Choose Wonder Over Worry by Amber Rae

Summary

Choose Wonder Over Worry by Amber Rae is an inspiring guide that encourages readers to embrace curiosity and creativity while overcoming fear and self-doubt. Through personal stories, thought-provoking insights, and practical exercises, Rae illustrates how worrying can hinder growth and happiness. The book offers actionable tricks to shift your mindset from anxiety to possibility, and provides techniques to nurture self-awareness and compassion. Rae’s approach is accessible and relatable, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to lead a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Recognize and transform your inner dialogue to make space for wonder rather than worry.

2. Practice self-compassion and curiosity whenever you feel stuck, allowing yourself to grow from challenges.

3. Take actionable steps toward your dreams despite fear, reframing obstacles as opportunities for expansion.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2018

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 85

Practical Examples

1. The Wonder/Worry Dialogue

   Amber Rae introduces the concept of having conversational dialogues with your inner worry and wonder—personifying these feelings to understand them better. By doing so, she suggests you can gently challenge anxious thoughts and give space to the voice of curiosity and possibility. This practical exercise allows readers to gain awareness over internal conflict and shift toward more empowering self-talk.

2. Permission Slips

   Rae encourages the use of 'permission slips,' writing down statements like 'I give myself permission to make mistakes.' This simple tool helps readers identify their limiting beliefs and consciously choose new, supportive beliefs that empower action and self-kindness. It’s a practice rooted in self-compassion and acceptance.

3. The 'What If' Reframe

   Instead of focusing on worst-case scenarios, Rae suggests actively reframing your 'what if' worries to best-case possibilities. For example, 'What if I fail?' becomes 'What if I succeed?' This mindset shift can open up creativity and diminish anxiety around taking new risks and pursuing meaningful goals.

4. The Daily Wonder Practice

   The book recommends setting aside daily time to nourish curiosity, whether through journaling, creative activities, or moments of reflection. Rae outlines simple prompts and exercises to help you check in with yourself and consciously choose wonder over worry each day. This regular practice supports ongoing transformation and resilience.

5. Name Your Fears

   Rae demonstrates the power of naming your fears and writing them down, which often reduces their intensity and influence. By making fear visible and tangible, readers can assess the validity of their worries, question their origins, and move forward instead of remaining stuck in uncertainty.

6. Authentic Expression

   The book challenges readers to express themselves authentically in relationships and the workplace, even when it's uncomfortable. Rae provides scripts and guidance for communicating your needs and desires, reinforcing that vulnerability breeds deeper connection and growth.

7. Taking Tiny Steps

   Rae emphasizes the importance of taking small, manageable steps toward what matters, rather than waiting for perfect confidence or clarity. This approach breaks overwhelming dreams into actionable tasks and encourages persistent progress, even when worry persists.

8. Creative Rituals

   She advocates integrating creative rituals—such as doodling, brainstorming, or vision boarding—into your routine. These rituals foster self-expression and inspiration, helping you reconnect with wonder and possibility after periods of stress or doubt.

9. Mindset Journaling

   Rae offers journaling prompts designed to help readers examine their mindsets and shift from scarcity to abundance. Documenting thoughts and feelings creates space for self-reflection and transformation, allowing greater emotional awareness and growth.