The Courage to Change: Saying Goodbye to Good Enough and Embracing the Promise of What Can Be

The ability to change one’s life is “a gift from God,” according to this straightforward guide from bestseller Meyer (The Joy of an Uncluttered Life). Noting that reluctance to change is usually spurred by fear and stagnates personal growth, she frames self-transformation as key to spiritual progress, since God seeks to “mold us into the image of Jesus Christ.” To help manage the process, she encourages readers to acknowledge the circumstances that need to change, let go of bitterness by forgiving others, strive for progress rather than perfection, and remain patient as they build the “stability, wisdom, and stamina” to see and be fulfilled by the results. The author’s matter-of-fact prose is an effective vehicle for her own stories of change, including how she overcame childhood trauma and found a new identity in her faith. Her advice is solid if expected, though questions like “What toxic or destructive thoughts do you need to replace with God’s thoughts?” beg for more specific guidance. Still, this competent manual will satisfy Meyer’s fans. (May)