I’ve always been a bit of a sceptic when approaching books that claim to change your life or alter your mindset. Whilst I wholeheartedly believe in the merits of self improvement and its advantages, I’ve never quite hit the spot when my eagerly anticipated Amazon book order hits the doormat, awaiting my approval, or lack thereof, as I scan its pages waiting for inspiration to strike. Until now.
In case you’ve been living under a rock recently, we’re in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Coronavirus has shattered life as we once knew it and I can’t be the only one actually wanting to go back to work, surely? But here we are, united in our fight to send COVID-19 packing and for normality to grace us with its humble presence yet again. However, given that we’re spending an unprecedented amount of time indoors and sitting on the sofa is actually doing the world a whole lot of good, it would seem there is no better time to start reading a good book. This time round, I went for a round of self-improvement — and I’m so glad that I did.
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King seemed an appropriate choice during this time of uncertainty. An array of five-star reviews adorns the book’s Amazon page, and having had a flick through Goodreads, I found even more. I’ll say this for Vex King. He really has a way with words. No flowery language or unrealistic tripe to be had here, King makes his point and stands by it.
Everything from positive affirmations, forward thinking, career progression, emotional capacity, dealing with stress and inspirational words, Good Vibes, Good Life has it all.
The book is divided into sections, some including ‘Positive Lifestyle Habits’, ‘Making Yourself a Priority’ and ‘Pain and Purpose’. Each chapter is designed to focus and deal with a specific idea, whether it concerns obstacles of the body or the mind.
In turbulent times, books like King’s are a matter of importance. Forced to stay inside all day, one might be forgiven for feeling low or unproductive, a sense of self lost in the urgency to stay indoors and keep the world safe. What matters are books like these — books that ask questions and challenge the reader to think beyond their current situation and into the future. For those reading this, that future will be full of freedom, family, friends, food, and simply hitting the ‘play’ button on life again.
Self-love is key to a good life, key to our wellbeing and key to understanding the whirlwind of being human — global pandemic or not. In my opinion, Vex King’s words are soothing for the soul, honey that slips off the page and into the mind.
Whether you’re in need of self-improvement or not, I believe anyone can learn a thing or two from King and this book. Keep safe, keep indoors and just keep going.
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King. £10.99, published by Hay House UK Ltd
Words by Paige Bradshaw
This article was originally published as part of The Indiependent’s May 2020 charity magazine, which raised money for the British Lung Foundation. Find out more here.