Four Word Self Help

Patti Digh, the author of the book Life is a Verb, which I reviewed last year, has a new book out this month. It is titled Four Word Self Help, and contains short essays on how to live a simpler but richer life. Patti put out a call to readers of her blog 37Days.com last spring for submissions of artwork to illustrate her short, pithy phrases offering "simple wisdom for complex lives". It sounded like a fun project for me so I submitted one of my photographs that I had cut up, manipulated, fooled with the color, and pasted together again.

I am so proud and excited to say that my work was accepted and is included in the book on page 54, illustrating the phrase "Stop trying so hard". Isn't that perfect for me, a single mother working full time and constantly trying to perfect my everything? I am taking it to heart! Here's my image:

It started out being a photo of my son Buddy playing basketball in the backyard. You can read more about the book and the project here at Patti's blog. I hope you will consider getting a copy of the book. It is just the thing to keep in the car and browse for a quick thoughtful passage while you are waiting in car-pool line or at soccer practice... Or keep beside your bed for an evening meditation. Each essay is based on a four word phrase such as this:

Let yourself be beloved.
Catch someone who's falling.
Create your own tribe.
Use your own voice.

More on Patti from the publisher:

Patti Digh’s books include the bestselling Life is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally (Sept 2008), Four Word Self Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives (Sept 2010), and the forthcoming Creative is a Verb: If You’re Alive, You’re Creative (Oct 2010), and are among the first of their kind, being solely and exclusively illustrated by readers of the author’s award-winning blog, 37days.com. 

Nonficiton Monday is being hosted by Wrapped in Foil today. Enjoy!