The Courage to Be Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Emotional Strength and Self-Esteem Paperback – Download: Adobe Reader, May 19, 2001

I was lucky to have had the author as my theropist after a life distroying divorce that also left me with HIV in the late 80's. I could not understand what I'd done wrong and my belief in myself, which I'd previously had thought was pretty dang great, was gone. I was in a very lost and hopeless place. With her guidance and following the direction and support of her book set me on a course to find my strength to survive. I survived not only the belittling, violating and self defeating experience of that relationship but I survived the stigma of HIV having been a white, heterosexual, non drug addict, 30 yr old female with a biracial 4 yr old daughter. Finding your self worth, inner strength starts with forgiving yourself for all your supposed shortcomings and failures of the past. Creating a new you. This book helps to give you the skills to do exactly that. Sue Thoele and her guidance helped me find and become the strong, independent, self loving woman I am today.

This is the first time I have ever reviewed a book because this book is so enlightening and empowering. I got a PhD in a field that my parents chose for (forced on)me. I didn't like a job in that field and decided to stay at home to "develop a perspective on my career and life". As it turned out, I couldn't even perform the simple duties as a housewife (without child) well. I was feeling extremely useless and on the edge of depression when I found this book. I thought my situation was unique, but as I read the book, I realize that low self-esteem for woman has a quite common root: giving yourself away because of emotional codependency developed at a young age (on your parents) and carried into adulthood (on your husband). This book gives step-by-step instruction on healing those emotional wounds and resume your self-esteem. I found it work very well in combination with self-esteem boosting meditations(eg. Affirm - Affirmations for Self Esteem Guided Meditation). I'm really glad that I purchased this book, and I want to thank the writer and all the previous readers whose review gave me a nudge to purchase this book.

I'm so thankful for being able to read this book. The thought of forgiving others along with myself is not the easiest task for me. Concrete tools are offered. Some of which I already know work and some I still have to work on. This book has offered hope and inspiration at exactly the right time for me. These are some of life's lessons that I can only dream will one day be offered to high school girls. Could you imagine the type of women our society would have if women could hear this while they were still in high school?

I am so into self-development books like this one and books in general. The title caught me so much. The courage to be yourself. It's an amazing title. I have found out that no, I don't have the courage to be myself so this really resonated with me. I bought it, it was cheap as well and I started reading it. I really liked it. I could feel the author's kindness through her words and sentences. She gave many nice suggestions and good advice on how to be more true to yourself. It is definitely a good read, and people should buy this book more. It's worth a read!

Best book I ever read in this category. The author comes from a place of deep understanding and humility. I read entire chapters over the phone to both my daughters who happened to go through their personal crises at right about the same time: One in a messy divorce, the other a refugee from a long-term toxic relationship. Both benefited greatly from the wise words and solid advice given in this book, as did I with affirmations of my own personal beliefs and attitudes. It's on my mini iPad so I can refer back to it whenever I feel the need.

I was not particularly helped or interested. This book had the same advice that sev eral others of the same genre had.

This book has changed my life. I have ALWAYS had low self-esteem and was just so used to feeling horrible about myself. I tried to feel better about myself, but this was a demon that I felt I would never shake off. I bought this book and within days my mother could see a significant difference in me. I carry this book with me everywhere. Whenever I have my days where I do not feel so good about myself, I make SURE I read it again. Any woman with bad self-esteem should read this. It changed my life.

I love this book...for anyone going through a difficult time in their life, this book is so very helpful. I actually ordered one for a friend going through a divorce and it really helped her...but its not just for divorce...helps you to identify some very important issues about yourself and has great advice. Once I opened it up, I could not put it down, and even went so far as to write the author who actually replied to my letter, signed it and all. Most encouraging! She has a gift. A highly recommended read!

Lovely book interesting read reccomend

I'm on my second time reading it. My goal is to try and apply as many tips that I can.I loved how she is so open and honest about herself. Being 51 having lost my job married for 32 years. The childen long gone and are living their own lives which I am very proud of.I am stuck and I need a purpose.Thank you for a wonderful read...and so many insights!!I do know that I am important and I need to start thinking about ME!!

That book was very good and provided relevant support for maintaining boundaries and self-nurturance. Very relevant and helpful. Thank you Ms. Thoele!

Good

every book touched me in ways that permitted me to grow.