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I love reading self-help, psychological, and inspirational books and writing reviews on them. Recently, I read a self-help book written by Shah Priya Florence. The name of the book is Devi2Diva. This book has so many tips useful for women as well as for moms. Especially women who have crossed middle age and need self-help.
About the author
Priya Florence Shah is an author, an expert in online branding, and the owner of an online branding firm in India. She writes for Naaree.com, publishes the Naaree Talks podcast, and runs Naaree Academy, where she develops online courses for women. Her goal is to enable people, particularly women, to become financially and emotionally independent so they can overcome their obstacles, find the freedom they deserve, and lead the life they want to live.
A brief synopsis of this book
This book will inspire you to embrace womanhood with some great tips for women to follow and change their lives in a positive way. If you love reading simple and short self-help books, I am sure you will love to read this book as well. The book is divided into 24 chapters that are related to the day-to-day problems and challenges that women face throughout their lives.
What is Devi2Diva mean?
The author introduces the book by telling us that in India, “Devi” means Goddess. Unfortunately, Indian women are expected – by Indian society, family, and relatives – to express the best qualities of the Goddess while being treated like lesser beings. A “Diva,” on the other hand, is a woman who is a tough and a strong person – unafraid of expressing herself and choosing her own life path – who doesn’t look to other people or to society for approval.
Key takeaways from this book
1. There is no need to feel guilty- The author points out that Indian women have been taken for granted, and it is believed that they should take care of everything at home, including cooking, cleaning, and managing everyone’s demands. As a result, when we are unable to do so for whatever reason, we feel guilty. And by this, the author means, “STOP doing so much for others. Stop picking up after everyone else. Stop putting away your husband’s and children’s plates when they are perfectly capable of doing it themselves. Tell them politely and firmly that from now on, they must learn to do their own chores as you have enough to do. If the dirty dishes have to lie on the table for a few hours or even a day till they get the message, never mind.. There is no need to feel guilty.
2. You need a healthy mind and body-Your child needs a healthy parent, so the best way to care for your child is by ensuring that your guilt does not stop you from taking care of your own needs as a human being. You must have a healthy mind and body first. When you allow your family to take you for granted as the mother or wife to look after them, you’re not allowing them the benefit of learning to do things. You will not only end up feeling unimportant, unappreciated, and drained, but you will also allow them to believe that you are not worthy of their consideration.
3. Follow your passions – Remember, how you feel and see yourself is what your inner diva is all about because the way you see the world is exactly the way the world sees you. The author clearly states, “All you need to do is establish what works for you and help those close to you accept you for who you are.” When you want to live from your heart and follow your passions, you must get rid of any obstacles—or at least pretend that they do not exist.
4. Learn to say ‘no’ when the situation demands it-When you try to please others, you are sacrificing your own needs, disobeying your inner voice, and sacrificing your self-respect and dignity. And as a result of your efforts to please everyone else, you often go beyond what is necessary to meet their wants rather than your own. You may need to be explicit about how much you are willing to do or just say ‘no’ if you have too many urgent matters. For example, if your mother or mother-in-law wants you to look after her guests all by yourself while you are struggling to finish job assignments and manage your children’s schoolwork, If you have little time, you may help cook for the guest but not clean the kitchen, wash all the dishes, or provide entertainment. Be very clear about the task that needs to be completed, so there will be no unrealistic expectations or misunderstandings.
5. Learn to become more independent – Learning to be independent means I don’t mean that you should never take help from your spouse. In India, 90 percent of women are dependent on their husbands to live a comfortable life or fulfill their emotional and financial needs. Most women become independent when they face financial crises or when they face failed relationships and tragedies in life. You shouldn’t be a damsel in distress waiting for a man to rescue you. Learn to be independent and take care of your own needs in a healthy way. When you become a burden for your spouse, you are vulnerable to abuse. A strong, independent woman will not bother with what society says, and she will learn to live her life to the fullest. She doesn’t need a man’s help to survive in this world.
6. Step out of your comfort zone-To grow in life, you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, stretch yourself, try to do new things, meet people, and visit places. You will go through fear, anxiety, and even nervousness. Growing means discovering something, reaching new heights, and yes, trying out again what has failed. There will be all sorts of arguments to stop you from doing what you like and keep you safe from falling into danger. Since childhood, our parents have taught us that certain jobs are risky. If you really want to pursue your dreams, do not listen to these discussions. Take the risk as a challenge and explore it without fear. So later on, you will not regret not taking up the assignment you could have done or learning a new skill that would have changed your career.
7. Seek help when you need it– There are times when you get disappointed, discouraged, or demotivated. At these moments, learn to seek professional help and read motivational books to keep you empowered. If you are facing serious trauma or depression, you will need professional help. Don’t hesitate to consult a qualified psychologist or an energy healer.
8. Shift your focus – The author teaches you to rise above petty everyday concerns and put your empathy, skills, and energy to good use. Volunteer for a cause. When you start contributing to society, especially to those less fortunate than you, not only will you shift your focus from judging the negative to living the positive, but you will also live a more fulfilled life and feel good about yourself.
Conclusion
This women’s empowerment book has interesting ideas related to stories that frequently occur around us and in our everyday lives. The advice provided on each page will inspire you to take risks and discover your hidden talents, and I am sure it will help you live your life to the fullest.
A post graduate with certificaton in Content writing and Journalism. Fascinated in the world of inspirational and motivational books, a galaxy of knowledge out there inspired me into an avid reader since childhood. It gave read more...
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