Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Way I See It: A Psychologist’s Guide to a Happier Life by Dr. Ashley Smith dives into how thoughts shape emotions and behaviors, and the importance of understanding and reshaping limiting beliefs. She discusses the distinction between the External World and the Internal World, and leans into the dangers of dwelling on the past or future and advocates for mindfulness to remain in the present. She talks about the value of vulnerability, clear communication, and emotional acceptance in relationships. Smith also talks about the role of human connection, embracing discomfort, and overcoming perfectionism. She introduces concepts like radical responsibility, the "Values Board of Directors," and "psychological limbo land" to build on self-awareness, resilience, and lasting happiness, telling us that growth and happiness stem from accepting emotions, embracing difficulty, and making mindful choices.

Dr. Ashley Smith's The Way I See It is the book I did not know I needed this week, until I did, and I can state hand-over-heart that this read goes beyond surface-level happiness advice. Smith’s writing is wonderfully conversational, clear, relatable, and filled with practical wisdom, making even the more complicated concepts accessible. There were two big standouts for me in the great guidance she provided. I love that she calls us to the challenge of embracing rejection as a tool for resilience. Seek it out, we are told, and allow ourselves to become comfortable with it. The other is that we do not have to be in a constant drive for perfectionism, arguing convincingly that "good enough" is often more liberating than the pursuit of flawlessness. I am certain that more nuggets will touch readers in different, special ways. The author steps aside from the usual jargon and talks to us in a very human, very empathetic way, and I would like nothing more than for others to see it her way too. Very highly recommended.