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Where to Begin: A Small Book about Your Power to Create Big Change in Our Crazy World
With her lyrical, stirring mantras and affirmations, Cleo Wade’s second anthology of heartfelt poetry and prose builds on the wisdom of her bestselling book Heart Talk, encouraging you to remain hopeful and harness your personal power to bring positive change in our world.
Where to Begin is perfect for those who are ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality.
Where to Begin is perfect for those who are ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
158 people are currently reading
6683 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
June 13, 2020
this was a 35 minute read that I will think about and refer to forever. loved it.
January 2, 2020
A perfect way to start the new year (and decade)!
I picked this one up because I absolutely LOVE her first collection of poems, Heart Talk. I have re-visited her words many times and find both her voice and message to be encouraging, uplifting and hopeful.
The majority of this book is a long form poem that the author presented at a TED Talk in 2017. While that poem was great, I think the additional poems and stories added to the collection made this small book really shine. Overall, it offers short and simple reminders about how to be present and hopeful in our world today, and reaffirms just how much kindness really matters.
A great book to read and to gift to others.
I picked this one up because I absolutely LOVE her first collection of poems, Heart Talk. I have re-visited her words many times and find both her voice and message to be encouraging, uplifting and hopeful.
The majority of this book is a long form poem that the author presented at a TED Talk in 2017. While that poem was great, I think the additional poems and stories added to the collection made this small book really shine. Overall, it offers short and simple reminders about how to be present and hopeful in our world today, and reaffirms just how much kindness really matters.
A great book to read and to gift to others.
October 17, 2019
This isn't my usual type of book, but I really enjoyed it. It's beautifully written and it gave me a lot to think about.
January 25, 2020
I don’t know why I even try.
This is the most banal, shallow thing I’ve read since Rupi Kaur.
I wanted to like this so much, but this is empty. Cleo seems like such a cool person and all books on hope etc are important, especially during these times.
Self help can be great and badass, that’s not the problem. I’d love to see what Eckhart Tolle would’ve said about this.
This isn’t literature, this is Instagram. Some nice lines, though even those weren’t originals but something the writer had heard. I guess there is something positive about the fact that books like this will welcome new readers that don’t usually pick up books. But, yeah. It’s an empty monologue in two in the morning to make a drunken friend to feel better.
This is the most banal, shallow thing I’ve read since Rupi Kaur.
I wanted to like this so much, but this is empty. Cleo seems like such a cool person and all books on hope etc are important, especially during these times.
Self help can be great and badass, that’s not the problem. I’d love to see what Eckhart Tolle would’ve said about this.
This isn’t literature, this is Instagram. Some nice lines, though even those weren’t originals but something the writer had heard. I guess there is something positive about the fact that books like this will welcome new readers that don’t usually pick up books. But, yeah. It’s an empty monologue in two in the morning to make a drunken friend to feel better.
June 5, 2020
Last night I picked this book from the shelf near my bed to read before falling asleep. It’s a quick + beautiful book with words (both poetry and prose) that ask questions and words that lead us towards love. You can read it front to back or pick it up and flip to a page and be given a gift through her use of language. The front flap of the book says, “Where To Begin is perfect for those who are ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality.” Loved it. Needed it
August 23, 2020
This book will carry us through. I will read and re-read this simple book of hope until I can’t read any longer. Read it aloud. Read it to your kids. Process it. Digest it. I promise you, your soul will thank you.
June 22, 2020
(3.5, rounded up).
I really enjoyed this little book of poetry and mantras. It's about the small things you can do to create change and how to care for yourself when it all feels like too much. It's a very short, quick read that can be consumed in one sitting but I have a feeling it will stick with me for a while.
I really enjoyed this little book of poetry and mantras. It's about the small things you can do to create change and how to care for yourself when it all feels like too much. It's a very short, quick read that can be consumed in one sitting but I have a feeling it will stick with me for a while.
May 30, 2020
"Hope got a little harder today. Still, I cannot let these days rob me of my faith in humanity, for it is these types of days I need it the most."
Read this book in about an hour, but I will be rereading it many times because it was so good for my soul, and I'm thankful for Cleo Wade for writing such poetic words.
Read this book in about an hour, but I will be rereading it many times because it was so good for my soul, and I'm thankful for Cleo Wade for writing such poetic words.
May 22, 2022
"Our big world is made up of a collection of all our small actions."
Another collection of poetry and prose, thoughts and illustrations by Cleo Wade.
I loved her first book so much. And I love this one - maybe not as much as the previous but it's another little book I see myself coming back to a lot in the future.
Another collection of poetry and prose, thoughts and illustrations by Cleo Wade.
I loved her first book so much. And I love this one - maybe not as much as the previous but it's another little book I see myself coming back to a lot in the future.
October 10, 2019
I really enjoy Cleo Wade’s creative way of storytelling. She offers self-care advice and reminds us to stay grounded and connected in the face of a crazy world.
November 5, 2019
** 4.5 stars **
June 6, 2020
Great little book of quotes and inspiration.
February 24, 2020
pg. 9 'Walk into more rooms, saying, "I'm here to help."
pg. 14 'Find your peace within. Hold it sacred bring it with you everywhere you go.'
pg. 43 'We cannot overcome what we ignore.'
pg. 106 'What does it look like to talk to someone and really see them? Not just the person they are in the current moment, but through all phases of their life. What does it look like to truly believe that we are all born with goodness? What does it look like to never give up on anyone?
When we confront others on our differing views, are we rooting for their healing, or are we focusing on ourselves being right and them being wrong? Are we bringing our most healed self to conflict? The self that is focused on a just and peaceful outcome? Are we speaking to people in a way that believes in their ability to change, or in a way that merely shames their position?
Healing conversations are not often easy, but that does not mean they have to be hard conversations. For me, the difference between the two interactions is usually the energy we embody. When our intentions is to have a hard conversation, we are generally very harsh and inflexible. But when our intention is to have a healing conversation, our energy is generally a little softer and less judgmental. If we focus on healing, our humanity and hope for the other will always remain intact. Our internal pain often wants to dictate our thoughts, words, and actions, but we always have the power to put the healed spaces within us in charge of our lives, actions and words instead.'
pg. 116 'Silence is not the answer to your pain...... unearth what is buried within you. Free yourself in this way.'
pg. 122 'During the tough moments, when your head is hot, and your patience is almost completely tapped out, try to ask yourself: Can I be kind through this? Can I be kind all the way through this? From beginning to end? When we are having trouble showing decency and respect to others it is usually a sign that we need to ask ourselves questions like: What is actually triggering this unkindness in me? Why do I feel like it is not possible for me to express my thoughts or feelings in a way that is kind? Leading with kindness requires us to work on ourselves and understand that we are responsible for our actions, our reactions, and our inaction. It requires us to spend time getting to know what within us stands in the way of us embodying kindness as we move through the world. It requires us to recognize that no one can force us to act a certain way. How we behave is always on us. Regardless of the other person's behavior, it is still our choice.'
pg. 154 'When we approach our community as our most cared for and loved self, we are able to offer divine healing, joy, and solutions to those around us. I can't think of anything better to share with our community.'
How to breathe when you want to give up
pg. 14 'Find your peace within. Hold it sacred bring it with you everywhere you go.'
pg. 43 'We cannot overcome what we ignore.'
pg. 106 'What does it look like to talk to someone and really see them? Not just the person they are in the current moment, but through all phases of their life. What does it look like to truly believe that we are all born with goodness? What does it look like to never give up on anyone?
When we confront others on our differing views, are we rooting for their healing, or are we focusing on ourselves being right and them being wrong? Are we bringing our most healed self to conflict? The self that is focused on a just and peaceful outcome? Are we speaking to people in a way that believes in their ability to change, or in a way that merely shames their position?
Healing conversations are not often easy, but that does not mean they have to be hard conversations. For me, the difference between the two interactions is usually the energy we embody. When our intentions is to have a hard conversation, we are generally very harsh and inflexible. But when our intention is to have a healing conversation, our energy is generally a little softer and less judgmental. If we focus on healing, our humanity and hope for the other will always remain intact. Our internal pain often wants to dictate our thoughts, words, and actions, but we always have the power to put the healed spaces within us in charge of our lives, actions and words instead.'
pg. 116 'Silence is not the answer to your pain...... unearth what is buried within you. Free yourself in this way.'
pg. 122 'During the tough moments, when your head is hot, and your patience is almost completely tapped out, try to ask yourself: Can I be kind through this? Can I be kind all the way through this? From beginning to end? When we are having trouble showing decency and respect to others it is usually a sign that we need to ask ourselves questions like: What is actually triggering this unkindness in me? Why do I feel like it is not possible for me to express my thoughts or feelings in a way that is kind? Leading with kindness requires us to work on ourselves and understand that we are responsible for our actions, our reactions, and our inaction. It requires us to spend time getting to know what within us stands in the way of us embodying kindness as we move through the world. It requires us to recognize that no one can force us to act a certain way. How we behave is always on us. Regardless of the other person's behavior, it is still our choice.'
pg. 154 'When we approach our community as our most cared for and loved self, we are able to offer divine healing, joy, and solutions to those around us. I can't think of anything better to share with our community.'
How to breathe when you want to give up
October 4, 2019
“Silence is not the answer to your pain.”
This is a tiny book with a very very big heart. Cleo Wade collected poems, quotes, words into one pocket sized very sturdy hardcover book of wisdom to simply keep going in a world where sometimes we just want to STOP and hide when things are bad and we lose the threads of hope.
Because, if we can change ourselves, we have an opportunity to change that which we can within our reach. These are mighty words told from personal experience. Wade tell us to actually USE the book...color in it, take notes, don’t just leave it on a shelf, use it, make it your own. Show up and be present and you can change your world and help another by example to change there’s.
This is a wonderful edition to bookshelves in therapy settings, pastors’ offices, elder care, doctors’ offices. It could be a jumping off place for a recent widow or loss of a parent that leaves you floundering. It feels very honest and true. I actually had never heard of Cleo Wade before Atria Books approached me to read and review a copy, which I have done voluntarily. Highly recommended 5/5
This is a tiny book with a very very big heart. Cleo Wade collected poems, quotes, words into one pocket sized very sturdy hardcover book of wisdom to simply keep going in a world where sometimes we just want to STOP and hide when things are bad and we lose the threads of hope.
Because, if we can change ourselves, we have an opportunity to change that which we can within our reach. These are mighty words told from personal experience. Wade tell us to actually USE the book...color in it, take notes, don’t just leave it on a shelf, use it, make it your own. Show up and be present and you can change your world and help another by example to change there’s.
This is a wonderful edition to bookshelves in therapy settings, pastors’ offices, elder care, doctors’ offices. It could be a jumping off place for a recent widow or loss of a parent that leaves you floundering. It feels very honest and true. I actually had never heard of Cleo Wade before Atria Books approached me to read and review a copy, which I have done voluntarily. Highly recommended 5/5
October 20, 2019
Loved this collection of ideas, mantras, and poems. It speaks to our collective power to create change through an individual commitment to self-care, community building, and social justice. Cleo emphasizes that when we get real and honest and raw about what we go through, we have the power to turn our words into medicine and our experiences into wisdom.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:
- "What is meant for us flows freely in harmony with us, not against us."
- "When it comes to your life, you are not only the artist but the masterpiece as well."
- "Surround yourself with people who deserve your magic."
- "And the best news of all is that it is never too late to become the person you've always wanted to be."
Some of my favorite quotes from this book include:
- "What is meant for us flows freely in harmony with us, not against us."
- "When it comes to your life, you are not only the artist but the masterpiece as well."
- "Surround yourself with people who deserve your magic."
- "And the best news of all is that it is never too late to become the person you've always wanted to be."
May 16, 2020
This book wasn't entirely for me. The first half was one poem that was 90+ pages that I didn't fully enjoy (and this was the title poem). Partially, the layout and design of this poem (three lines roughly per page in what looks like her handwriting) was a hindrance. The second half is much better filled with shorter poems and essays.
I also didn't fully feel like anything said was particularly special but was, more than anything, digestible. Honestly, fleshing a few ideas out more and making the type smaller (so this felt more like a book and less like a daily affirmation peel away pad) could have made this a lot better.
I also didn't fully feel like anything said was particularly special but was, more than anything, digestible. Honestly, fleshing a few ideas out more and making the type smaller (so this felt more like a book and less like a daily affirmation peel away pad) could have made this a lot better.
October 7, 2019
This was a book I needed to have on my shelf, in my life and one that I really needed to read today. Cover to cover, I devoured each passage, poem and word. And there were tears from the all the mixed emotions of joy, understanding, empathy and reflection that this book invoked from me—so I’m gonna come back with a more detailed review. But I for now I feel I should encourage others to add this to their shelves now. You will be happy that you did.
June 19, 2020
This is a super, super fast read but it's full of heart and, for me, it was one of those books that makes me stop in my tracks and think about why I am here and how I want to live my life. I loved Cleo Wade's Heart Talk and I loved Where to Begin. I am so glad writers like her exist and put their thoughts and feelings out into the world. We are all so much better off thanks to their willingness to do that.
November 28, 2019
Mostly poetry, a little self help, this is not the type of book I usually gravitate towards. I can honestly say that I’m excited to revisit this over and over again in coming months and years. Some of the poems are perfect reminders of how we can spread positivity and goodness in our mess of a world, some are reminders of worth and agency, and all are perfect for a pick me up on a rainy day.
October 11, 2019
This book is so healing to read and one that I will pick up over and over again. Highly recommend!
October 24, 2019
A small book packed with inspiration, love, and feel good feels!!
January 22, 2020
So good! Worth buying! Very inspiring.
December 28, 2020
Genre: Nonfiction, Poetry, Self Help, Inspirational
Sometimes we don't need new, profound, life-altering thoughts to actually change or save our lives. Often, all we need is a little nudge, a small reminder telling us again how powerful and effective simple things like love and kindness is. That is exactly what this book does.
This book is a treasure trove of good quotes. In fact, more than 80% of the book is made of positive quotes and poems. No wonder, it's an easy-to-read book, you can finish it in an hour or two. But its the kind of book that should be re-read for best use, just like daily affirmations.
The lack of originality and prose-like-poems might disappoint readers who value creativity and poetic element on par with the emotional psyche of a book.
Some of my favourite lines from the book:
"We are all more than our mistakes.
We are all more than who we were yesterday.
We are all deserving of our dignity."
"Silence is not the answer to your pain."
"My friend Maud once said, 'There are times when we must speak, not because you are going to change the other person, but because if you don't speak, they have changed you.'"
"The people who often inspire me the most are not those who agree with me, but those who disagree with me with kindness."
"Love... it is a completely democratized power. It is available to every single one of us no matter who we are, where we come from, or what we have been through."
Sometimes we don't need new, profound, life-altering thoughts to actually change or save our lives. Often, all we need is a little nudge, a small reminder telling us again how powerful and effective simple things like love and kindness is. That is exactly what this book does.
This book is a treasure trove of good quotes. In fact, more than 80% of the book is made of positive quotes and poems. No wonder, it's an easy-to-read book, you can finish it in an hour or two. But its the kind of book that should be re-read for best use, just like daily affirmations.
The lack of originality and prose-like-poems might disappoint readers who value creativity and poetic element on par with the emotional psyche of a book.
Some of my favourite lines from the book:
"We are all more than our mistakes.
We are all more than who we were yesterday.
We are all deserving of our dignity."
"Silence is not the answer to your pain."
"My friend Maud once said, 'There are times when we must speak, not because you are going to change the other person, but because if you don't speak, they have changed you.'"
"The people who often inspire me the most are not those who agree with me, but those who disagree with me with kindness."
"Love... it is a completely democratized power. It is available to every single one of us no matter who we are, where we come from, or what we have been through."
January 29, 2024
I want to give everyone I know and don’t know a copy. It’s a life changing and world changing book. It refined thoughts and feelings I’ve had about purpose, kindness, and self love. I was moved reading those emotions so clearly written in a book that is also so unique (pages to color & journal…my favs). I’ll be picking this up again and again for loving reminders and nuggets of wisdom. This book is a gift to humanity. Truly beautiful. 🌎❤️
April 11, 2022
I wasn't sure what to think but this quick read was surprisingly satisfying, and I took with me Cleo's suggested mantra about anxiety, that I'm moving through it (and that I am not my anxiety).
June 10, 2020
Like the subtitle says, it's a small book! But it has a lot of powerful messages in it – I really enjoyed it and will be re-reading and re-visiting the thoughts in it.
May 19, 2020
“water of course
sighs at these strategies
for
water
knows the true power
of falling
from heaven
and
owning more earth
than
land ever will”
A collection of poems, mantras and ideas that speaks to thyself by explaining in a few words that an individual commitment can brings so much change within yourself. And by doing so you are able to bring change in the world as well.
Cleo Wade has this gift of talking directly to you with only using her written words.
sighs at these strategies
for
water
knows the true power
of falling
from heaven
and
owning more earth
than
land ever will”
A collection of poems, mantras and ideas that speaks to thyself by explaining in a few words that an individual commitment can brings so much change within yourself. And by doing so you are able to bring change in the world as well.
Cleo Wade has this gift of talking directly to you with only using her written words.
August 20, 2021
I bought this book because Cleo Wade was giving a talk at my workplace and it sounded interesting. I read this book in one sitting, about 20-30 minutes, and I chose it to read tonight because I am feeling particularly hopeless. I thought a book of positive mantras and hope, might cheer me up. This book is disappointing. I didn’t realize it’s essentially a collection of scribbles and low level positive psychology, and much of the book is quotes from other famous people or people in the author’s life. I was expecting something more thoughtful. It’s made for people who don’t read and don’t have time. I read every night and devote time to reading and writing regularly. It’s a coffee table book, or something you might peruse while waiting at the hairdresser. It’s not going to change your world or give you any thoughtful inspiration beyond what you read as a teen in Chicken Soup For the Soul or some such publication, which means it’s shallow. At least, it didn’t for me. I appreciated the sentiment of the book and really wanted to like it. It feels really likeable. It was just stylistically and content-wise, not a match. Save yourself the $24 (yes, gasp! That much for 150 pages of scribbles and quotes from other people in size 18 font).
January 17, 2020
“The world will say to you:
We need peace.
Find your peace within.
Hold it sacred
Bring it with you everywhere you go.
Peace cannot be shared or created with others if you cannot, first, generate it within.”
This was the right book to kick off my new year. I love Cleo’s words. She injects you with hope. Her positivity is infectious. At any point in this book, I can get easy to remember mantras to uplift and carry me through the day. I highly recommend this book! Cleo says that she wrote this book to have all of her ideas, mantras, and poems in one place when she feels overwhelmed by worry, fear, anxiety, or helplessness. We all feel these emotions at some point in our life and this book is the perfect reminder to be kind, to be good to people and to ourselves!
We need peace.
Find your peace within.
Hold it sacred
Bring it with you everywhere you go.
Peace cannot be shared or created with others if you cannot, first, generate it within.”
This was the right book to kick off my new year. I love Cleo’s words. She injects you with hope. Her positivity is infectious. At any point in this book, I can get easy to remember mantras to uplift and carry me through the day. I highly recommend this book! Cleo says that she wrote this book to have all of her ideas, mantras, and poems in one place when she feels overwhelmed by worry, fear, anxiety, or helplessness. We all feel these emotions at some point in our life and this book is the perfect reminder to be kind, to be good to people and to ourselves!
May 5, 2020
. a short, heartwarming comfort read with just the right message imprinted on each and every page. Since it’s the kind of book that leaves you centered by time you’ve finished it, I return to it often when I feel scatter brained!! By the way Cleo Wade’s soothing voice totally adds to the experience, so the audiobook comes highly recommended!! 😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews