“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it, deflating my own ego without the help of anyone else.”
What do our shopping habits, high-heeled shoes, and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect how we choose our relationships now?
D.G. takes us on a journey, unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions demonstrate how the hurtful events in our lives linger and set the tone for how we value our own self-worth.
Words We Carry is a raw, personal accounting of how the author overcame the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love herself.
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WHY IS SELF-ESTEEM SO IMPORTANT?
Women are often caught up in overvaluing the opinions of others, and I don’t pretend to be the exception. I’ve had my share of feeling mocked or judged, most especially in my younger years, when I was still searching for my identity, not yet secure in my own skin.
Ridicule can have long-lasting effects on our psyches, leaving us feeling inadequate or even unworthy of affection. The road toward internal happiness can be long, especially for those of us who’ve been taunted and teased from a young age.
We need to focus on our positive attributes and stop knocking ourselves down. We don’t have to allow others’ negative opinions to destroy our self-esteem. It’s much more rewarding for us to assess ourselves and, when we find things we aren’t content with, use our own power to better ourselves.
If we all look back at our childhoods, we’ll undoubtedly remember interactions or incidents that marked the beginnings of our insecurities. We might have been taunted for our looks, our habits, or even for our levels of intelligence. Looking back, we may recognize that the people who bullied and bruised our psyches made those remarks because they themselves were uncompassionate or jealous.
The power of words can lie very heavily on us. The old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a fallacy. I suspect that saying may have been first used as a comeback for something hurtful, but the truth is that words linger much longer than physical wounds. The damage done to our delicate egos, especially when we’re small, stays with us through the rest of our lives.
Reading Through the Soul: Words We Carry By D. G Kaye
“Words We Carry” by DG Kaye is an emotional read. You will be able to relate to this book in one way or another. It is a wonderful trumpet read.
“Words We Carry” by DG Kaye is a thought-provoking and insightful book that explores the impact of words on our self-esteem and personal identity. In this memoir, Kaye shares her own experiences growing up with a mother who constantly criticized her appearance and how these words affected her self-image and confidence.
The book is broken down into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of our relationship with words. Kaye delves into various topics such as the influence of childhood experiences, the power of negative words, and the importance of self-acceptance. She offers personal anecdotes and relatable stories that make the book engaging and relatable.
One of the strongest aspects of “Words We Carry” is Kaye’s candid and honest writing style. She openly shares her vulnerabilities and traumas, making the reader feel a deep connection with her. Her writing is accessible and easy to follow, making the book suitable for readers from all walks of life.
Kaye also provides practical advice and helpful tips for overcoming the negativity and self-doubt caused by hurtful words. She encourages readers to develop a strong sense of self and teaches them how to surround themselves with positive influences.
Overall, “Words We Carry” is a compelling and empowering read that sheds light on the often overlooked issue of the impact of words on our self-esteem. It serves as a reminder that the words we use towards ourselves and others hold great power and can shape our lives in profound ways. Kaye’s personal journey and insightful observations make this book a valuable resource for anyone who has struggled with self-esteem and wants to start the journey towards self-acceptance and self-love.
Top reviews from Canada
Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2018
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As a writer, I have immense respect for fellow writers who share their personal journeys and challenges with the sole intent to help ease the burdens of others. In Words We Carry: Essays of Obsession and Self-Esteem, Author D.G. Kaye not only shares her very personal journey to self-worth, she does so with an enlightened, grateful heart. Personally, I loved Kaye’s candid, engaging, and often times humourous writing style. This is an incredibly personal read and one that offers guided hope and encourages self-reflection.
Our lives are shaped by our experiences; every encounter, every moment holds the capacity to build us or break us. Our resiliency to endure and overcome, in large part, correlates with how we see ourselves, how we value our self-worth. Kaye doesn’t profess to be an expert on this topic; the value of this book lies in the authentic approach in which she shares her personal journey. Our self-esteem and personal acceptance are intrinsic to a life of fulfillment, a life of joy. Our ability to celebrate our unique qualities and embrace our imperfections is not a simple endeavour, but it is possible. Amazing things transpire from this inner peace, and this memoir is a testament to that truth. Kaye brilliantly shares her journey to self-love, her tenacious spirit shines bright, her words are an offering of hope for those who may be struggling to chart their own course. Her approach is genuine, her encouragement sincere. She is in your corner! A highly recommended high-star read!
5.0 out of 5 stars Words We Carry is raw and personalReviewed in Canada on November 1, 2019
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“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it, deflating my own ego without the help of anyone else.”
What do our shopping habits, high-heeled shoes, and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect how we choose our relationships now?
D.G. takes us on a journey, unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions demonstrate how the hurtful events in our lives linger and set the tone for how we value our own self-worth.
Words We Carry is a raw, personal accounting of how the author overcame the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love herself.
5.0 out of 5 stars Words We Carry – D.G. KayeReviewed in Canada on February 26, 2015
D.G Kaye does it again!!!! Another novel that has made it to my bookshelve for good!
In the introduction D.G. Kaye writes “I wrote this book to share the negative experiences and obstacles I’ve encountered in my own life. I have tracked my own insecurities and the self-esteem issues of my past in an effort to recognize and conquer the negative image I had of my youth…all so I could finally learn to love myself.”
This novel is outstanding, being a person that absorbs exactly what you say about them and believes every second of it, this book really helped me learn a very vauable lesson! Words are just words, and it is up to me to block those negative feelings and images out!
D.G Kaye is an amazing writer, she is able to capture all age groups with the honest and truthful words that are published in her books. Reading this novel not only opens your eyes to the society that we live in, but also pin points the realization that hurtful, negative and intolerable words are not what defines us and we should not allow these words to break us!
Job Well Done D.G. Kaye!! I cannot wait for your next book to come out!
Lizzy
5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable, validating, and very well writtenReviewed in the United States on April 3, 2023
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This is the first book I’ve read by D.G. Kaye, but as soon as I read the first few pages, I knew it wouldn’t be the last. There was so much I could identify with in the blurb, so on a whim, I downloaded it.
The issue of self-esteem, which the author speaks so knowingly about, is one that affects more people than I believe most of us even realize. Low self-esteem manifests itself in many ways and that can make it more difficult for some to see. Yet, I believe it visits a preponderant number of people at some point in their lives, if not throughout. Reading this book was like talking to a new friend and sharing common experiences. Kaye’s uplifting yet honest writing style makes it very easy to turn the pages.
Even with the issues that I hadn’t personally experienced, I knew many who did (and still do), and I really appreciated Kaye’s down-to-earth approach to examining these issues and offering simple, relatable advice for those seeking to better their lives. As I especially connected to some aspects of the author’s relationship with her mother, I’m absolutely planning to read her book Conflicted Hearts. Our situations, while very different, are also very similar in ways.
Kaye discusses subjects in this book that took me back years and also resonated with me in the present. There are many reasons that I would recommend this book. Not only do I appreciate the common-sense advice, but I believe the author’s words are extraordinarily validating and will help many who feel alone in their pain. This book is also beautifully written. Excellent.
Luv2read
5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a bookReviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021
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What starts with the author’s explanation of why she wrote the book: namely to share negative experiences and obstacles in which self-esteem issues and insecurities when faced and dealt with blossom to learning self-love; this is a remarkable revolutionary read. One I wish I would have read in my earlier teen years when I struggled with my own self-esteem issues. Self-perception baggage from wounded egos, what weighs us down, fester and damage the soul the author writes. So true. This is so well written that it’s not just an enlightening educational tool but a wonderful read from a woman not afraid to show her underbelly, huge heart, and she does it with much authenticity and talent. I resonated with so much of what she wrote in these enlightening pages, but what stands out the most is how I slid down the rabbit’s hole due to my desire to want to belong, to socially fit. I suppose all of us who relate to this unfolding have a personal story of our own. Mine was rooted in a family dynamic that made it difficult for me to have friends to my home and consequently I missed out on social bonding that helps develop a strong sense of self. It wasn’t until later in life, in high school and university, that I encountered warm satisfying friendships. By then the damage was done. I just wish I had this book in my earlier years to have helped my younger, more formative self. Thankfully, it’s never too late to unwind wounds and deepen self-love, which is another thing I found from this beautifully powerful read. In summation, let me say I am grateful I had this recommended to me by a friend, someone whose words I respect. This gem of a book did not disappoint. Highly recommend.
AF
5.0 out of 5 stars Overcoming Harmful Words to Experience Self-LoveReviewed in the United States on July 1, 2017
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This is the second book (but certainly not the last) that I have read by Debby Kaye. In “Conflicted Hearts,” the first of her books that I read, I was amazed at the transparency in which she opened her life to readers. That approach proved effective in helping me to connect with her. I took away much from that reading experience, as I did with this one, “Words We Carry.” In WWC, Debby does it again – bares her life. Using excerpts from her childhood, teenage and young adult years, Debby shares some of the hurtful, shaming and neglectful events, words, and situations that led to her early attachment to low self-esteem. She goes a step further in this book by showing how she divorced low self-esteem by pursuing healthy, authentic relationships and by being intentional with her thoughts and actions. This led her to self-worth, self-acceptance and self-love.
Although I do not share Debby’s exact life experiences, I could relate to so many of the circumstances and harmful words she described. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that many women will relate as so many of our (female) issues stem from our physical appearance. Or rather, our “lack of” as compared to super models or in Debby’s case, her outrageously gorgeous mother. Later In life, Debby learned to counter the mother’s impossible beauty standards. How? She states, “Determination and an inquisitive mind are necessary to rid oneself of anxieties and faulty self-perceptions.” This is just one of the gems she shares with readers. There are others such as this one dealing with ridicule and rejection: “Love thyself.” Simple as a statement but powerful when applied to one’s life.
This is a short read but so full of wisdom, encouragement and self-correction that one read is not enough. Be warned, you may find yourself turning to this book time and time again.
I encourage you to take this walk with Debby as she journeys to self-awareness and confidence. I promise you’ll be rewarded as well.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars D. G. Kaye Bares Her Soul to Resolve the Self-Sabotaging “Words We Carry” THAT AREN’T EVEN YOUR FAULT!Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2014
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D.G. Kaye uses all her feelings of empathy, compassion, and honesty to reveal the power of WORDS that hurt, destroy, and demean. Words that in most cases have been forced upon us, and we never forget their poignant sting or understand the devastating effects they have on our lives and our relationships. You create the reality that has been engrained in your mind whether it’s wrong, unfair, or just plain mean, spiteful, and filled with envy and jealousy. WE ARE THE “WORDS WE CARRY” THROUGH LIFE! Isn’t it time to delve back to the source to first recognize and then change your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth?
WORDS start piling up at a very young age…long before we understand why such labels are placed upon us by inconsiderate, angry people, usually our families, who lash out at everyone around them in an attempt to make themselves feel better. Who gets hurt? Just about everyone, including themselves. But the delicate psyche of a child, who is born seeking only love and acceptance, is so susceptible to ridicule, negativity, verbal abuse, and degradation. It is rarely a child’s fault that they are bullied, laughed at, used between adults as weapons in grownup games, or called names that stick like glue.
Ms Kaye reaches back to her personal, traumatic early years to release the WORDS that practically destroyed a beautiful, giving, loving personality. In her easy, flowing writing style, where you feel like you’re communing with your best friend…sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes comedic, always strong and resourceful…you get the best she has to give to show how you too can rescript the WORDS that keep you downtrodden and afraid to ask for and receive what you deserve out of life.
Thank you D.G. for this heartfelt, soul-searching book to set us all free from the “Words We Carry” that only inflict pain and suffering. YOU TOO CAN FIGHT BACK AND WIN!
DGKayewriter.com 
Can’t wait!
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Thank you my dear ‘Bri’! ❤
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