic thesis (which could have been expanded upon quite easily): the key to finding meaning in life is to care primarily about others, and not be too self-centred. The book shows this primarily through memoir. It isn't explicitly religious but somehow manages to be preachy regardless. It comes to its main point clunkily. I was expecting this book to talk about what it means to be selfless, or what it means to make it a way of life, but ultimately it felt like the book was using selflessness as an answer to depression as a fix-all. It's just not that simple, and I wish this book had gone more deeply into this question rather than presenting it so simply. I don't think it's revolutionary to know that focusing on people other than yourself makes you less likely to be depressed. But there's more to it, in so many respects. I just wish this book had been so much more. It was disappointing.
I read this as an audiobook, and the tone and pitch of the narrator were excellent. However, the book didn't do what I expected it to do at all. I thought going in that this was going to be about learning to be selfless, as advertised. As it turned out, this book was about something both more general and more specific.
This book is the author's recount of his attempted suicide and his experiences, thoughts and religious awakenings surrounding it. The author is a Mormon, who was disillusioned with his mission to Russia. He suffered from depression and attempted suicide at a young age.
The author then continues with his central, arguably very simplistic thesis (which could have been expanded upon quite easily): the key to finding meaning in life is to care primarily about others, and not be too self-centred. The book shows this primarily through memoir. It isn't explicitly religious but somehow manages to be preachy regardless. It comes to its main point clunkily. I was expecting this book to talk about what it means to be selfless, or what it means to make it a way of life, but ultimately it felt like the book was using selflessness as an answer to depression as a fix-all. It's just not that simple, and I wish this book had gone more deeply into this question rather than presenting it so simply. I don't think it's revolutionary to know that focusing on people other than yourself makes you less likely to be depressed. But there's more to it, in so many respects. I just wish this book had been so much more. It was disappointing.
November 10, 2016
The lines of this book have been written with love and the writer's friends and relatives are the heroes of the book -which is about his suicide attempt and how he have changed since then-.
One of the best quotes written in this book was told by on of his friends (Vladimir)
"I believe that God makes us appear different so we can be surprised by joy when we discover that we are actually long-lost family"
This book worked as a HINT (as it was too short and light hearted) to make me think more about how we should live.
Don't miss the footnotes :D
One of the best quotes written in this book was told by on of his friends (Vladimir)
"I believe that God makes us appear different so we can be surprised by joy when we discover that we are actually long-lost family"
This book worked as a HINT (as it was too short and light hearted) to make me think more about how we should live.
Don't miss the footnotes :D
January 9, 2019
I’m all for thinking of ways to become less selfish, but this a quick read with basically one anecdote of try to love everyone and don’t build a wall around yourself. I don’t think it’s bad advice, but it’s rather simple and doesn’t get into the complexities of human. Because there are times where you might need to build a wall—like to separate from a the toxic family member. There isn’t a ton of depth in the book, despite the author discussing his past suicide attempt. It just felt like a long social media post of basic common sense that everyone will share to act enlightened.
November 27, 2019
The author puts his life in a full cross-examination for the reader to explore and judge and ultimately learn from. Many of the best insights are drawn from the most heart-breaking moments of his life but is handled with a nuanced approach that prevents the exposition from being gratuitous, sanctimonious, or self-aggrandizing. It is one of the more honest memoirs in recent memory and one that is more focused on creating brethren with the reader than achieving yet another humblebrag.
January 7, 2021
i read this via audiobook because a section of this was part of my children's lit class as technically book (#4). it's VERY aware, TW: for suicide.
it's short and to the point, i liked the author's candour, and how succinct he was about making a point that this book is solely about him. and I liked that about him immediately, this was very interesing and it was nice. i think this book was good, i reccommend it via audio.
it's short and to the point, i liked the author's candour, and how succinct he was about making a point that this book is solely about him. and I liked that about him immediately, this was very interesing and it was nice. i think this book was good, i reccommend it via audio.
March 11, 2021
A decent read.
This book has a good message, but it was a little tedious to read. I enjoyed the constant reference to how selfish giant story and appreciated how he managed to get the idea behind the book across. However, for being such a short book it took me a long time to read. It felt a little like a trudging uphill in a snow storm.
This book has a good message, but it was a little tedious to read. I enjoyed the constant reference to how selfish giant story and appreciated how he managed to get the idea behind the book across. However, for being such a short book it took me a long time to read. It felt a little like a trudging uphill in a snow storm.
April 27, 2022
Although this is an enjoyable read, it is far from a "Guide to Being Selfless".
There are a few concepts briefly discussed, but this is pretty much just an autobiography of one man's experiences, interspersed with quotes and the relevance of a classic Oscar Wilde story.
I gleaned some useful information, and had some personal insights, however, this is not the Guide I was hoping it would be.
There are a few concepts briefly discussed, but this is pretty much just an autobiography of one man's experiences, interspersed with quotes and the relevance of a classic Oscar Wilde story.
I gleaned some useful information, and had some personal insights, however, this is not the Guide I was hoping it would be.
August 28, 2017
Good discussion of how selfishness diminishes our and others' quality of life. Very short.
October 23, 2017
Short and sweet. Nothing mind blowing here, but good reminders and good stories in how to live a more fulfilling life by living for more than yourself
November 4, 2017
A story that came from a persons struggle with depression. It didn't resonate with me that much.
February 15, 2020
Good, short read. Effective argument about how a life lived in service of others is the life that saves us.
July 3, 2020
As someone who has selfish underpinnings, this book caused me to look at my motivations and find ways to open my heart more to others.
December 15, 2021
I resonated with narrator in having tried the unthinkable at a young age, I need to be more open to others care and love and do more for others.
March 11, 2023
A good simple read on a man’s journey finding his life is best when in the service of others.
January 20, 2024
I thought this was a very easy and short read with a very positive outlook on how to treat others. Not necessarily how to guide on how to be less selfish, but it definitely is a great place to start!
January 8, 2025
A decent primer on thinking about your life in being of service to others.
August 10, 2019
“Viata ta nu este pentru tine.
Serios. Nu este. Viata ta nu este pentru tine si viata mea nu este pentru mine. Adevarul e ca natura nu ne-a proiectat sa gasim implinirea in a trai pentru noi insine. Putem atinge masura deplina a vietii traind-o pentru ceilalti.” 🙃
https://bookwormsinacozycorner.home.b...
Serios. Nu este. Viata ta nu este pentru tine si viata mea nu este pentru mine. Adevarul e ca natura nu ne-a proiectat sa gasim implinirea in a trai pentru noi insine. Putem atinge masura deplina a vietii traind-o pentru ceilalti.” 🙃
https://bookwormsinacozycorner.home.b...
December 29, 2014
I liked Your Life Isn't For You from the very first paragraph, and that feeling continued for the entire book. This book was moving and very inspirational.
Smith writes with a conversational style, one that's both easy and fun to read. He starts off the book with some background on the "isn't for you" concept. He wrote a blog post, titled "Your Marriage Isn't For You," in November 2013. That post ended up going viral. In his post he talks about how his father gave him some life-changing advice. Seth was getting ready to marry his long-time friend and love, Kim, and was questioning if he was making the right choice. His dad told him that "you don't marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy." (quote taken from Seth's blog post). This sage advice resonated with people as it spread around the internet; as of spring 2014, his post has had over 30 million hits. Take a moment to read it, if you haven't already. It's great advice for anyone, regardless if you're married or not.
Seth expounds on the advice he received from his father in Your Life Isn't For You. Not only is marriage not about you, but your very life isn't about you either. It's about your family, the people who love you, your friends, and the people you are put here to serve. Seth learns this lesson the hard way, and shares his knowledge with the reader in an accessible, relatable way.
There are many personal revelations in this book, which served for me to understand Seth better. But, the fact that he was so open about his past and his struggle with depression and attempted suicide made me really sit up and pay attention to what he had to say. I too, struggle with depression, and while I've never been suicidal, I certainly understand what it feels like to be depressed and hopeless. Seth's journey from attempted suicide to happiness was inspiring. He shares the words of wisdom, advice, and thoughts that helped him along the way.
Seth could have easily made Your Life Isn't For You into a 'preachy' type of book. Instead, he imbues his book with sarcasm and self-deprecating humor. This humor is evident in his footnotes, which really made me love the book even more. The footnotes are what made me smile through some of the sad parts of the story, and kept the book feeling light in spite of the heavy subject matter.
Seth starts each chapter with a quote----I absolutely love it when authors do this. The quotes set the tone for the chapters and bestow an air of gravitas to the book. Your Life Isn't For You is a moving read---I found myself tearing up more than once while reading.
I really loved Your Life Isn't For You. I found it to be surprisingly inspiring and moving for such a fast read. I finished the book glad that I read it and motivated to make some changes in my own life. And really, what more can you ask for from a nonfiction book: than to be galvanized to change?
Smith writes with a conversational style, one that's both easy and fun to read. He starts off the book with some background on the "isn't for you" concept. He wrote a blog post, titled "Your Marriage Isn't For You," in November 2013. That post ended up going viral. In his post he talks about how his father gave him some life-changing advice. Seth was getting ready to marry his long-time friend and love, Kim, and was questioning if he was making the right choice. His dad told him that "you don't marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy." (quote taken from Seth's blog post). This sage advice resonated with people as it spread around the internet; as of spring 2014, his post has had over 30 million hits. Take a moment to read it, if you haven't already. It's great advice for anyone, regardless if you're married or not.
Seth expounds on the advice he received from his father in Your Life Isn't For You. Not only is marriage not about you, but your very life isn't about you either. It's about your family, the people who love you, your friends, and the people you are put here to serve. Seth learns this lesson the hard way, and shares his knowledge with the reader in an accessible, relatable way.
There are many personal revelations in this book, which served for me to understand Seth better. But, the fact that he was so open about his past and his struggle with depression and attempted suicide made me really sit up and pay attention to what he had to say. I too, struggle with depression, and while I've never been suicidal, I certainly understand what it feels like to be depressed and hopeless. Seth's journey from attempted suicide to happiness was inspiring. He shares the words of wisdom, advice, and thoughts that helped him along the way.
Seth could have easily made Your Life Isn't For You into a 'preachy' type of book. Instead, he imbues his book with sarcasm and self-deprecating humor. This humor is evident in his footnotes, which really made me love the book even more. The footnotes are what made me smile through some of the sad parts of the story, and kept the book feeling light in spite of the heavy subject matter.
Seth starts each chapter with a quote----I absolutely love it when authors do this. The quotes set the tone for the chapters and bestow an air of gravitas to the book. Your Life Isn't For You is a moving read---I found myself tearing up more than once while reading.
I really loved Your Life Isn't For You. I found it to be surprisingly inspiring and moving for such a fast read. I finished the book glad that I read it and motivated to make some changes in my own life. And really, what more can you ask for from a nonfiction book: than to be galvanized to change?
September 22, 2014
You might possibly be one of the 30 million people who read Smith's blog post titled, "Your Marriage Isn't for You" or one of the millions that saw him and his wife talk about that post on The Today Show, Fox and Friends or Good Morning America to name a few. If so, then you will want to check out his book. In it, he describes how his selfish life led him into a deep depression, then to attempting suicide, and ultimately realizing that his life is to be lived for sharing love with others. In his famous blog post, he shared that marriage is really all about making and keeping your spouse happy. Marriage, like life, is about love. If you love others, you will ultimately love yourself.
Through sharing snippets of his life as a missionary in Russia, to his return to the states and his suicide attempt, to his work in an outdoors teen camp, and his eventual return to Russia, Smith realizes how his life is meant to be lived for others. His family and friends were also key in Smith coming out of his depression and finding meaning in his life. Without their love and support, he wouldn't have been able to learn how to share that compassion with those he came in contact with.
Smith reflects on a childhood story his father shared with him and finds ways to parallel his life with the story of THE SELFISH GIANT by Oscar Wilde. In Smith's life he built up his own wall around his heart much like the giant built one around his garden. Once he started letting people into his heart, especially after his suicide attempt, he realized his life was to be lived for others. This revelation led him to see the world in a whole new light.
Smith's book is a short book and can be read in just a few hours, but the words inside are profound. In it he reminds us that the smallest of kindnesses and token gestures can tear down the walls around our hearts and make the world a much better place.
At the end of his book, Smith shares a short story that came to him as an inspiration one night while camping in Arizona. He hopes this story will inspire you and if it does, he encourages you to share it with others. To see the video of his story THE LEGEND OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, visit his website.
Through sharing snippets of his life as a missionary in Russia, to his return to the states and his suicide attempt, to his work in an outdoors teen camp, and his eventual return to Russia, Smith realizes how his life is meant to be lived for others. His family and friends were also key in Smith coming out of his depression and finding meaning in his life. Without their love and support, he wouldn't have been able to learn how to share that compassion with those he came in contact with.
Smith reflects on a childhood story his father shared with him and finds ways to parallel his life with the story of THE SELFISH GIANT by Oscar Wilde. In Smith's life he built up his own wall around his heart much like the giant built one around his garden. Once he started letting people into his heart, especially after his suicide attempt, he realized his life was to be lived for others. This revelation led him to see the world in a whole new light.
Smith's book is a short book and can be read in just a few hours, but the words inside are profound. In it he reminds us that the smallest of kindnesses and token gestures can tear down the walls around our hearts and make the world a much better place.
At the end of his book, Smith shares a short story that came to him as an inspiration one night while camping in Arizona. He hopes this story will inspire you and if it does, he encourages you to share it with others. To see the video of his story THE LEGEND OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, visit his website.
October 13, 2014
Read my full posting here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
Smith is a blogger whose blog posting called Marriage Isn't For You engendered a lot of comments and repostings in the blogosphere. From that notoriety, he has published more of his postings on marriage, on selfishness, on selflessness, and on depression and suicide in the slim volume, Your Life Isn't For You.
In this group of meditations, Smith uses the Oscar Wilde story, The Selfish Giant, as the metaphor for his life, how he suffered from extreme selfishness, and how he has been practicing to be more selfless. It is a short but sweet look at life, written for the young adult who is moving from living in his or her own head into a life filled with other people. Most young adults will be able to relate to Smith's story and find value in his advice. Smith also has published his wedding meditation, Marriage Isn't For You in book form. I think that it would be an appropriate gift for the newly married couple.
What I have found interesting is that the blogosphere has become such a source of books. For a while in 2011, I followed the postings of Nina Sankovitch who read a book a day for a year. She turned that experience into a book and has since written another. I often follow the recipes of the Pioneer Woman, who of course, now cooks on the Food Channel and has published a couple of books. And finally, today's Wall Street Journal had an article about how book publishers are going to YouTube to find video blogs and creating books from those postings. So apparently, if you want to be a writer, one good way to get noticed is to blog.
Smith is a blogger whose blog posting called Marriage Isn't For You engendered a lot of comments and repostings in the blogosphere. From that notoriety, he has published more of his postings on marriage, on selfishness, on selflessness, and on depression and suicide in the slim volume, Your Life Isn't For You.
In this group of meditations, Smith uses the Oscar Wilde story, The Selfish Giant, as the metaphor for his life, how he suffered from extreme selfishness, and how he has been practicing to be more selfless. It is a short but sweet look at life, written for the young adult who is moving from living in his or her own head into a life filled with other people. Most young adults will be able to relate to Smith's story and find value in his advice. Smith also has published his wedding meditation, Marriage Isn't For You in book form. I think that it would be an appropriate gift for the newly married couple.
What I have found interesting is that the blogosphere has become such a source of books. For a while in 2011, I followed the postings of Nina Sankovitch who read a book a day for a year. She turned that experience into a book and has since written another. I often follow the recipes of the Pioneer Woman, who of course, now cooks on the Food Channel and has published a couple of books. And finally, today's Wall Street Journal had an article about how book publishers are going to YouTube to find video blogs and creating books from those postings. So apparently, if you want to be a writer, one good way to get noticed is to blog.
August 31, 2015
This is one of the most meaningful quick reads I've ever picked up.
A lot of times, this kind of book can be preachy. Seth's approach is refreshingly different and resounded with me. He weaves humor and realness throughout the book, which made it easier for me to relate to and I didn't feel like i was reading a self-righteous command from someone who had mastered the skill of selflessness.
I found myself laughing out loud at Seth's jokes (especially the footnotes) and underlining profound quotes from both Seth and the sources he quotes.
This is so much more than a trite, feel-good story or call to serve others. Seth's genuineness and intelligence is threaded throughout his well-written, relevant sources and stories to drive home the importance of selflessness for a lasting effect.
I finished the book with a new motivation to leave behind the "prison" of my often self-centered attitude and open up my life's garden to others. As Seth's book teaches, that is where true happiness and fulfillment is found.
A lot of times, this kind of book can be preachy. Seth's approach is refreshingly different and resounded with me. He weaves humor and realness throughout the book, which made it easier for me to relate to and I didn't feel like i was reading a self-righteous command from someone who had mastered the skill of selflessness.
I found myself laughing out loud at Seth's jokes (especially the footnotes) and underlining profound quotes from both Seth and the sources he quotes.
This is so much more than a trite, feel-good story or call to serve others. Seth's genuineness and intelligence is threaded throughout his well-written, relevant sources and stories to drive home the importance of selflessness for a lasting effect.
I finished the book with a new motivation to leave behind the "prison" of my often self-centered attitude and open up my life's garden to others. As Seth's book teaches, that is where true happiness and fulfillment is found.
December 31, 2014
I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaway program.
Your Life Isn’t For You: A Selfish Person’s Guide to being Selfless by blogger Seth Adam Smith – is an incredibly short memoir of the author’s journey from the depths of depression and suicide to living a meaningful life full of love and compassion for oneself and others. I wasn’t familiar with the author’s writing or blog but I found his book easy to read, insightful and inspirational. As the author tells his story, he alternates his story with that of the tale of the Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde and the essay, the Legend of the Northern Lights. I enjoyed Mr. Smith’s story of redemption and especially appreciated his belief in a person’s ability to change and the acts of kindness (small or large) that each individual can bestow. His story will inspire you to be a better person. I am very grateful that the author chooses to share such intimate details of his life – his words were profound.
Your Life Isn’t For You: A Selfish Person’s Guide to being Selfless by blogger Seth Adam Smith – is an incredibly short memoir of the author’s journey from the depths of depression and suicide to living a meaningful life full of love and compassion for oneself and others. I wasn’t familiar with the author’s writing or blog but I found his book easy to read, insightful and inspirational. As the author tells his story, he alternates his story with that of the tale of the Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde and the essay, the Legend of the Northern Lights. I enjoyed Mr. Smith’s story of redemption and especially appreciated his belief in a person’s ability to change and the acts of kindness (small or large) that each individual can bestow. His story will inspire you to be a better person. I am very grateful that the author chooses to share such intimate details of his life – his words were profound.
June 18, 2015
I came across "Your Life Isn't for You: A Selfish Person's Guide to Being Selfless" and was immediately interested in it. From the description I read, I thought the book would be about the author's experiences with depression and why one should steer away from a selfish lifestyle. While the author does mention that he once had depression and experienced a suicide attempt, I feel like he only touched the surface of these issues. The entire book could be summed up as a few anecdotes explaining how the author discovered he was selfish, and his general advice that we should love one another. While I commend his desire to open up about these personal issues, I was hoping for something that probed a little bit deeper into his transformation into being a less selfish person.
(I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway)
(I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway)
August 30, 2015
Seth beautifully and articulately expounds his (and his dad's) philosophy on perhaps the most beautiful principle of life. This book is simple, but the principles and applications its conveys are the key to success, happiness, peace, and fulfillment in life. I can't think of a person on earth who does not need to read this book and by so doing become better acquainted with this principle and more self aware about their own application of it.
This book has honorably earned it's place among my library and will definitely be a book that I recommend often and gift to others.
This book has helped me to take a few steps away from my selfish nature and towards others. It has helped me confirm decisions about the direction I want my life to go and how I can make that happen.
Read this book; then get everyone else to read it.
This book has honorably earned it's place among my library and will definitely be a book that I recommend often and gift to others.
This book has helped me to take a few steps away from my selfish nature and towards others. It has helped me confirm decisions about the direction I want my life to go and how I can make that happen.
Read this book; then get everyone else to read it.
September 5, 2015
I needed this book this week. For me and my kids. There were parts where I was sitting on the couch and was cracking up, (Seth is a pretty funny guy) and so after I read those parts to my daughter and husband, they finally understood why I was laughing so hard;) There were also parts where my eyes and heart were full to the brim because I have passed through experiences that are very similar to Seth's. I'm glad that he turned his life around and was able to share it with us through his gift of writing.
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