The latest: A reading of Chapter 7 of 30 Things, “NEVER Say ”You Shouldn't Feel That Way!" on Emotional Sobriety Podcast with Dr. Allen Berger, Thom Rutledge and Patrick Newman Joe C, join's the #EmotionalSobriety team, click the orange link to listen now.

AAagnostica article about 30 Things as an example of how to talk recovery without any of that “insider language” and cliche-riddled talk that, while most of us are accustomed to and desensitized from it, we can unintentionally exclude the people we most want to connect with. CLICK HERE AAagnostica

William Schaberg would describe himself as a seeker. Those who know him and have read his work would largely concur that he thirsts for truth and understanding. This characterization comes from our experience of his writings and the findings he shares. As the reader, Schaberg has enriched my life and my own quest for context and clarity in subjects that matter to me. 

Schaberg's propensity as a seeker has been rewarded with “30 things” in his adult life that have been transformative, as he outlines in his new book. With gratitude, over the decades, he has shared these generously offered lessons with other seekers one-on-one. Many or all of these recipients report meaning and value from this advice when honestly applying themselves. 

Where did he learn this stuff?

In the answer, we find no Dead Sea scrolls or encoded messages hidden behind any sacred historical message documents that seeker Bill discovered. There is a family counsellor named Lara ry, friends named Chuck and Joe and Steve, a Lady Sara, a King, poems by Mary Oliver, one or two Buddhist teachings, recordings heard of lessons from experts, a Bob, a boss named Mohan, an Adelle & Jay, family wisdom, and a long-dead psychologist/writer. This isn't a complete list, but I hope it conveys the general idea: Bill Schaberg did not invent these things. He sought, was confronted by, sometimes resisted, or struggled with these “things” over time.  There is struggle in the world, right? I see it, read it, feel it in my gut; maybe you do, too.  

Rebellion Dogs Publishing is stoked to announce the release of 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well (August 2024). Rebellion Dogs sees 30 Things as a book missing from our bookshelf; it satisfies an unmet need. You can find 30 Things on this site or wherever you buy your favourite books. 

The content is superb, but the early feedback confirms my personal experience with the book; the unique value is Bill Schaberg's delivery, voice, clarity, and authenticity. The voice of the book earns the reader’s attention on the first go-around. If you are like me, this will be a go-to reference book for you. I can see it as a book club favourite. 

Bill Schaberg’s writing reputation comes from dedicated research that shines a light on someone else or something else. 30 Things is a legacy book that is deeply personal. Its inside look and vulnerability take Schaberg out of his comfort zone as a historical commentator. 

To borrow and augment video gaming language, the experience of 30 Things is  “First Person Seeker.” Just as in gaming, First-Person Shooter (FPS) mode is a visual setting preset on some monitors and is popular for First-Person Shooter games. Players view the challenges and environment of the game through the eyes of the video game's character. The stretch of this comparison is that the narration of 30 Things gives the reader a real-time experience of the author's trials, tribulations, and triumphs. In this way, I find the book relatable - teachable moments that don't feel preachy, instructive or hierarchal. 

Let me share, hot off the press, some of the “word on the street”:

“Schaberg’s insights offer clear steps for living a more balanced and fulfilling life. I recommend this book for both therapists and clients looking to overcome challenges and grow personally.” This is what clinical therapist Adina Silvestri finds. “As a licensed therapist specializing in substance abuse and erasing shame, I found 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well by William Schaberg to be a valuable source of wise and practical advice.” Dr. Adina sees this book as offering “an array of insights,” which holds value for mentors and students, peer-to-peer groups, and therapists and their clients. Later, we look at ways Adina pictures Bill’s book as a beneficial aid. 

Internationally recognized psychologist and prolific writer Joe Nowinski, PhD, finds: “There are many things to like about 30 Things. It is written from a position of humility as opposed to authority, which makes the advice offered easy to digest. It stands in contrast to the patronizing approach that typically characterizes advice writing. 

Most of the ‘things’ emanate from the author's own experiences and originate with others he respects. I heartily recommend 30 Things to all who are open to seeing life at times from a different perspective.”

HOW & WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND HAVE YOUR SAY:

Sample 30 Things on Amazon KDP:

Visit 30thingsthebook.com for:

1. sample chapters, 
2. professional reviews, 
3. publisher’s launch month specials and 
4. video message from William H. Schaberg.

You are invited: Gala Book Launch, 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well.

When? Sunday August 11, 2024, 3 PM Eastern (Noon Pacific, 8 PM BST 

Where?  ZOOM ID  853 2798 6422 (no password)

Random and awesome quotes from 30 Things

• “Berrigan once famously summarized his own philosophy on commitment by stating: One cannot level one’s moral lance at every evil in the universe. There are just too many of them. But you can do something; the difference between doing something and doing nothing is everything.”
• [About meditation] “Don’t tell me you can’t find six minutes somewhere in your day to be doing this! The Buddhist sage, Nagarjuna, made the same point (although a bit more cryptically): ‘Discipline,’ he said, ‘is the pathway to freedom’. Indeed!
  And so, my journey into mindfulness—into being more present in my life—began.”
• “Larry believed that almost all relationship problems could be traced back to bad communication and he had convinced us that silence (i.e. the lack of any communication) was the greatest enemy of maintaining a good relationship.”

Everyone is welcome to our Launch Gala on August 11th (3 PM EDT on Zoom), so tell a friend or bring a friend . 

Feedback is always welcome. We are all in this together. 

About the Author

Bill Schaberg is the proprietor of Athena Rare Books, a firm specializing in first-edition philosophy books published between the 16th and the 20th centuries. Deeply committed to the study of philosophy since college, Schaberg finally had to admit he was never going to find the "answers to life" that he was so diligently searching for within that discipline. 

While the ancient philosophers (those original "lovers of wisdom") were primarily trying to discover the best ways for us to live our lives, modern philosophy has veered off into several different specialties (theories of knowledge, language analysis, etc.) that add absolutely nothing to our understanding of how to go about "living well”. It took more than a few years, but Schaberg finally realized that those answers are best found in the experience of others - experiences that have been candidly shared and then attentively heard, accepted and acted upon.

LAUNCH MONTH SPECIALS DIRECT from REBELLION DOGS (hardcopy + eBook combo, multiple copies)

Blog notes + extras….

Joe Nowinski, PhD (Tolland, Connecticut), is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist and author. He is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Connecticut and an assistant professor at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School. His past positions include assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California. Coming soon (September) from John Hopkins Press, Loving Sober: How to Quit Drinking as a Couple

https://josephnowinski.com/

Adina Silvestri, EdD, LPC, Licenced Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Brainspotting Practicioner.

Life Cycles Counselling:  https://adinasilvestri.com  

Review of 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well by William H. Schaberg

As a licensed therapist specializing in substance abuse and erasing shame, I found 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well by William Schaberg to be a valuable source of wise and practical advice. This book provides an array of insights that are especially beneficial for therapists and their clients on a journey toward healing and self-improvement. Below are some key highlights and how they can be applied to therapy:

1. Loving Someone Means Acting as If Their Happiness Is Important to You 
   • Schaberg emphasizes that loving actions are integral to building and maintaining relationships. This aligns with therapeutic practices that encourage clients to express love and care through tangible actions, thereby strengthening their connections with loved ones.
   • Example: A therapist might encourage a client to perform a small, thoughtful act for a family member, reinforcing the idea that love is demonstrated through actions, not just words.
2. Embrace the Fact That We Are All Different 
   • Schaberg’s advice to acknowledge and appreciate individual differences is crucial in therapy. This helps clients understand that differing perspectives and behaviors are normal and can be embraced rather than judged.
   • Application: Encourage clients to explore and celebrate their unique traits and those of others, fostering acceptance and reducing interpersonal conflicts.
3. Become a Morning Person 
   • Schaberg’s advocacy for morning productivity can be an effective strategy for clients struggling with time management and motivation. The quiet morning hours can be a great time for reflection, planning, and self-care activities.
   • Implementation: Suggest clients create a morning routine that includes journaling, meditation, or exercise to start their day on a positive note.
4. You Can Pretend to Care, But You Can’t Pretend to Be There 
   • The importance of presence in relationships is highlighted by Schaberg, which is a vital concept in therapy. Being fully present with others builds trust and deepens emotional connections.
   • Practice: Encourage clients to practice mindfulness in their interactions, focusing on truly being there for their loved ones without distractions.
5. Identify the Places Where You Encounter the Spiritual and Go There Often 
   • Finding and regularly visiting places that evoke a sense of spirituality or peace can be incredibly healing for clients. This advice promotes self-care and the importance of environments in emotional well-being.
   • Strategy: Help clients identify their personal sanctuaries, whether physical places or mental states and incorporate regular visits to these spaces into their routines. And who doesn’t want to understand the subconscious better?

In conclusion, 30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well offers practical lessons that can significantly benefit therapeutic practices. Schaberg’s insights offer clear steps for living a more balanced and fulfilling life. I recommend this book for therapists and clients looking to overcome challenges and grow personally.