As someone who's had my fair share of ups and downs, I feel like I’ve lived about nine lives already. Breakups, career shifts, navigating mental health challenges, and everything in between—life's thrown some serious curveballs my way. So, when I stumbled across Open When by Dr. Julie Smith, I was intrigued but also a little sceptical. Another self-help book? I’ve read enough to know that not all of them hit the mark. But as someone who’s always on the lookout for tools to help navigate the chaos of life, I thought I’d give it a go.
And let me tell you—I’m so glad I did. This book doesn’t just offer the usual “cheer up” advice. Instead, it speaks to you in a way that feels personal and authentic, like a trusted friend who really gets it. I didn’t expect it to become such a companion, but I can already tell it’s going to be one that stays with me going forward.
Open When isn’t your typical self-help book. Rather than being a one-size-fits-all guide, it’s divided into chapters designed to help you when you’re feeling a certain way. Whether you’re grappling with self-doubt, burnout, or a sense of loneliness, each chapter offers words of wisdom that feel like they’ve been written just for you. Dr. Julie Smith addresses everything from managing anxiety to finding your purpose when you feel lost—topics that hit hard when you're in the thick of it.
When I first picked it up, I wasn’t sure if it would resonate with me. After all, I’ve been through quite a lot—probably more than I care to admit—and I’ve learned the hard way that “quick fixes” don’t work. I wanted something real. Something that would actually stick. And honestly, Open When delivered. It felt like each chapter was speaking to the person I needed to be, not the person I was pretending to be.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply personal and practical this book would be. Each chapter felt like a conversation with someone who understood what it’s like to experience real pain, struggle, and doubt. As someone who’s been through almost every emotional rollercoaster, I can tell you—Dr. Smith’s approach doesn’t just pat you on the back and tell you to think positively. She gets it.
For example, the chapter on burnout really spoke to me. I’ve often pushed myself to the brink, feeling like I have to do everything and be everything for everyone. It’s exhausting, and I’ve learned the hard way that it leads to serious burnout. Dr. Smith doesn’t just acknowledge the feeling; she offers practical advice on how to step back, create healthy boundaries, and recharge. It’s not just about “getting through it” but about honouring yourself through the process, which was exactly what I needed to hear.
One of the chapters that really hit me was the one on dealing with loneliness and isolation. I’ve been there—feeling like I’m doing this whole thing alone, even when surrounded by people. Dr. Smith doesn’t just offer empty words of reassurance. She gives you tangible actions to take, like reaching out to others, asking for support, and giving yourself permission to not have it all figured out. Honestly, I needed that permission. Sometimes we forget that asking for help doesn’t make us weak—it makes us human.
What sets Open When apart is Dr. Smith’s tone. It’s not preachy or over-simplified. It’s grounded, kind, and deeply empathetic. She doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life. Instead, she acknowledges it and offers advice from a place of real understanding.
In particular, her writing feels like it’s been crafted by someone who’s lived through the ups and downs. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but she offers support in a way that feels sincere and non-judgmental. You can tell she’s not just an expert offering textbook advice—she’s someone who’s genuinely invested in helping people navigate life’s emotional landscapes.
The chapter on self-doubt really resonated with me, too. I’ve spent a lot of time battling my inner critic, especially after failing at certain things I had put so much of myself into. Dr. Smith doesn’t sugar-coat it, but she helps you look at your doubts in a new light—acknowledging them without letting them take over. That’s been a game-changer for me.
So, would I recommend Open When? Absolutely. For anyone who’s gone through the emotional wringer (and let’s be real, we all have at some point), this book offers the kind of comfort and guidance you don’t always find in self-help books. It’s not about offering you a “one-size-fits-all” solution—it’s about meeting you where you are and providing the tools to get through the tough stuff.
If you’re looking for a book that’s more than just a pep talk—something that offers practical, grounded advice for real life—then Open When is worth picking up. It’s a book that speaks from the heart, and it doesn’t just offer temporary comfort. It gave me a deeper sense of peace, and I know I’ll turn to it again when life feels heavy.
Dr. Julie Smith doesn’t just write words of encouragement—she gives you a lifeline, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to keep going.
