You’re a Miracle (and a Pain in the Ass): Understanding the Hidden Forces That Make You You

I’m flummoxed by the lackluster reviews this book has garnered, because I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve read over a thousand books, and I have an extensive library on self-development, spirituality, religion, and the subconscious mind. I’m no stranger to spirituality and soul evolution, and through study and hard work I’ve been able to unearth and eliminate most shame and guilt from my life. Though I still do stupid things (like eating a bag of Doritos for lunch) and act against my best interests, I’ve changed many of my so-called faults, because I am willing to accept that I’m flawed, and I don’t hide from the unlovely parts of myself. And that’s what this book is about.

McHargue writes that our experiences, behaviors, and emotions are largely driven by the way our brains developed and operate, childhood programming, trauma, and social conditioning and expectations. We really don’t understand why we do what we do, and we pay the price in shame, guilt, and denial. We bury our pain and idiosyncrasies behind various defensive behaviors in our efforts to be accepted, and we consequently fail to evolve. We think we’re different and unworthy of love. We are a pain in the a@@ to ourselves and others.

But we’re also a miracle. We are each unique because of our life experiences. We have every right to be here–to be ourselves–just like everyone else, and it’s okay to be different, stupid, smart, damaged, loving, hypocritical, angry, and all the other emotions and characteristics that make us unique and “unacceptable.”

We absolutely need to embrace every foible, ridiculous emotion, and self-destructive habit, because it’s only when we are able to look at our flaws without judgment and condemnation that we are able to change them. If we try to ignore or bury them, they remain like computer viruses running our lives into loneliness and despair.

McHargue, through writing about his own flaws and self-destructive habits, demonstrates that it’s okay to accept ourselves, to admit to our failings and quirks and cruelty. McHargue is one messed up dude, and I love him for it. His writing style is personable and transparent. It’s easy to love someone who admits they’re a mess but difficult to love someone who acts like they have it all together when they don’t. So why do we put on such a show?

This book is my introduction to McHargue, and I so enjoyed his style that I want to read his other book because I, too, am a recovering former fundamentalist Christian. If you suffer from shame, guilt, and self-condemnation, read this book. And learn to laugh at yourself, because you really are a ridiculous pain in the ass. Just like me.

Look…Here’s the thing book reviews (reviews of any art for that matter) are weird things in that they are super subjective.

You may read this book and absolutely hate it. Seriously. It’s a real possibility.

And then again you there may come a day and you’ll do that one thing that you hate. You know what it is. That thing that brings you back right where you don’t want to be.

And then you’ll come back to this sweet vulnerable little book.

When I am able to read through the tears of my own shit I am continually discovering that this is a sweet vulnerable little DANGEROUS book

I love Mike’s general openness to honest questions and his desire to go on the journey of helping you to become who you always were.

A miracle & a pain in the ass.

You are amazing and of infinite worth!

If your own emotions have ever confused you, and you also enjoy a bit of nerdy brain science, youll probably find this book super interesting. I cant recommend this book enough!

Ive followed the authors work almost since he began his public platform with The Liturgists and his solo podcast Ask Science Mike. When he announced the preorders for the book were available, I happily clicked over to Amazon to support one of my favorite podcaster/authors. Through his public work, Ive found Science Mike to be one of the most thoughtful, genuinely kind, and intelligent humans on planet earth.

This book combines interesting neuroscience and psychology with helpful insights about the inner workings of our emotional lives. He uses well-researched science as a tool to examine why we do the things we do, and often fail to understand ourselves. He uses examples from his own life, from childhood to adulthood, and all the emotional struggles common to social mammals to weave a story we can all relate to on some level. Ill let him tell his own story, and its better that way. Trust me. Mike McHargue is a skilled storyteller.

Having finished the book, I walk away with new insights about how my own brain works to create consciousness and emotions. I walk away with a fresh perspective on how my brain works to help me survive. It truly is a miracle. And sometimes a pain in the ass.

I’ve already read this book twice! It has been the catalyst for real meaningful change in my life and I would strongly recommend it for anyone who is curious about self-discovery. The author shares his personal experience in a way that invites you along for the journey yourself without feeling alone.

This book not only empowers you with information to better understand yourself and others, but it’s presented in an easily digestable and relatable way. This is one you’ll be referencing and re-referencing for years to come because of its timelessness! Mike will captivate you with his scientific insight and touch your heart with his own personal journey! I can’t wait to share this book with others!

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