Book Review ✨

Reading 'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan truly sparked a revelation for me about the profound journey of self-love. It made me reflect on how often we seek external validation or expect others to 'heal the broken parts of me.' But what if the most powerful healing comes from within, through embracing solitude and nurturing our inner world? The original review touched on the beauty of solo dates, and that's just one facet of cultivating true solitude. As bell hooks profoundly states, there's an 'importance of solitude in the art of loving.' For me, this means intentionally carving out moments to just be with myself, without distraction. It's not about being lonely, but about tuning into my own needs, thoughts, and emotions. Sometimes it’s a quiet walk, other times it’s simply sitting with a cup of tea and journaling about my day, acknowledging my feelings without judgment. This practice has allowed me to better understand what truly makes me happy and what I need to let go of, rather than constantly striving to please others. It's in these quiet moments that I've found strength to attend to my hurts, as the book's quote suggests, rather than waiting for someone else to mend them. While 'This Could Be Us' beautifully illustrates a personal journey of self-discovery, it also implicitly reminds us that self-love isn't about isolating ourselves. In fact, a strong foundation of self-love often allows us to build more authentic and fulfilling connections. The book author, Kennedy Ryan, has also been quoted about the enduring nature of 'friendship and chosen family.' I've come to realize that when I truly love myself, I can show up more genuinely for my friends and family. It means setting healthy boundaries, communicating my needs clearly, and not relying on others to fill a void that only self-acceptance can address. It’s about understanding that I am whole on my own, and then choosing to share that wholeness with others, rather than seeking completeness from them. This shift has transformed my relationships, making them richer and more reciprocal. If you’re on a similar path after reading 'This Could Be Us' or just starting your self-love journey, I highly encourage exploring how solitude can empower you. Beyond solo dates, consider dedicating a few minutes each day to mindful breathing, or reflecting on what brings you genuine joy, even if it’s small. Another powerful exercise I've found is practicing positive affirmations or simply looking in the mirror and acknowledging my worth. It's a continuous process, and some days are definitely harder than others, as the original article mentioned. But every step, no matter how small, contributes to building that unconditional acceptance for yourself. It’s about becoming your own best friend, your own chosen family, within yourself first. This powerful message, woven through stories like Soledad's, truly resonates and guides me daily. Remember, just like the characters in Kennedy Ryan's other works like 'Long Shot' or 'Before I Let Go' might face their own challenges, our self-love journey is unique and worth every effort.