The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D.
I had actually read this book when I first went on "C" Status last year. It opened my eyes to a different way of looking at life, at how to take responsibility for the struggles that we all inevitably face. At that time, I did not document my readings yet, but just read through this book, and the two sequels, Further Along the Road Less Traveled, and The Road Less Traveled and Beyond.
It was a great experience to read the book again. I was surprised by how many of Mr. Peck's concepts I had internalized, but also by how much more I learned this time around.
His opening words, "Life is difficult," were very profound. I realize today that life is difficult. I have learned to accept that. And in accepting that fact, it has made life easier. I no longer expect life to be easy. I now view the disappointments I face as just a part of life. I do not expect to live a life without any obstacles. Actually, I now welcome life's challenges. I view them as opportunities to grow and evolve. Even in failure, I can learn.
My favorite part of the book this time around would have to be the chapter entitled, Grace and Mental Illness: The Myth of Orestes. I really liked how Mr. Peck tied in the Furies that haunted Orestes to what we see in our minds. And not until Orestes had taken responsibility for his actions instead of blaming the Gods did the Furies transform into the Eumenides, spirits that blessed him. This story struck a deep chord within me because I myself was never able to accept responsibility for anything. Everywhere I looked it seemed Furies were haunting and causing all types of things to happen to me. Only recently have I been able to see there were no Furies; it was not God or Fate that did me wrong. It was my mind, my self-talk, and how I saw the world.
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