Beyond the Good Girl Jail: When You Dare to Live from Your True Self

by Sandra Felt

Contrary to common theories, it is not only good to focus internally, but it's actually healthy to the point of being crucial to developing a loving, spiritual self. Here, Felt uniquely describes the process of that growth and how each step feels in vivid detail, utilizing right-brain language and poetry that emphasizes experiential maturation in addition to left-brain comprehension. Beyond the Good-Girl Jail is unique in that it is written from a neutral, encouraging, developmental point of view, rather than a mental health point of view, which is sometimes interpreted as judgmental and shaming. It is theoretical in the basics, yet practical. It is psychological, yet not steeped in pathological jargon. Part of the appeal of Felt's approach is her use of case examples and illustrations of the "Self Principles" in various common situations. When you listen from a deeper place, you hear a deeper truth. This stick-to-the-ribs book will have readers thinking long after reading it. They will not only remember the words and stories, but they will experience a shift in their language and a surprising growth in their choices.

Genres: Nonfiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2016

Reviews

[Tom Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's revealing personal stories about her own struggles show how pervasive the pattern of self-deprivation is in our culture. Focusing on the "shoulds," "oughts" and bowing to others understanding of what our roles are is endemic in our society. Although written for women it is my experience that many, maybe most, men also are washed about by the expectations of family, friends, spouse, or circumstances. They, too, find it difficult to allow their true self to blossom without it wilting under the pressure of others. If you are on a perineal quilt trip whose destination is routinely dictated by your past or present relationships, you need to get out of the "good-girl jail". If this is you, or you know someone who is living under these circumstances, this book can help you or them find "true self". Being centered, knowing who you are, and focusing on your "self" will help you get out of the "good-girl jail" and live a life worthy of living.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes there is a book, a nugget of wisdom, that changes who and how we are in the world. Beyond the Good-Girl Jail holds such wisdom. Whether it be nature or nurture, we tend to look outside of ourselves for answers to the smallest questions or the largest dilemmas. Sandra Felt has written a brilliant guide for finding our way back to our own inner knowing. Learning to trust our own wisdom frees us from the idea that we must depend on outside sources for direction and empowers us to take control of our lives. Experience, combined with much thought and care, Beyond the Good-Girl Jail is a well-organized and practical approach to finding true liberation from beliefs that no longer serve us.