I’ve recently finished reading the non-fiction, self help book, Allow Yourself To Be a Better Person by Balroop Singh. I felt compelled to share my review with all of my Escapees. Why? Because not only did I love this book but I’m sure you will also find value in Balroop’s wisdom.
This is one of Balroop’s five self published books—yes FIVE. The woman is prolific. Specifically, she is a prolific poet and you’ll already know that if you are a visitor of her blog Emotional Shadows.
At first, I thought but I’m already a pretty good person, aside from a few (okay, many) flaws…I’ve learned so many lessons…what more must I learn?
Truth is, we all have room for improvement. Balroop writes about every aspect of becoming your best self by tackling arrogance, anger, fear, patience, inspiration and hope to name a few topics. With simple suggestions, and my favorite, her personal stories, Balroop takes you through each section with suggestions and acronyms to assist you in becoming your best self. She shares quotes from famous and not so famous writers, to emphasize her points. Overall, her advice is sage. For example, on regrets;
“It is quite natural to avoid what gives us pangs of guilt. We don’t want to think about those wrong choices we made, those opportunities we have lost…I have learnt from my mistakes. ..Nobody has a perfect life—why have regrets? Accept them, live with them.”
Balroop goes further into deciphering between typical regrets and real regrets, providing comfort for those of us who have made mistakes (and who hasn’t?).
I think anyone who is facing challenges in life will highly benefit from this book. What better time to read it than during divorce or a major life change? This is a book that I will periodically re-read sections of when in need of reminders. If I were to re-name this book (and I wouldn’t of course), I would name it Balroop’s Book of Comfort and Joy because it truly does exude those two elements.
I give this book *****/***** stars.
You can find Balroop’s book on Amazon, Good Reads and visit her at her blog, Emotional Shadows
Balroop Singh, a doting grandma and a dedicated wife, a former teacher and an educationalist always had a passion for writing. She is a poet, a non-fiction writer and a relaxed blogger. She writes about people, emotions and relationships. A self-published author, she has written four books and her fifth book ‘Emerging From Shadows’ would be launched on 21 July, 2017.
Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in San Ramon, California.
What do you think? Is this a book you could benefit from?
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Mabel Kwong
August 7, 2017 at 6:00 amSuch a lovely review of Balroop’s new book. ‘ Balroop’s Book of Comfort and Joy ‘ I like that alternative title. What Balroop writes is always so real, so inspiring and she never minces her words – always so honest about the shadows and lights of life. I’ve always enjoyed her writings and look forward to getting this book. So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Lisa 🙂
lisa
August 7, 2017 at 5:54 pmHi Mabel, I agree and you’ve described Balroop’s work so eloquently. I hope you do read this book, Mabel. I think you’ll find it valuable!
Vishnu
August 5, 2017 at 9:30 amWonderful review Lisa. I couldn’t agree more and reviewed the book positively as well. If I could only master 1/100th of the items in the book, I would become a better person 🙂 So many good tips and guidance to become our highest self.
It looks like Balroop has a new poetry book out that I will have to check out next.
lisa
August 7, 2017 at 5:53 pmThanks, Vishnu. Oh, isn’t that the truth? Me, too and that’s why I’ll continue to reference back to Balroop’s advice. Yes, her poetry book looks to be equally intriguing. I’ve read excerpts and have it on my TBR shelf.
Jeri
August 2, 2017 at 10:06 amI’ve been reading Balroop’s blog for years and will be posting a guest post by her in a couple of weeks. She’s a great example of the type of mind that can look at practically any topic from many different angles and leave readers feeling very inspired and motivated to make big or small changes in their life.
lisa
August 7, 2017 at 5:51 pmHi Jeri, that sounds great! I look forward to her guest post at your site. She really is inspiring!
Shantala
July 29, 2017 at 3:52 pmI completely agree with you, there is always room for self-improvement. In my case, well, there is a lot of room, but that’s a story for another day.
I am definitely going to look this book up. Thanks for sharing, Lisa.
lisa
July 31, 2017 at 6:32 pmHi Shantala, LOL—I think we all feel that way about self-improvement. It’s an ongoing process. So glad you’ll check out Balroop’s book.
Balroop Singh
July 31, 2017 at 7:35 pmThank you Shantala, this book invokes introspection, which is the first step to self-improvement. Hope you would like it.
Charlotte
July 28, 2017 at 7:09 amWhat a wonderful review! Thanks so much for sharing… because I am such a devoted follower of your blog and always love reading your words, I have a feeling this is a big I’d return to again and again. I also love any book that provides joy and comfort, and I think we can all learn and grow a bit… I’m not as put off by Self-Help books as I think I used to be. I love reading them and think we can all improve in little ways to become the best versions of ourselves 🙂 Thanks for this… adding to my Goodreads list now! XOXO
lisa
July 31, 2017 at 6:31 pmThank you, Charlotte! —for following here and your thoughtful contribution to the discussion. Always appreciate your presence 🙂 I think you’ll enjoy Balroop’s words. I will be re-reading sections periodically when I need reminders, too.
Balroop Singh
July 31, 2017 at 7:32 pmHi Charlotte,
Self-help books have become more relevant in the modern individualistic society as everybody is racing and nobody has any interest in listening and learning from each other’s experiences. There was a time when we didn’t need any such books because a home was a haven of sharing and caring for each other and we could pour out our woes, get some empathy and meaningful advice.
Thanks for adding my book to your Goodreads list. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. 🙂
Kimberly
July 25, 2017 at 3:47 pmFirst of all, I love the title – it’s so welcoming…allow yourself. What is stopping us from allowing ourselves from becoming that better person? That title alone draws me in. The gentleness…but I do love these types of books that encourage one to delve under the thick waters and really look at their personal self – and promote healing. I’m all about it.
You know me Lisa!
lisa
July 27, 2017 at 9:37 amYes, it’s a good title that invites the reader in. She really succeeds in this, too. It’s one you can have on your kindle and refer back to when needed and I love a book that is evergreen that way.
Balroop Singh
July 28, 2017 at 9:16 pmThanks for liking the title Kimberly, it suggests that the choice lies in our own mind as only we know our imperfections and who can work better on them than us?
Thanks Lisa, I am delighted to read that this book would remain evergreen. 🙂
Christine Carter
July 21, 2017 at 8:13 pmI LOVE these types of books that promote self discovery, healing, and growth. This sounds fantastic, Lisa. Thanks for sharing your review and introducing us to Balroop! I’ll have to add this to my ‘must read’ list. 🙂
lisa
July 22, 2017 at 2:29 pmHi Chris, I think you’ll enjoy Balroop’s words and her poetry is very beautiful! 🙂
Balroop Singh
July 23, 2017 at 10:36 amI am delighted to hear that you love such books Christine. Thanks for adding it to your ‘must read’ book. My poetry also focuses on hope, self-healing and self-development. 🙂
Claire Duffy
July 21, 2017 at 10:48 amSounds fantastic – I love thinking about self discovery and improvement, and I like the thinking behind accepting mistakes rather than pretending not to have any regrets. Thanks for sharing!
lisa
July 21, 2017 at 6:53 pmHi Claire, it really is a great read. It’s hard to live with zero regrets, we’re only human 😀
Balroop Singh
July 23, 2017 at 10:33 amHi Claire,
I appreciate your reflections about self-discovery, which is a life-long journey and leads us towards enjoying little joys that we come across everyday, tending to ignore, in our pursuit of so called bigger goals! Thanks!
dgkaye
July 20, 2017 at 5:32 pmFab review for such a great and inspirational book Lis. I’ve also read and reviewed Balroop’s book and looking forward to reading all of them eventually. 🙂 xx
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 7:10 pmThanks, Debby! Yes, her new one will be out shortly and I’ve added it to my TBR 😀 So many books, so little time.
dgkaye
July 22, 2017 at 3:49 pmAint that the truth! 🙂 x
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:29 pmThanks Deb, you are so kind! I love your support. Stay blessed 🙂
Akaleistar
July 20, 2017 at 5:20 pmSounds like a great book!
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 7:09 pmIt truly is, Ashley. Thanks for stopping over 🙂
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:27 pmThanks Akaleistar 🙂
Shybiker
July 20, 2017 at 4:15 pmWhat a good review. You make me want to read the book. And I learned a new word today — “refulgent”!
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 4:19 pmThank you, Shybiker. LOL—me, too. I often learn new words from Balroop 😀
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:26 pmThanks Shybiker. Your words seem like music to my ears! 🙂
Beth
July 20, 2017 at 1:03 pmThis sounds like a really great read, I think we all can benefit from a good reminder that we always have room for improvement! I love the idea of learning to live with our mistakes and not having regrets – live with them. Great review!
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 6:02 pmThanks, Beth. Exactly. I don’t think I know one person who hasn’t a single regret or mistake they wish they could undo.
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:24 pmThanks for the endorsement Beth. While we learn from each mistake, regret leads us into darker corridors of self-doubt and negativity. Some people never accept their errors and therefore stunt their personal growth. Lets learn from them before we stumble over the boulders of life. 🙂
Chrys Fey
July 20, 2017 at 11:37 amThanks for sharing your thoughts on this book! This is exactly like something I’d read. This year, I’ve been reading a lot of non-fiction and self-help books.
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 2:34 pmThanks, Chrys! I think you would like this book 😀
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:19 pmChrys, I am pleased to note that you are interested in self-help books. Each one has something positive to offer as, life throws different challenges to people who base their opinion on how they face those thorny situations. 🙂
julie
July 20, 2017 at 10:34 amThis sounds like a good read…seeing as how this has been a year about personal improvement and changes…I might check this one out!
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 2:33 pmOh, that sounds great, Julie. I hope you do 🙂
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:15 pmPersonal development begins with the acknowledgement that we need to pay attention to our mental and emotional well-being. While our loved ones feign a lot of care and affection, hypocrisy plays havoc even with well-intentioned people, who hurt us unknowingly.
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
July 19, 2017 at 9:03 pmBoy oh boy, considering all the drama that has been going on in my extended family this past year, I could certainly use this book!!
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 2:33 pmHi Marcia, it really is a comforting read and helpful in challenging times! Nice to see ya!!
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:10 pmSure Marcia, this book discusses most of the drama that unfolds around us. Happy reading!
Balroop Singh
July 19, 2017 at 6:50 pmMany thanks dear Lisa for writing this refulgent review of my book. I am pleased to hear that you liked it. I love the way you have renamed it…’comfort and joy’ are the two most essential assets we all look for, forgetting that they lie within us but remain dormant till we focus on self-help. I am delighted that you are recommending this book to all your friends and readers.
Hope they too would derive solace from my words. 🙂
Love and hugs!
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 2:32 pmHi Balroop, my pleasure in reading and reviewing your inspirational book! Indeed, many here will benefit from your words. xo
Tamara
July 19, 2017 at 6:09 pmPretty awesome. And I love that it resonates through every life change, and not only divorce.
It’s true – we have all made mistakes and have regrets. I’d much rather hear Singh’s gentle comfort since I’m so hard on myself.
lisa
July 20, 2017 at 2:35 pmThanks, Tamara. So true, that we all make mistakes. I really enjoyed Balroop’s personal anecdotes, too. We’re always hardest on ourselves…yes?
Balroop Singh
July 20, 2017 at 8:08 pmI am sorry to hear that you are ‘hard on yourself’ Tamara…hope my soothing words convince you to take life easy. 🙂