#ruebookreview

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[ruebookreview]

[ruebookreview]

Title: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life Authors: Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

Review: Ikigai changed how I think about purpose, happiness, and how I want to spend my time. The idea is clear and powerful: everyone has an ikigai, a reason to wake up each day with excitement. It’s about finding where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what can support you all meet.

What I loved most is that this book doesn’t push success in the traditional sense. It focuses on simple things done with care—like gardening, talking with friends, eating well, moving daily, and staying curious. It made me realize that happiness doesn’t come from chasing big goals, but from building a life full of flow, balance, and meaning.

The stories from Okinawa’s centenarians hit me hard. These people live long, joyful lives not by being rich or famous, but by staying active, having a sense of community, and doing what they love every single day. It made me reflect on how fast I’ve been living and how disconnected I’ve felt at times.

A big shift for me was seeing purpose not as something you find once but something you build slowly over time. Ikigai is quiet, not loud. It shows up when you’re consistent with the things that matter to you.

This book is not just about living longer—it’s about living better. It’s calm, inspiring, and deeply human.

Core Findings

Ikigai is Personal: Your purpose is unique and grows with you. It doesn’t have to be grand or flashy—just something that gives your life meaning and joy.

Flow Over Fame: Getting into a state of flow—where time disappears because you’re so immersed—is one of the strongest sources of happiness and fulfilment.

Routine Builds Resilience: Long, happy lives are built on small daily habits like walking, cooking, socializing, and being present. Simplicity sustains longevity.

Stay Curious, Stay Alive: People who live the longest never “retire” from life. They stay mentally and physically active by doing what they enjoy—even into old age.

Community is Medicine: Strong relationships, social ties, and a sense of belonging are just as important as diet or exercise when it comes to health and happiness.

Purpose Beats Perfection: You don’t need to have it all figured out. Consistently living with intention and care matters more than chasing an ideal version of success.

My Favourite Quotes

“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.”

“Essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”

“The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend more time than others in a state of flow.”

“Wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate the beauty of imperfection as an opportunity for growth.”

[ruebookreview]

Title: The Psychology of Money

Author: Morgan Housel

Review: The Psychology of Money shifted my entire outlook on wealth, success, and how I think about financial decisions. The premise is simple but powerful: how we behave with money matters more than what we know about it. It’s not about spreadsheets, it's about mindset, habits, and emotions.

What hit me the hardest is the realization that people’s financial choices don’t always make sense—they reflect their life experiences, fears, and goals. What may seem irrational from the outside might be totally rational based on what someone’s been through. That changed how I judge, compare, or even pressure myself to meet certain standards.

One of the most powerful takeaways for me is the idea that doing “pretty good” consistently beats trying to do something “perfect” once. In other words, financial success is about patience, not brilliance. I’ve started focusing more on my time horizon and habits, not chasing the next big win. That shift in mindset alone has reduced a lot of the anxiety I used to feel about money.

This book isn’t just about finances—it’s about how we make decisions under pressure, how we relate to risk, and how peace comes from living within our means, not impressing others. The psychological part makes it timeless. It’s not about what the market does next—it’s about what you do next.

Core Findings

Behavior > Knowledge: Success with money is more about how you behave—saving consistently, staying patient, avoiding debt—than about how much you know. Smart people can still make poor decisions if their mindset is off.

Everyone Has a Different Story: Your financial behavior is shaped by your personal history. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success, and judgment or comparison is often unhelpful and unfair.

Save for the Unknown: Planning for surprises is more important than trying to predict the future. Building a financial cushion gives you freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Wealth is What You Don’t See: True wealth is often invisible. It’s not the flashy car or house—it’s the money not spent. Resisting the urge to show off leads to lasting financial health.

Independence is the Goal: Money isn’t just about buying things. It’s about gaining control over your time and decisions. Freedom is the highest dividend money pays.

My Favourite Quotes:

"Doing well with money has little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave."

"Wealth is the nice cars not purchased. The diamonds not bought. The watches not worn."

"The highest form of wealth is the ability to wake up every morning and say, 'I can do whatever I want today.'"

“Independence, at any income level, is driven by your ability to live below your means.”

[ruebookreview]

Title: The Let Them Theory

Author: Mel Robbins

The Let Them Theory transformed how I handle stress and relationships in such a short period. The concept is simple: when people act in ways you don’t like, let them. Let them make their choices, let them learn from their mistakes, and let them live their lives. It’s about stepping back from trying to control the situation whether that is to keep the peace or any other motive; then focusing on your own peace of mind.

For me, this shift has been life-changing. I’ve always felt the need to step in or overthink why someone acted a certain way. Now, I remind myself to let them. It’s not my job to fix their behaviour, and it’s not my responsibility to make everyone happy. The result? I feel lighter, calmer, and more in control of my own life.

This approach has also helped with everyday stress. Instead of stressing over things I can’t change, I let them play out. I focus my energy on what I can control—my reactions, my choices, and my peace. It’s made a huge difference in how I handle difficult situations.

This isn’t about being passive or indifferent—it’s about prioritizing my mental well-being. For me, peace is at the core of everything, helping me stay clear, balanced, and grounded in all areas of my life. Letting go of what’s not mine to control feels like reclaiming my energy, and it’s one of the most empowering changes I’ve made.

Core Findings:

Let Them Be Themselves: The idea that allowing others to make their own decisions without interference creates healthier relationships and emotional freedom. When you stop trying to control or fix others, you give them the space to grow and make choices.

Let Me Own My Decisions: Focusing on yourself and trusting your own choices is crucial. By embracing the idea of "Let Me," you take full responsibility for your actions, which empowers you to make decisions with confidence and clarity.

Peace Comes From Letting Go: True peace comes from letting go of the need to control others or your circumstances. When you apply both "Let Them" and "Let Me," you create a balance between respecting others' autonomy and owning your own personal boundaries, leading to more emotional peace and self-respect.

Impactful Quotes:

"Letting them isn’t about losing control; it’s about gaining peace."

"There is a second, critical part of the Let Them theory—Let Me. When you say Let Me, you're tapping into that power by taking responsibility for what you do, think, or say next."

"You don’t need to hold everything—some things are not yours to carry."

"By stepping back, you create space for yourself and others to thrive."

"Growth begins when you let go of what’s not yours to fix."