I just finished reading the book Wisdom Under The Bridge: The Prophets From Skid Row by Linda Ross Swanson. I really enjoyed hearing the wisdom from people who have struggled with homelessness and the many people who have teamed up with them. Linda does a great job of sharing the wisdom of everyone’s story and allowing us to learn from their experiences. As a reader I found value in recognizing our common struggles as well as our common hope. It is a book that many could benefit from, both in learning more about ourselves and in helping others in their challenges. Being an Oregonian, I found it really interesting to learn more about our city and the resources we provide (or don’t provide) to help those who are living on the streets. Sometimes what we believe is a solution to a problem, isn’t always the right chapter to healing. Our best practices must always include a degree of understanding, compassion and respect for the people we want to partner with.
Wisdom Under the Bridge book recommendation
July 21, 2012
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Books | Tagged: book reviews, books, chronic pain, chronic pain reading, fibromyalgia, homelessness, Linda Ross Swanson, memoirs, Oregon, Wisdom Under The Bridge | 
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Posted by Elissa T
Anne Lamott with Sam Lamott, A Journal of My Son’s First Son (Memoir review)
July 9, 2012I always enjoy reading Anne Lamott. She honestly shares about the joys and challenges in life, and trying to be the person she wants to be. In her latest book she writes about her first grandson and her love as a grandparent. She talks of her desire to be less controlling in the way the parents decide to raise their child and to be open to the changes in her relationships. Her son, Sam Lamott shares his experiences as well with being a new farther, balancing work and school, and growing up with more responsibilities.
I love the introspection that comes with reading a Lamott story. Anne and Sam have a way of bringing you into the story and evaluating the way you think and behave. It brings more awareness to my own life and the times where I prefer to hold on to what was instead of following the path given to me. I highly recommend her books.
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Posted by Elissa T
Recommended Memoir: A Chance in the World
July 8, 2012I just finished reading A Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton. What an incredible inspiring book about perseverance and strength. The story is about the life of a man who was abandoned, neglected, and abused but found a way to make something of his life. He was willing to look directly into the past, regardless of the disappointments it brings in order to learn about himself and his journey. He seeks the truth and an ability to accept the reality of what is his as well as recognizing what shouldn’t be. He speaks with honesty, humility and great insights, and is able to find gratitude in the many people who made a difference along the way.
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Posted by Elissa T
Reading Memoirs
July 7, 2012I have found a great sense of comfort and wisdom from reading memoirs. I love hearing people’s stories and how their lives unfold. I can see a glimpse of how people live in various time periods, cultures and circumstances. I have the privilege of entering into the minds, thoughts and emotions of other people and to expand my own world.
I began reading memoirs in order to make more sense out of my own life. When working through my own challenges, including health problems and family issues, I found that I didn’t always have the skills in order to sort through it. As I started to read other people’s stories, I began to feel less alone, laughed more, and had more hope. I realized that most successful people have gone through numerous challenges and failures, but continued to move forward in spite of it. I could enter people’s stories, and like an AA meeting, could take what I want and leave the rest. A story allows me to listen, absorb, change and challenge my own thinking.
For the past five years or so I have been logging some of my favorite memoirs. Many of these are memoirs of mental and physical recovery, relief organizations, famous people, war, history, and people from all over the world. I will begin sharing this list in a new section called Reading. I hope you will be inspired as much as I have.
Elissa
Leave a Comment » | Books, Chronic Pain | Tagged: books, chronic illness, chronic pain, memoirs, reading | Permalink
Posted by Elissa T
Chronic Pain Journals 