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I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay: A Baker's Dozen: Thirteen Steps to a Happier Self
My recipe for life consists of a little bit of this and a little bit of that borne from my life experiences. Usually, when I use all of the ingredients and stepsI end up with a pretty good product. SometimesI can still fail. It is this failure to succeed all of the time that helps remind me of my humanity and the fact that I am not perfect. From new author Dolores Ayotte comes a bakers dozen of insightful tips to getting through life. In Im Not Perfect and Its Okay, Ayotte presents readers with a means to a better life. Ayottes conversational style makes her feel like an old friend giving advice. With exceptional ease, readers are taken through a recipe for healing, beginning with love for themselves. Readers are reminded to keep lifes recipe simple, being sure to add a cup of laughter, two cups of forgiveness, and a dash of silenceresulting in several goods sure to make life easier. Each step is personal and easy to incorporate into daily living, made memorable through real-life stories and quotes the author has found helpful on her own journey to happiness. This inspiring collection is truly beneficial to readers young and old as they realize that Im Not Perfect and Its Okay.
- GenresInspirational
200 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published April 9, 2009
7 people want to read
About the author
Dolores Ayotte
14 books39 followersI am a wife, mother and grandmother. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology as well as teacher certification in Canada. I also have taken courses in human relationships and communication. Although, my primary focus has always been that of wife, mother and now grandmother, I have had a variety of jobs.
In my early thirties, after two severe bouts with depression, I first attempted to write a self-help book. I realize now, on looking back that I needed more experience in order to do so. My books are not fiction, but rather, they are books based on fact and my own personal healing journey.
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Perfect-Its...
The baker’s dozen (13 steps to a happier self) that I refer to in the subtitle of I’m Not Perfect And It’s Okay are based on the actual skills I developed along the way to better cope with my life. These steps are the best recipe I know to do just that because I have lived them and I know that they work. Both of my books are written in a more “do as I do” philosophy based on my own travels and figuring out how to cope with life’s trials and tribulations.
Each step that I have recommended, I have actually incorporated into my life. When I have an off day, as we all do, I still browse through my own recommendations. They continue to revive my drooping spirits when necessary. My greatest desire has always been to share my ideas so that others may benefit as well, if only in part, as they choose the steps that may apply to their lives.
I have now published three additional inspirational books.
http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Liki...
http://www.amazon.com/Up-The-Down-Lad...
http://www.amazon.com/Womans-Voice-In...
I am now retired and spend half the year with my husband in a retirement community in Arizona. For the remainder of the year, I enjoy our children and grandchildren.
In my early thirties, after two severe bouts with depression, I first attempted to write a self-help book. I realize now, on looking back that I needed more experience in order to do so. My books are not fiction, but rather, they are books based on fact and my own personal healing journey.
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Perfect-Its...
The baker’s dozen (13 steps to a happier self) that I refer to in the subtitle of I’m Not Perfect And It’s Okay are based on the actual skills I developed along the way to better cope with my life. These steps are the best recipe I know to do just that because I have lived them and I know that they work. Both of my books are written in a more “do as I do” philosophy based on my own travels and figuring out how to cope with life’s trials and tribulations.
Each step that I have recommended, I have actually incorporated into my life. When I have an off day, as we all do, I still browse through my own recommendations. They continue to revive my drooping spirits when necessary. My greatest desire has always been to share my ideas so that others may benefit as well, if only in part, as they choose the steps that may apply to their lives.
I have now published three additional inspirational books.
http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Liki...
http://www.amazon.com/Up-The-Down-Lad...
http://www.amazon.com/Womans-Voice-In...
I am now retired and spend half the year with my husband in a retirement community in Arizona. For the remainder of the year, I enjoy our children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 11, 2013
I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A wonderful book with a homely atmosphere and a kind and loving feeling.
It is a witty account with interesting and helpful ideas from a down-to-Earth and sensible writer. The self-improvement path that is taken is an intelligent route for listening to your heart.
Ayotte illustrates a very useful way but not necessarily a quick-fix formula to progress through life in a constructive manner. The acceptance of self, without over-grooming the ego is a valued essence of this book.
The guide certainly touches on one's thoughts developed within, slightly reaching on a spiritual knowing and the best way forward for yourself on your life's journey.
I have read many self help books over the years, which all turn out to be a 'much of a muchness'- this is a little bit different, so... give it a try!
The author is intelligent and so are the solid words placed onto the pages of this work.
Thoroughly recommended and a pleasing 5*****
Need a helping hand? Reach for 'I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay' a super read.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A wonderful book with a homely atmosphere and a kind and loving feeling.
It is a witty account with interesting and helpful ideas from a down-to-Earth and sensible writer. The self-improvement path that is taken is an intelligent route for listening to your heart.
Ayotte illustrates a very useful way but not necessarily a quick-fix formula to progress through life in a constructive manner. The acceptance of self, without over-grooming the ego is a valued essence of this book.
The guide certainly touches on one's thoughts developed within, slightly reaching on a spiritual knowing and the best way forward for yourself on your life's journey.
I have read many self help books over the years, which all turn out to be a 'much of a muchness'- this is a little bit different, so... give it a try!
The author is intelligent and so are the solid words placed onto the pages of this work.
Thoroughly recommended and a pleasing 5*****
Need a helping hand? Reach for 'I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay' a super read.
September 5, 2013
"I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay" by Dolores Ayotte feels like an intimate conversation with a wise friend over a cup of tea. Her informal style, her kind sense of humor, her practical advice, and a light-hearted attitude to life (despite or, perhaps, because of her own struggles with depression earlier in life) make this book especially appealing.
Unlike many self-help books who promise instant solutions to our complicated problems but never deliver, this book is very realistic. Right in the first chapter, Dolores Ayotte quotes Tolstoy (one of my favorite writers!) and tells the readers that "it is easier to produce ten volumes on philosophical writing than to put one principle in practice." That point alone made this book and all the advice in it so much more credible to me. There are no easy solutions and, as Dolores writes, "it takes a lifetime to master the art of living wisely, and it must be learned one step at a time."
What follows in the thirteen chapters, the baker's dozen, are just that: specific steps we can all take to improve our lives. Some of my favorite suggestions are these ones:
1. "Learn to love yourself as you are." - The reason this advice is especially appealing to me because I work with a lot of college-age and adult students who seem to never have learned that principle, and who tend to be overly critical of themselves. While I am not an advocate of praise for the sake of praise (and neither is Dolores Ayotte, not at all!), accepting ourselves for who we are is the only way to move forward in life and to succeed.
2. "Take time to listen to the simple genius and the gentle philosopher that lives within you." - In this chapter, like in many others, Dolores uses personal stories to illustrate her advice. I believe that stories are one of the best ways for us to learn from someone else's experience because they allow us to vicariously experience life events. The story that spoke to me in this chapter is that about a teacher who decided to use the theme of simplicity for a school celebration and forego all decorations, choosing instead to focus on human connections and the celebration of the moment. What a wise idea. I've seen too many of my friends ruin their wedding day, family Christmas celebrations, or other important events because their napkins did not match the flowers or the color of the walls did not go with the wrapping paper. If only they had followed this simplicity principle and focused on the meaning of the occasion, they would have been much more content and much happier, enjoying the moment, instead of worrying about irrelevant details.
As I write this review, I'm realizing that I enjoyed all the advice so much that I may end up listing all the points here as my favorite, and that would spoil the experience for other readers. So, instead, I will comment on something else. This book is written from a strong Christian perspective but it is written from the heart and it is not intended only for the readers of the same faith. It is not judgmental and not dogmatic. No matter what your faith is, you will enjoy this book and benefit from it. I know I did. On a more personal note to Dolores: that turkey stuffing experience was hilarious and eerily familiar, but I'm not going to explain why right here to avoid embarrassing a certain member of my own family. Thank you for this wonderful book!
Unlike many self-help books who promise instant solutions to our complicated problems but never deliver, this book is very realistic. Right in the first chapter, Dolores Ayotte quotes Tolstoy (one of my favorite writers!) and tells the readers that "it is easier to produce ten volumes on philosophical writing than to put one principle in practice." That point alone made this book and all the advice in it so much more credible to me. There are no easy solutions and, as Dolores writes, "it takes a lifetime to master the art of living wisely, and it must be learned one step at a time."
What follows in the thirteen chapters, the baker's dozen, are just that: specific steps we can all take to improve our lives. Some of my favorite suggestions are these ones:
1. "Learn to love yourself as you are." - The reason this advice is especially appealing to me because I work with a lot of college-age and adult students who seem to never have learned that principle, and who tend to be overly critical of themselves. While I am not an advocate of praise for the sake of praise (and neither is Dolores Ayotte, not at all!), accepting ourselves for who we are is the only way to move forward in life and to succeed.
2. "Take time to listen to the simple genius and the gentle philosopher that lives within you." - In this chapter, like in many others, Dolores uses personal stories to illustrate her advice. I believe that stories are one of the best ways for us to learn from someone else's experience because they allow us to vicariously experience life events. The story that spoke to me in this chapter is that about a teacher who decided to use the theme of simplicity for a school celebration and forego all decorations, choosing instead to focus on human connections and the celebration of the moment. What a wise idea. I've seen too many of my friends ruin their wedding day, family Christmas celebrations, or other important events because their napkins did not match the flowers or the color of the walls did not go with the wrapping paper. If only they had followed this simplicity principle and focused on the meaning of the occasion, they would have been much more content and much happier, enjoying the moment, instead of worrying about irrelevant details.
As I write this review, I'm realizing that I enjoyed all the advice so much that I may end up listing all the points here as my favorite, and that would spoil the experience for other readers. So, instead, I will comment on something else. This book is written from a strong Christian perspective but it is written from the heart and it is not intended only for the readers of the same faith. It is not judgmental and not dogmatic. No matter what your faith is, you will enjoy this book and benefit from it. I know I did. On a more personal note to Dolores: that turkey stuffing experience was hilarious and eerily familiar, but I'm not going to explain why right here to avoid embarrassing a certain member of my own family. Thank you for this wonderful book!
March 31, 2016
Grab yourself a cup of coffee, snuggle up in your easy chair and then read I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay, by author Dolores Ayotte. You will feel as if you have stepped into her home, while she talks to you about important things in life, that she has learned and wants to pass on to those who need a boost in the happiness department.
Using a baker's dozen as her template, Ayotte doles out practical advice that anyone can use and put into practice. She shares from her heart and reveals her struggle with depression. Finding your way out of depression is hard for most people and Ayotte has taken that struggle and used it to glorify God through the lessons she learned while writing this book.
With insight and humour, Ayotte shares with the reader these thirteen steps to a happier self. These are some of the lessons I learned through her wisdom.
1. Learning to love yourself
2. Listening to that inner voice
3. Choosing your friends wisely
4. Forgiveness - how to give it and receive it
5. Laughter - it is the best medicine
6. Memories - file the negative ones
7. Truth love - how to have a solid marriage
8. Silence - it may not always be golden
9. Finances - learning to live below your yearnings
10. The gift of wisdom
11. Reading between the lines
12. Passing on to others
13. Keeping Christ close
If you had a mother who shared her wisdom with you then you are blessed. If you did not have a relationship like that, then pick up I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay. You will be wonderfully blessed!
Using a baker's dozen as her template, Ayotte doles out practical advice that anyone can use and put into practice. She shares from her heart and reveals her struggle with depression. Finding your way out of depression is hard for most people and Ayotte has taken that struggle and used it to glorify God through the lessons she learned while writing this book.
With insight and humour, Ayotte shares with the reader these thirteen steps to a happier self. These are some of the lessons I learned through her wisdom.
1. Learning to love yourself
2. Listening to that inner voice
3. Choosing your friends wisely
4. Forgiveness - how to give it and receive it
5. Laughter - it is the best medicine
6. Memories - file the negative ones
7. Truth love - how to have a solid marriage
8. Silence - it may not always be golden
9. Finances - learning to live below your yearnings
10. The gift of wisdom
11. Reading between the lines
12. Passing on to others
13. Keeping Christ close
If you had a mother who shared her wisdom with you then you are blessed. If you did not have a relationship like that, then pick up I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay. You will be wonderfully blessed!
August 26, 2013
"I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay: A Baker's Dozen -- Thirteen Steps to a Happier Self" by Dolores Ayotte is a warm and wonderful book. Written from her heart and out of her own experiences she has recorded life's lessons which she has learned as to help others.
Having suffered from depression, from not feeling loved and much more, Ayotte has written this book for others not having to experience some of the things she had to go through. Ayotte has come out tops, loving and laughing. She explains in very basic and practical terms how to follow her footsteps, all of which with the intentions to make your life happier, just as these steps have made her happy.
Very philosophical about the themes she writes about I feel that everyone can learn from Dolores and her amazing attitude that shines through every chapter. Her advice does not just relate to depression, lack of confidence or existing personal problems. It is preventive and also covers positive steps to work on relationships, such as communication and thankfulness.
I loved her personal style which inspires from the heart and not just the pen. Nothing about this is fancy, false or patronising. Equally, her Christian undertone is personal, not dogmatic or judgemental. Everything about this book is warm and inspiring and I feel almost inadequate to summarise what the author has put so much better. At 130 pages I suggest you read it yourself.
Having suffered from depression, from not feeling loved and much more, Ayotte has written this book for others not having to experience some of the things she had to go through. Ayotte has come out tops, loving and laughing. She explains in very basic and practical terms how to follow her footsteps, all of which with the intentions to make your life happier, just as these steps have made her happy.
Very philosophical about the themes she writes about I feel that everyone can learn from Dolores and her amazing attitude that shines through every chapter. Her advice does not just relate to depression, lack of confidence or existing personal problems. It is preventive and also covers positive steps to work on relationships, such as communication and thankfulness.
I loved her personal style which inspires from the heart and not just the pen. Nothing about this is fancy, false or patronising. Equally, her Christian undertone is personal, not dogmatic or judgemental. Everything about this book is warm and inspiring and I feel almost inadequate to summarise what the author has put so much better. At 130 pages I suggest you read it yourself.
August 26, 2013
An inspirational and fascinating read… Dolores Ayotte has a knack for the written word and once you pick up “I’m Not Perfect and It's Okay: A Baker's Dozen - Thirteen Steps to a Happier Self" book, you’ll find it hard to put down. As I read each page, the writer made it very easy for me to look deep into her life and relate to her situations.
It was touching as I read how this writer struggled as she went down her path of life helping others, how she wrote this book in recipe form to her children and grandchildren - now to us!! And the main ingredient was Jesus Christ and her seeing herself as a unique individual before Him!
Delores’ healing came when she added one ingredient in at a time. By reaching deep into her soul she was able to see and hear what was necessary to get her on the right track to recovery. As each snowflake in its own uniqueness comes together to form a beautiful blanket, so come the words from this talented writer that created a beautiful presentation.
She showed us how to live a happy and fulfilling life - by sifting in a lot of laughter, a pinch of patience and lots of understanding and forgiveness. Apply this to your life and as time flies by, you will wonder where that person inside came from.
I feel anyone can learn or get help from Dolores… get a copy and see what was going on in this author’s mind for twenty-five years. Don’t waste another minute - get a reality check with this book. Recommend to all.
It was touching as I read how this writer struggled as she went down her path of life helping others, how she wrote this book in recipe form to her children and grandchildren - now to us!! And the main ingredient was Jesus Christ and her seeing herself as a unique individual before Him!
Delores’ healing came when she added one ingredient in at a time. By reaching deep into her soul she was able to see and hear what was necessary to get her on the right track to recovery. As each snowflake in its own uniqueness comes together to form a beautiful blanket, so come the words from this talented writer that created a beautiful presentation.
She showed us how to live a happy and fulfilling life - by sifting in a lot of laughter, a pinch of patience and lots of understanding and forgiveness. Apply this to your life and as time flies by, you will wonder where that person inside came from.
I feel anyone can learn or get help from Dolores… get a copy and see what was going on in this author’s mind for twenty-five years. Don’t waste another minute - get a reality check with this book. Recommend to all.
August 13, 2013
Dolores Ayotte has such a gentle, humble manner in her writing, that it feels as if she is touching you and bringing her voice directly into your core. She opens with, "Thank you for teaching me all that I know today. By becoming the student, I was able to able eventually to be the teacher that I am today."
Written from the heart, this book is the result of twenty-five years of juggling ideas in her mind. She suggests that healing is a lifelong journey, which she calls a healing circle, linked to more circles like a gold chain to be treasured. The first step in the journey is learning to love yourself; after that, the next steps become easier.
Dolores encourages you to have a really good look at yourself, look into your eyes into the depth of your soul, to listen to the gentle philosopher that lives within you, and to cherish the gift of laughter. Her teaching is supported by lovely quotes from an extensive bibliography, quotes that enrich her message and anchor it in truth, such as "Love has two daughters--kindness and patience."
Five stars.
Written from the heart, this book is the result of twenty-five years of juggling ideas in her mind. She suggests that healing is a lifelong journey, which she calls a healing circle, linked to more circles like a gold chain to be treasured. The first step in the journey is learning to love yourself; after that, the next steps become easier.
Dolores encourages you to have a really good look at yourself, look into your eyes into the depth of your soul, to listen to the gentle philosopher that lives within you, and to cherish the gift of laughter. Her teaching is supported by lovely quotes from an extensive bibliography, quotes that enrich her message and anchor it in truth, such as "Love has two daughters--kindness and patience."
Five stars.
November 26, 2014
I've read 3 works by Dolores Ayotte and this may have been my favorite one yet! I say that the title says it all, because I'm Not Perfect and It's Ok provides the reader with a sense of self...and of self worth. It doesn't really matter where you're at on your personal journey. We all have off-days, and the passages and stories provided in this book can offer a sense of comfort and reasoning when life is at its most challenging.
Before reading this and other titles by Dolores Ayotte I also read several works by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I find Ayotte's stories to be equally insightful, and the author has a beautiful voice which both soothes, and enhances the reflective experience. I'm Not Perfect and Its Ok is meant to be reflected on, and you will find yourself thinking back on its passages during those moments when life gets you down. The power of words is strong indeed and Dolores Ayotte definitely has a way with them!
I definitely recommend picking up a copy of I'm Not Perfect and It's Ok! I look forward to more works by this great author!
Before reading this and other titles by Dolores Ayotte I also read several works by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I find Ayotte's stories to be equally insightful, and the author has a beautiful voice which both soothes, and enhances the reflective experience. I'm Not Perfect and Its Ok is meant to be reflected on, and you will find yourself thinking back on its passages during those moments when life gets you down. The power of words is strong indeed and Dolores Ayotte definitely has a way with them!
I definitely recommend picking up a copy of I'm Not Perfect and It's Ok! I look forward to more works by this great author!
August 16, 2013
I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay by Dolores Ayotte
I love reading Dolores's books they sure hit home. I love how she put her heart into this book with trials she has went through to help others. What a blessing. I find her words very encouraging. I like how she wrote it like a recipe even a bakers dozen. With all the right ingredients we can survive. The main ingredient is the Lord. I liked what she described as a part of the recipe for healing. Keep life simple, be sure to add a cup of laughter, two cups of forgiveness, and a dash of silence. With these ingredients you are sure to have it easier. One thought I really loved I will leave you with is who is the peddler of the bike is it you or is it the Lord? I loved this illustration . This book will help in many situations going on in your life. I know I went through some of these same things. Wish the book was out when I was. Very well written Dolores.
I love reading Dolores's books they sure hit home. I love how she put her heart into this book with trials she has went through to help others. What a blessing. I find her words very encouraging. I like how she wrote it like a recipe even a bakers dozen. With all the right ingredients we can survive. The main ingredient is the Lord. I liked what she described as a part of the recipe for healing. Keep life simple, be sure to add a cup of laughter, two cups of forgiveness, and a dash of silence. With these ingredients you are sure to have it easier. One thought I really loved I will leave you with is who is the peddler of the bike is it you or is it the Lord? I loved this illustration . This book will help in many situations going on in your life. I know I went through some of these same things. Wish the book was out when I was. Very well written Dolores.
November 25, 2015
This book, full of illuminating stories and reminiscences, contains self-help advice and truisms, leading the reader through the author’s healing circle, which is a lifelong journey. Dolores Ayotte deals with the subject of love and the need to love oneself, and accept failures as well as successes in the need to learn perseverance. Other subjects, amongst many, are the need to listen, forgiveness, the necessity for laughter, cherishing memories, the necessity for reflection, and the subject of depression, of which the author has had three bouts. This is a thoughtful and considerate book which can stand all of us in good stead, at whatever stage of our lives or emotional states we might be at. As the author states, depressive states can seem cataclysmic for the sufferer and his/her family, and such books full of hope and advice from someone who knows are a treasure.
July 6, 2011
"I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay" by Dolores Ayotte is a delightful yet profound read that ny student of human behavior would love. The many jewels of wisdom that the author weaves through her "baker's dozen" are, indeed, recipes for a happier self. As one who has previously suffered from depression I can only concur with the remedies. Dolores shares, in her kindly grandmother style, many stories that are cause for deep thought and self analysis. Many quotes the author has collected over the years are skillfully interlaced through the fabric of this book. As one who reads quite a bit, I must say I had not heard ony of these precious gems.
Reading this book is like sitting down with a soothing cup of tea and a charming, benevolent friend. You will savor every drop!
Reading this book is like sitting down with a soothing cup of tea and a charming, benevolent friend. You will savor every drop!
December 8, 2013
This was a book that touched me with its humor and gentle suggestions. The title caught my eye and I have said it aloud several times since purchasing the book. "I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay" say it with me and I bet you will smile. Read it and I know you will laugh and nod your head as you relate to the woman behind the title and what she is sharing. It does not read like the typical self help book, which usually end up making me feel "less than". Dolores relates to the average person, tying each of the thirteen lessons with a tale of her own family life and personal experience. The wisdom gleaned from this book is useful to anyone in any walk of life. I look forward to reading all of her books.
October 3, 2013
Dolores' conversational and anecdotal style is a breath of fresh air in a world of "step by step" self help books. I love her honesty and her description of her healing circle, with the steps not falling exactly in order. It's this sort of honesty that more people need to see.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews