Book Review: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

By Dr. Cheryl Cottle

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is authored by Dr. Richard Carlson. I first heard about this book in 2002 when a friend brought it to my attention, but it was not until 2009 that I was reintroduced to Carlson’s; Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, by my sister. We were talking about great inspirational books; and she asked if I had read “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. I told her of my first introduction to the title of book, but admitted that I had not yet read it. She went to her library and retrieved it, and handed it to me saying, “It is a great book. It makes you see life in a simple way and provide ways on how to get the best out of life.”

I remember when I was growing up, my parents were always fostering in us how to deal with unpleasant experiences; or rather what we perceived as unpleasant. I understood that the message sent by my parents were, “don’t sweat the small stuff” though, then it translated, don’t make little things in life affect you negatively. There have been instances in my childhood where I saw people who sweated the “small stuff”, but it does not have much rewards. Early on in life, I learnt that “sweating the small stuff” is a waste of your valuable time, emotions, and well-being. Only then it was referred to as, “don’t worry about the little things”, or “don’t make little things bother you”, words to that effect.

That evening, I read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. I found it very easy to read. The language is simple, and the scenarios that he uses are situated in real life experiences. You can identify with what he is saying, but your perception is tweaked. It makes you reflect on your own experiences, and help you to rethink how meaningful life can be, if you don't “sweat the small stuff.”

In reading the book, I suggest that you read the introduction of the book first. It sets the stage for what is to come. Once you have read the introduction, you can open any of the pages to the many essays that he has written, and begin your reading. You can then move forward, back ward, jumping anywhere in the book until you have read the whole book. Each essay is an example of life’s lessons on how we can live our life with greater meaning, stress free, and happy; or at least happier.

For women readers in particular, I will like to recommend Meditations for Women Who Do too Much. The author is Anne Wilson Schaef. It is a book about quotes punctuated with the author’s perception of it and how it relates to how women live their lives. The book is also an easy read, and you can start reading from any point in the book, although it is set chronically, starting with meditations for each month beginning in January through December.

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Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is the Chief Consultant of Cottle's Professional Consulting. Cottle's Professional Consulting has a multidisciplinary portfolio including education, organizational development, professional development, and business development. Some of her core focus are teacher training and development, curriculum development, computer technology training and the implementation of computers in the workplace. Dr. Cottle is also a coach and mentor in areas of professional and business development. You can find her at her woman's online forum for business women CPC Women in Business.  To learn more about Dr. Cottle's consultancy and to contact her go to: http://drcottle.com/

Book Club

Cottle’s Professional Consulting invites you to join our Book Club.

Join us and participate in this Comfortable, Relaxing, and Sharing Environment. Come and network! Share your perceptions and understanding of the book and gain new insights and ideas on how to empower yourself to achieve your personal and business goals! See your Life Change!

The selected book for this month’s reading is - - The Richest Man in Babylon authored by George S. Clason. To read my review of the book check out the blog - - Book Review !

It is a very inspirational book, with great insights on creating the life that you want.

Let’s Share! Let’s gain new insights on how to live our lives with Purpose, Authenticity, and Abundance!

If you are interested in being part of this group with a goal to grow; emotionally, mentally, spiritually and financially, join us! Send me a message at: ccottle@drcottle.com, or message me in my inbox on Facebook.

The date and location of the first meeting in Toronto will be announced. Members of the Book Club are also invited to share there feedback in the Comment Section of this blog post.

If you are interested in being a part of the Book Club, contact me at: ccottle@drcottle .com,  leave a comment, or message me on Facebook.