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Own Your Sh!t

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Just be happy. It could be worse. Don't take life so seriously. Are you tired of hearing this? Well-meaning friends and colleagues tell us to stay positive, but it often has the opposite effect.

Don’t be misled into thinking that happiness is just a choice. If it were, there would be no sad people. Getting a grip on your emotions is crucial for recovery from heartbreak, trauma, abandonment, and many other trials. Break the cycle of feeling overwhelmed by what happens to you.

Own Your Sh!t is a book that helps you to understand why you feel sad, depressed or angry about life. It doesn’t tell you to overcome it by asking you to do what worked for someone else, because you’re not someone else.

So, stop judging yourself so harshly, or allowing others to do the same. Let this book guide you out of that toxic space and into a better version of you. It's time to own your sh!t.

133 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2019

9 people want to read

About the author

Zaid Ismail

6 books10 followers
Writing is a ventlet that unpacks the insanity in my mind to create a shape and form that I can touch and feel. It helps to give an identity to the demons, or flight to the angels.

I've been writing informally for many years, most of which was an outlet to express myself beyond the confines of corporate life. After about 25 years, I decided to leave corporate and to pursue the unpacking of my insanity as a full-time calling.

In the process, I've released my first book which describes my philosophy about what makes us human. That book is titled The Egosystem. Due to reader feedback, I wrote a second book called Own Your Sh!t, a title that I often regret. But, it was what the publishing industry demanded at the time to have such publications noticed in its genre.

I also published an eBook aimed at providing simple but powerful exercises to improve mental health. At the end of the 21 day challenge contained in the book, the reader experiences a tangible and sustainable shift in reconnecting with their higher self. The book is titled 21 Days to Live.

More recently, I finally followed through on my threats to write a book, fictional of course, but inspired by true and colourful events from my life. This was at least ten years in the making, and was finally published in 2020 under the title An Incomplete Love Story.

I'm currently working on three more manuscripts, simultaneously. The first is Embracing Me, which is taking The Egosystem to the next level and promises to provide some mind-blowing insights into achieving a level of self-acceptance you never thought possible.

A variation of Embracing Me, coupled with the message in Own Your Sh!t will be published against the backdrop of Islamic philosophy, titled Tie Your Camel. This is a project that is born out of my fascination with the distortion of religion to oppose a contemporary understanding of mental health. I hope to challenge many taboo issues and offer a balanced approach to how religion and mental health may complement each other.

And finally, I've started work on the sequel to my romance novel. The title is Taqdeer: A dance with destiny, and continues the journey of the solitary Indian Muslim man from South Africa who is trying to connect with his humanness after having been raised by an emotionally inaccessible community. Of course, with a healthy dose of romance and drama.

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Sanaa Firdous.
1 review
February 25, 2020
"Allowing a single moment to define your life undermines the value and beauty that you're capable of beyond that moment."
These words will stay with me for the rest of my life. This was a book that made a massive, positive impact in my life and the way I approach life. I read this book with no expectations but boy did it surprise me!! I gained new perspectives about myself and others in every single chapter. Zaid Ismail's approach is simple, to the point and extremely effective. The impact he creates with his words often leaves one searching for answers and finding them!! Everyone should read this book. It gets you thinking and making huge positive changes. Definitely a GOOD READ!!
1 review
December 12, 2020

Hi Zaid.

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book "OWN YOUR SH!T"

There are so many aspects of the book that I can relate to. I especially loved the quotes that you inserted on pages. Each quote gives a different sense of self-reflection and words of encouragement.

This book has taught me how to think differently and question my choices and decisions.

One word to describe this book: REMARKABLE. This is a MUST READ book!
1 review
February 24, 2020
Interesting read indeed. Makes you think and contemplate on taking accountability for the things you should be accountable for i.e. your choices, the sh1t you in control of.
1 review
November 20, 2019
An exceptionally good read. Inspirational and motivating. Most people do not understand what is happening in their lives. This book is a clear concise explanation on how to deal with it.
I recommend this book to all even if u have a perfect life.
1 review
October 3, 2019
Own your legacy.
Own your mind,thoughts,assumptions, perceptions, choices, experiences, behaviors and responses,Own your journey.

In spite of its title,(which actually caught my attention) exploring the contents of the 16 chapters was surprisingly refreshing.Zaid's insights towards mitigating modern challenges and relationships are relatable and practical.

Accountability and mindfulness are sure gifts to take away from this thoughtful read.

Liberating!!!
1 review
September 6, 2019
I read this book in one sitting - I just could not put it down. What wonderful insights into the human way of being. Zaid brings to light so many important themes that influence our lives daily. And invites the reader to be bold enough to consider new perspectives. I had so many AHA! moments. His gift of understanding people, coupled with his eloquence is simply superb. Bravo!
Profile Image for Saffiya.
2 reviews
December 9, 2019
If you want to be fully present, understand the different the different nuances of your life, drill down on both the good and bad things. This is the book to get. OYS!
A deeply-reflecting book, it allows one to zoom in on the past, it stirs up emotions with positive outcomes of understanding.
For me, it made me stop and think about self and my relationships with others. Some profound thoughts! This book gives one the permission to forgive yourself and move on.
I had mentioned to the author, I would read it first, just to get to grip with his writing style and thereafter, READ IT intricately.
That did not work, I just could not put it down. I had so many AHA! Moments, that I found myself taking a pic of a paragraph that resonated with me.
Would I recommend this excellent book, definitely YES! I sent the very same pics to my close circle of friends, encouraging them to get a copy, teasing them with the paragraphs – I know they need this book.
Well Done Zaid, your book speaks to different people, in such an individual manner.
Profile Image for Sa'Adah Tavira.
1 review
January 6, 2020
This was a very important read for me and I trust that it could be for most people. It has helped me to identify the root cause of alot of issues im my life. By doing this, it has also given me the tools to start correcting a lot of my thought processes which fail me. Thank you Zaid for this easy to read, short book which is life changing.
6 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2020
Awareness /Awakeness

A great book dealing with awareness and mindfulness and the inter - connectedness of the two.
When standing at the edge of the crossroads, this book will help you take the next step and save you from stepping onto a roller-coaster.
Profile Image for Hamilton Wende.
Author 14 books42 followers
February 3, 2020
A very down to earth and practical way to look at the empty spaces in your life that you are perhaps trying to fill with something not helpful.

I found it really worthwhile!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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