Rating: 
Summary: Conquer your fears in this safe environment....
Review: I like this book because of Thom's simple, down-to-earth language and his sharing from his own personal experiences. He helps us realize how pervasively and unconsciously fear operates in our lives. His viewing fear as normal, rather than the result of personal weaknesses, enables us to see ourselves as struggling, growing and traveling together with him and others, not set apart and different. He has a safe, inviting approach to dealing with the Bullies, as he calls our fears. I believe, without exception, those who want to live their lives to the fullest will benefit from Thom's perspective and the steps to being in charge of fear. He holds our hand and convincingly shows us page by page.
Rating:
Summary: More than a self-help book.
Review: I ordered a copy of Embracing Fear after reading an article by the author entitled “Make Fear Your Teacher.” The short article, that showed me Mr. Rutledge is at least a step or two beyond simply writing self-help, encourages us to come to terms with the fact that life is by its very nature is unpredictable. And with unpredictability comes fear.Rutledge says, “The essence of what I believe --- and what I hope we can together spread around the world --- is this simple truth: fear is the natural companion of human self-awareness. We cannot refuse delivery; we cannot return to sender. How we choose to respond to fear is the ultimate measure of who we are.” The idea that how we respond to fear being such a defining aspect of our lives is what really got my attention. The book itself is excellent --- well written, informative and surprisingly entertaining. (I have learned since first discovering the article that a sense of humor is sort of a Rutledge trademark.) There is some real wisdom here, and I recommend Embracing Fear whether or not you consider yourself a “self-help reader.” It’s just a good book. (Note: you can probably request a copy of the article, "Make Fear Your Teacher," from the author's website.)
Rating:
Summary: I'm not afraid
Review: I'm not afraid. Or so I thought when my friend gave me a copy of Thom Rutledge's Embracing Fear. I only had to get through the first page to realize that I really needed to read this book. Thom reminded me that we all know fear and its many variations. It hides in the nooks and crannies throughout our lives. So, I knew I needed to read this book, but that didn't mean that I had to like it. How could I possibly enjoy staring down all of the fears in my life - and much less actually "embracing" them?
I was wrong again. Not only did I like Embracing Fear, but I literally could not put it down. It took me on a journey through all of my emotions and kept me laughing out loud the whole way though. Thom definitely guided me to all of my fears, but I had lots of fun doing it.
I thanked my friend for Embracing Fear and have since then given copies to many people. After reading the book, they have all told me what an incredible impact it has made on their lives. That's funny, because their first reactions were just like mine - "I'm not afraid."
Rating:
Summary: Finding the Courage . . .
Review: If you have ever felt blocked, stalled, or completely derailed in your life, this book is for you. Thom Rutledge shows us how fear is the ultimate "original" emotion. Peal back the layers in almost any difficult situation, and you'll find some form of fear. But he doesn't leave us there - like so many self-help books that spend 9 out of 10 chapters illustrating a problem, and in the last chapter take a stab at solutions. Instead, with his remarkable ability to make the unconscious visible, Thom introduces us to both our healthy and unhealthy fears, which we will immediately recognize as if they were old friends (as indeed they are). Then, with humor and a brilliant use of metaphor, we are carried along on a path to freedom from our unhealthy fears - those that hold us back and would sabotage our happiness. Thom doesn't just talk about healing, his writing actually takes you there. Through stories of his own and others' experiences with overcoming the debilitating effects of fear, we are able to experience new insights and freedom for ourselves. In truth, the book's subtitle, Finding the Courage to Live Your Life, describes what will happen to you as you read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Hillary Kanter, Songwriter, Nashville, Tn.
Review: There are a million and one self-help books out there. Thom Rutledge is in a category all his own. His book Embracing Fear is totally unique. For one thing, this is not just some therapist spouting out solutions, as if HE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS. He admits he is on a path of constant learning just like all of us. He is a man who is strong enough to admit his own weaknesses and it sure makes me feel better about MYSELF knowing he has had HIS struggles too! He speaks with wisdom and knowledge, but does not put himself above anyone. And he does all of this with a monumental sense of humor. Very unusual for a therapist As a result of reading this book, every day I find some pearl of wisdom about handling fear in my own life. We all struggle with our personal fears and especially since 9/11,it is a bit harder to feel safe and secure in this world we live in. Thom's book is like wrapping a warm blanket around you.You just feel like everything is going to be okay. I can honestly say that reading Embracing Fear, has changed my life for the better.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Insights!
Review: This book will challenge you to look fear in the face and walk right though it! On the other side of fear is Love. If you want more love in your life. . . read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Insights!
Review: This book will challenge you to look fear in the face and walk right though it! On the other side of fear is Love. If you want more love in your life. . . read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book. Helpful Book
Review: Thom Rutledge is the most entertaining self-help writer going. His previous books (The Self-Forgiveness Handbook, Earning Your Own Respect, and Practice Makes Practice) have all made a tangible impact on my life, and have all been a joy to read. Embracing Fear is no exception. The man is disarmingly honest about himself (an attribute I love in a shrink) and when he describes some of his therapy sessions with clients it's like reading a good novel. The techniques Rutledge teaches in Embracing Fear are as powerful as they are simple---a great combination. As strange as it may sound to suggest a self-help book as a gift, I think you will want to give this book to family and friends. Based on reading Rutledge's earlier books, I ordered 4 copies of Embracing Fear to start with, and have already placed a second order. Last but not least, how could a topic be more universal, and especially now, more relevant? In a recent interview, Rutledge said, "Fear is universal. Natural, healthy fear is the best friend we will ever have, and neurotic fear is the arch-villain of our existence." This book can guide you into and all the way through your fears. Give it a try.
Rating:
Summary: Embracing Fear
Review: What a great book! Thom is a very entertaining author which makes this an easy read. The best part about this one is that it makes you think. It is a great book to read - almost like having Thom with you as your personal therapist to help you sort out the fears and help you to a more healthy and productive place.
Rating:
Summary: Embracing Fear
Review: What a great book! Thom is a very entertaining author which makes this an easy read. The best part about this one is that it makes you think. It is a great book to read - almost like having Thom with you as your personal therapist to help you sort out the fears and help you to a more healthy and productive place.
| 
