back at it

I probably *should* have written more posts about French Women Don't Get Fat, but I couldn't do it, friends.

I have two working theories about why that book sucked the will to write out of me.  The first is that it's totally the book's fault -- for being so cheeky and frivolous and even a little bit arrogant toward non-French, non-skinny women. A bad choice on my part.

The second is that diet books make me cranky simply because I love to eat so much. Eating brings me so much consistent pleasure throughout the day, that I'm pretty vigilant about counting calories and trying to exercise so I can make room for all the indulgences that make me happy. (Which, huh, is sort of the whole point of FWDGF -- ah, cyclicalness!)

Regardless, I'm not so interested in continuing to focus on a book that focuses on deprivation and makes women feel bad about their bodies and I'm ready for the next book. And here it is...ta da!

The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck, M.D. is often hailed as one of the best-selling Western spirituality books of all time. It was written in 1978, so I like to think it's sort of a vintage self-help book (just because I'm so charmed by everything vintage). There are a few anachronistic details that have made me chuckle -- for instance, the fact that a therapy session back in the '70s cost a whopping $40! But for the most part, the advice is fairly timeless.

I'm about three-quarters of the way through the book, and although I'm completely hooked, it's difficult to explain exactly what it's about given its level of complexity. After much thought, I've essentially boiled it down to this: Peck advises that you evaluate the relationships closest to you (your significant other, your child, your close friends) and reflect on the way you love in these relationships. Through self-awareness and self-discipline, you have the potential to lead a more peaceful and fulfilling life simply by valuing and growing in these relationships. (Ha, except it's really not so simple.) I'll obviously delve into this more fully later on, but for now, tell me:

Have you read The Road Less Traveled? What did you think?