Four-Word Self-Help: Simple Wisdom For Complex Lives

by Patti Digh

Pithy, provocative, poignant advice on a variety of self-help topics—in four well-chosen words.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Inspirational

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

"If the Buddha had two kids, a dog named Blue, a Southern accent, and a huge crush on Johnny Depp, his name would be Patti Digh," wrote one reviewer after Digh's grassroots bestseller, Life Is a Verb, was published. In 2003, Patti Digh's stepfather was diagnosed with lung cancer and died just 37 days later. She woke up on day 38 and asked herself a question that she has asked every morning since: "What would I be doing today if I only had 37 days to live?"

Patti's award-winning blog, 37days.com, emerged from the lessons she learned by asking that question and soon the essays were crafted into the bestselling book LIFE IS A VERB: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally. Patti has since written FOUR-WORD SELF-HELP: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives, CREATIVE IS A VERB: If You're Alive, You're Creative, and WHAT I WISH FOR YOU: Simple Wisdom for a Happy Life.

Her newest book, The GEOGRAPHY OF LOSS, comes out January 2013. In the tradition of her other releases, Geography of Loss will also be beautifully illustrated by readers. This unique book will serve as a guide to help readers Embrace What Is, Honor What Was and Love What Will Be.

In addition to her writing, Patti is a co-founder of an international consulting firm focused on re-imagining K-12 education. Patti is also a sought after Keynote speaker. Audiences come away from her speeches both laughing and crying, and with a clearer sense of what's important in their own lives.

Patti and her family live (intentionally) in the serene mountain town of Asheville, NC.
www.37days.com

Reviews

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb on the back of this book claims that this little gift book contains "pithy, provocative, poignant advice on a variety of topics - in four well-chosen words". It's an interesting idea, and yes, it's a good idea for a gift book. I would probably look at this for someone changing careers, going through a life change, or perhaps a new graduate (either high school or college).

But is the advice really that good? Well, yes and no. A lot of it is common sense, like "eat less, move more" and "let someone help you". There are a few that are different, like "protect each other's dignity". There are a few pages of the pithy advice interspersed between the chapter introductions written by the author. The chapters are divided into "twelve hot-button 'issues'", and I suppose the author's words about each issue are interesting in and of themselves. I did appreciate that she uses artwork created by friends and readers; some of it is very inspiring.

Overall, though, this book left me a bit disappointed. It has a been-there-done-that feel to it, and I guess I was just hoping for more. Perhaps less of the intros and more of the 4-word advice pages? Not really sure. I'm just glad we had it in our library system; if I had paid for this for myself, I would be experiencing buyer's remorse now.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this little book on sale from Amazon primarily to use with my health coaching practice. I often do workshops and classes that are 45-minutes to an hour or so and there isn't a lot of time for in-depth goal setting, SMART goals, etc. I like the way the author breaks it down into 4-word positive, action-oriented goals that are like little memorable mantras that stick in the mind. She gives examples for goals in different areas like health--"Eat Less, Move More or success--Do Work That Matters. I think it will be a fun way to set some nutrition and health goals with my clients that still have impact. This is a very quick and easy read and more common sense than new info but the book has stories and examples for the 12 different goal areas she has outlined and artwork from friends and readers throughout the book (that loses a bit of effect when reading on my Kindle Touch). This would be a good gift book for a friend facing or wanting to make some life changes.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious nuggets of advice. Inspiring stories. Reminds us to be fulfilled by our own lives.

[Tresha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a can-do attitude book. All the ideas are worthy and doable. I've bookmarked 2 for my focus: Leave some things undone. Stop trying so hard.

My four word review: Read it and reap.

[Mariaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading and makes so much sense. My top favourites:

Eat less, move more
Buy experiences not things
Breathe deeply and often
and last but not least
Live like you're dying

[Karen Davey-Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book...very short, quick read...still very wise...

[Kelley D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book a chapter every few days, this allowed me to soak in what I was reading and to start living by just Four Words. One specific day I literally did one of the four words. Drop everything and help. The best part was I had dropped everything and helped earlier in the morning BEFORE I read that page. To remind myself to live simpler and by four words, I wrote the date and what I did. This is not the type of book you read once and let it gather dust OR pass along for someone else to read. Gifting this book to others is must!

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you need to say or live can be stated in 4 words. Patti Digh shares some down to earth wisdom in this beautifully illustrated book. I am now looking at crafting my own 4 word wisdom phrases to use to live my own life. Fun and inspirational — I feel like we are kindred spirits.

[Phan Minh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Những câu chuyện nhẹ nhàng ẩn ý và sâu sắc mang lại một góc nhìn sâu lắng và bình an cho người đọc. Có những câu văn đầy triết, những câu chuyện nhân văn tạo ra giá trị cho cuốn sách mỏng và dễ thương này. Nhẹ nhàng.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great nuggets of wisdom!
Quick and easy read.

[Debbie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and perfectly done!
Start reading it now.
Could change your life.
Life is short, read.

[Robin Lesher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book by this heart centered writer that my library carried. I will be buying a copy. Funny, but I've been carrying out my own 6-word project after seeing the Ted book topic .... Learning to distil my thoughts down to just six... Seeing that four words was all that were used felt like a revelation for even more simplicity... In summary, Simple yet deep rippling words, beautifully told and illustrated.

[susanna suchak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very quick read, but would serve well as a book of meditations. I have found that it is great fodder for morning or evening pages. The "wisdom" is overly simplified...but perhaps this is Patti's point. I would recommend it, but with some reservations.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a truly special gift of reading this book especially from my dear friend. It is simple to de-construct my complex life by reading four-word sayings....Whenever you feel despair or in need of inspiration, this book is for you to read.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little book. The advice was a nice mix of common sense (which, lets face it, not so common) and deep, thoughtful insights. The artwork was beautiful. The format made the book easy to read in small amounts of time.

[Tiare · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd prefer this to be much bigger, but the authors advice is to keep it simple....okay.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Patti's writing. My only complaint is that this doesn't have enough of it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Patti Digh and I glean much from her writing and her philosophy of life. She is collaborative, creative, thoughtful and kind.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully inspiring book of bits of wisdom and thought-provoking morsels — artfully served with themed collages and other artwork. It has been my oracle for the past four weeks ...

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book with great messages of hope, healing, love and peace!
I have quickly become a fan of Patti Digh.

[Angelic Lovestrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you can reread. Again and again. very inspirational!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upliftng

[Kaye Dewar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Here i come world !

[Blanca Estela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love it ... Do not agree with Patti in all points, but love the challenge of finding my ow four words.
I pick up this book again and again!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to live!

[Afriendlylibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading others by the author.

[Jill Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspiration. It also inspired me to create my own personal 4 word philosophies.

[Peggy Nehmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the concept of 4 words. The artwork was wonderful, too.