An Open Letter to Self-Help Skeptics

I know why you’re triggered

Recently, self-help authors and coaches have been in the hot seat online. I guess we’re an easy target for those triggered about life in general, or someone struggling with a difficult circumstance. Because the last thing you want to hear when you are suffering is: help yourself.

I get it. Even after years of therapy plus a ton of emotional and spiritual healing work, I have triggered days, when I take my internalized vitriol and spew it out on the world. Point my finger outward. It’s the fault of the government, our dysfunctional economic system, or fundamental conservatives. You name it, I’ve blamed them. Scroll through my social media posts, you’ll see.

I understand why people point their finger at self-help authors and coaches. On the surface, what we write and talk about sounds easy; simple even. It’s not.

Ever tried to consistently meditate every morning without resistance? Hella hard.

Get up from the couch and move your body on the regular? Not even.

Eat your vegetables. Do potato chips count?

Given this, why do people go into the self-help profession in the first place? Simple. We desire to help others. Yes, there are a small percentage who do it because of the promise of big…