You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life

by Alexandra Stoddard

Book Overview

With her 25th book, lifestyle philosopher Alexandra Stoddard offers simple steps for taking charge of your life--your way. In brief essays filled with useful examples and optimism, she reveals 50 choices you can make to live joyfully in pursuit of what is true, good, and beautiful.

As a pioneering writer and lecturer on personal happiness for the past twenty years, Alexandra has inspired millions to break the rules and pursue...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006089783X
• ISBN13: 9780060897833
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Very pleasing to read

This book reminds us of what we already know - that we are indeed responsible for our choices which result in our lifestyle outcomes. It is a timeless nudge at what we are all hoping to achieve and how we embrace or block the results - a very inspiring read.

A dose of healthy inspiration!

I believe it is so beneficial to read something inspirational every day, and especially before bedtime. This is a great book for inspirational reading. Alexandra encourages you to "read these fifty essays in any order you choose-just dive in and muse." -from the book I first thought that's just what I'd do, -being one who doesn't do well with rules and the 'proper' way of doing things. I love books of essays because you get to skip around and read just what you want, when you want. Well, after I read the introduction, which is actually labeled: "An Invitation", I thought I'd go ahead and read a few pages in and then look around in different places in the book and read whatever looked appealing to me. Well, I guess I got sucked into reading it in chronological order because the 'invitation' was so non-demanding that I couldn't help but keep reading it in order! Once again, as happens so often with me, the right book at the precise time I needed it. Sometimes it's almost scary how that seems to work out. I recently (the same day I got this book!)was faced with making a decision about something that was pretty important to me. I was struggling with how to pick the right one, because isn't that what we all really want when faced with big decisions -To choose the right one? The second chapter is "Be True to All Your Choices" I LOVED that one as it made me feel confident and reassured in the decision I had made. Then, I just kept reading and trying to absorb all the healthy inspiration I just came across. The nice thing is that you can dive in anywhere in the book and get a lot of great advice no matter what you're reading about. The chapters (essays) are only a couple of pages each. The point is made in a pleasant short and sweet style. There are quotes and references from many inspiring philosophical sources throughout the book. I very much enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! Really great gift idea!

uplifting read

I loved this book.It is about making the most of your life through every day choices and seeing beauty in the simple things. I know most people could benefit from reading this!

Simply the best!

I love all of Alexandra's books and this one is no exception. She writes inspiring, uplifting, positive messages- there is always a new way of looking at a situation; always something new to learn. One of the better writers on philosophy and the art of living the good life of our time. Buy this book! You won't be disappointed.

Buy this book if you are a student of the good life

It's been a long time since I have read one of Alexandra Stoddard's books. I recall that I enjoyed the last one, but felt that it was a little simplistic. However, I feel very differently about You Are Your Choices. I love it! The author encourages the reader to do their best in life, enjoy life to the fullest, see the beauty in life, live without fear, be loving and kind to others and ourselves, to enjoy good health and nature, to be organized and many other positives. I know these are things that I try very hard to practice in my life already, but a gentle reminder is always welcome. Her frequent quotes from the great philosophers were thought provoking. I particularly liked her references to Aristotle's Golden Mean and Golden Triangle. Stoddard gives specific examples from within her own life and from the lives on others with reference to how to "live the good life." She encourages the reader to be strong enough to make the right choices, but at the same to be brave enough to make a change when necessary. Stoddard's writing rings true and is motivating. This book is inspirational, encouraging, uplifting and a breath of fresh air. There is such a variety of quotes, even if you are an avid reader (which I am), you will still likely take in a lot of new information. My guess is that anyone who has a strong objection to this book is in a negative state of mind. Just the simple act of reading this book alone...was part of my "good life." I would highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to do what they can to be a better person and to enjoy life to the fullest.