How to do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera

Boy, Did I. This book opened something in me that I had hidden away in childhood. It was – of course- trauma from bullying and my upbringing. Dr. Nicole gave me the biological reasons why I was feeling stuck in my cycles and then the phycological reasons why, along with her own personal story that she weaves throughout the book. Demonstrating to the reader that they are not alone in their, seemingly abnormal, behavior. Dr. Nicole also has a few key mini stories thrown into the book that not only prove the points she makes but drives them home. One particular insight from the book I want to share is that our mind set can change our entire lives. Dr. Nicole describes a study done on elderly men where they are made to look at photos of themselves in their 20’s when looking in the mirror ,along with pretending that it was 30 years ago and only talking about the events that occurred then. They took pictures of the men thirty days before and after and the results were shocking. They looked like different men and acted younger even. I’ve always struggled with depression and even went through some intense treatment for it, but when I have bad days, I tend to do better if I treat myself like it’s a good day. Wear my favorite shirt or necklace. Eat a favorite meal. Mind set ,it seems, is all it takes to change a person.