Irregular People

I originally read this book when I was going through some major changes in my life--changes that certain people in my life did not understand or sympathize with. This book helped me see that 1. This particular set of people had ALWAYS reacated negatively when I was approaching change in my life (because it meant they too would have to adapt to in my life, and like most humans, they wanted things to stay the same)and 2. There were ways to deal with these people without becoming an irregular person myself, or getting slammed to the pavement yet again by them.This book helped me see that I was not the only person dealing with negativity on a regular basis--that it was not my fault, and that there were ways to deal with these people without becoming just like them (a fate worse than death, I assure you!).Joyce Heatherly hits right on the target. (By the way, she confesses this in a later book, but the "irregular persons" in her life are her father and stepmother--people you definitely cannot cut out of your life!) No, it's not your imagination--these people in your life are hurtful and destructive--but you don't have to let them destroy you, and you don't have to destroy them to live a good life. Joyce's book will show you how.

This book, shared from the author's own struggles, is a powerful testimony to the human ability to survive. She writes of the pain caused by the rejection of our "irregular people," those individuals in our lives with whom we have to deal with on a regular basis and who constantly give us pain. This book is a "must" for those who have survived abusive childhoods, difficult family members or in-laws, or who have be hurt by family relatives. It truly changed my life by bringing healing and eventually making it possible to have healthy relationships I with my "irregular people." It brings a sense of freedom and healing. I've recommended and given this book to friends and clients more than any other that I have read.

I read this book at least 10 years ago and it changed my life! It showed me how to better handle the difficult people in my life. You know... the one who always says something hurtful at every family gathering. Or the one who gives only backhanded compliments that feel like a knife in your gut. Well, I was able to look at them in a new light after reading Joyce's book and it made me a happier person.

This book has had a personal life changing effect on me. It has helped me to identify the irregular people in my own life as well as helped me to see how I have been an irregular person to others. It has helped me to repair much damage and heal relationships.