Get Over That Loser: 30 Ways to Better Days

"I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair"; how many of you out there have heard this song from the musical South Pacific? It is what lead character Nellie Forebush sings when she decides she does not need a man anymore. That is the subject line of an email I received a couple weeks ago about a new woman's self-care book, 30 Ways to Better Days: How to Rally After You've Been Dumped, by Caird Urquhart. How could I not open it? And I am so glad that I did. This book provides exactly what the title says it does. It gives a step-by-step guide to picking yourself up after you have been dumped.

      Let's face it. Being dumped is an awful feeling, because someone you had feelings for and a relationship with suddenly does not want anything to do with you anymore. What do you even do? Cry, scream, throw things, curl up in a ball and not get back up. None of these are viable options because we are all strong women. Every woman out there has an inner strength that she is not fully aware of that she needs to call upon during this stressful time. That is where the book comes in.

      Urquhart has been dumped several times so she knows exactly what all of you out there are going through and understands how awful it is. She highlights the journey from the break-up to being okay again. Each day has a catchy title that serves as the theme and also comes with an inspirational quote that relates to the chapter.

      One of my favorite chapters was chapter 15 entitled "Pamper Yourself." It opened with a Cindy Crawford quote that made me laugh out loud: "Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford." I thought about how true that statement really is. She does not roll out of bed looking like a supermodel. It takes work, and she takes the time she needs to do it. This chapter is all about taking some time to get a massage or manicure or whatever you like to make yourself feel great.

            All of her other chapters have similar themes of picking yourself up and moving on with your life. Her suggestions include exercising, writing, redecorating and working hard. She makes suggestions accessible, such as assemble a grief team and have seven people in mind, one for each day of the week. This way, no one person gets overloaded by your story and you can get fresh points of view.

            This book takes you through all of the emotions you experience in a breakup. It helps you deal with the anger where you just want to punch the other person in the mouth and the sadness where you feel a dull ache. You will work your way back to a place of happiness and strength.

            If you have just been dumped and want a quick read, I suggest picking up this book. With humor, inspirational quotes and smart tips, Urquhart can help anyone through a breakup because she has been there before and knows what you are going through. Breakups are awful, gut-wrenching experiences in our lives but through the anger, the angst, the tears and the pain, we all find a place of strength that we never knew existed. This book is a helpful guide on the way to that place.