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Review – Shut Up and Listen

This wasn’t the book that I was planning on reading next but it was the one I needed. Having my brother die suddenly and unexpectedly I was lost. Beforehand I had picked out which book I would be reading next, after he died I felt like I couldn’t pick up any book. It was very hard to get back into the groove of life.

As I looked at my bookshelf for the 50th time trying to get myself to pick up the book and get back to doing my day to day activities I noticed another book that was sent to me. Shut Up and Listen by Paola Aguillon. This book is all about grief and loss, which was exactly what I needed.

It is a short read, which was perfect as I was struggling to get back into reading. The content hit home 1000% (yes 1000 not 100 that is how much I needed this book right now). There was so many great moments of relief for me while reading the book that I actually highlighted some of the passages. I don’t normally do that when I am reading but this was a special book for me.

I’m not going to give away all of the content but to get you hooked here was my first ‘aha’ moment when reading this

“Allowing ourselves to grieve is allowing whatever emotion is coming up to take place and unravel.” pg. 17

The book spends time explaining how we can give ourselves permission to do what needs to be done, how society thinks it should be done and how to give yourself the space you need. A nice addition to the book is the chapter that is specific to men based on what society deems masculine. Another major point that this book discussed is the importance that grief is not just about death. We can grief various losses.

When Paola wrote about that I had another aha moment. When I had my hysterectomy and lost a part of myself I felt like I wanted to grieve but wasn’t sure if that was appropriate. It was! It is! And if I feel like it then that is okay!

No matter what you are experiencing whether it is a death, a loss or a major change this book is down to Earth and easy to read during a difficult time. I will be recommending this book to my other family members.

If you are interested in getting this book please consider using my affiliate link here.

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