Don't Wear Shoes You Can't Walk in - by Michelle Douglas (Paperback)

About the Book

For anyone just starting out or starting over, this field guide--the Life's Little Instruction Book of the 21st Century--shares relatable advice and self-reflective prompts in the areas of work, love, personal growth, and more in the hopes of helping twentysomethings navigate the obstacles that lie ahead and recognize the wisdom they already possess.

Book Synopsis

"Why is this moment happening in my life and what can I learn from it?"

Michelle Douglas asked and answered this question almost every day for ten years, writing down one thing she learned each day from ages twenty-one to thirty-one. In these pages, she shares her experiences and learnings from the adventures that lie ahead for young adults--moving, working, loving, losing, quitting, building, and more, all while attempting to maintain a strong sense of self.

Written for anyone just starting out or suddenly starting over, this field guide--part advice book, part journal--will help you discover the very important yet not-so-obvious lessons to be learned in your own life right now. Things like . . .

• the weakness isn't necessarily where the leak is
  
• surround yourself with people who are willing to lift while they climb
  
• you can't change the shape of a piece to force it into your puzzle
  
• don't go looking for love, go looking for things you love to do
  
• it's what you bring to the table, not how long you've been sitting at it
  

Don't Wear Shoes You Can't Walk In equips twentysomethings (and beyond) with powerful tools to enrich their lives and take their next steps forward with confidence.

Review Quotes

2022 Foreword INDIES Finalist in Self-Help (Adult Nonfiction)

". . . a jaunty guide that has plenty of personality. Wise, witty, and worthwhile advice for readers navigating their twenties."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Brilliantly articulated, perfectly digestible. Don't Wear Shoes You Can't Walk In should be required reading for when anyone turns twenty."
--GenTwenty

"A manual for navigating new beginnings, no matter your age. Timeless advice paired with relatable learnings to help you uncover your next best step forward."
--Natalie Franke, cofounder of The Rising Tide Society and author of Built to Belong

"Michelle Douglas has an uncanny ability to take life's deep, nuanced lessons and package them into clever metaphors that will stick with you long after you put this book down. The clarifying and accessible wisdom in this book reads like compassionate guidance from a time-tested big sister who wants you to learn from her experience but also forge your own path every step of the way."
--Caroline Kelso Zook, author of Your Brightest Life Journal

"An empowering, practical, hands-on guide that will help the twentysomethings in your life create more meaningful, manageable lives."
--Kristen Hadeed, author of Permission to Screw Up

"An insightful book from a talented, introspective, and passionate writer. I found myself relating to so much of Michelle's self-exploration, and I know this will be an impactful read for many others."
--Stacy Stahl, founder of How They Asked