There is much to like about LIVING DEAD WHILE BEING ALIVE, the compact memoir by Michelle L. Melendez. Having survived an abusive background, the author begins making pivotal decisions that shift her into an entirely new, better sense of reality, which is, of course, something many readers might also like to accomplish. Should people at large be always living a harried, stressful existence? The author vehemently says NO, choosing instead to focus on creating a new reality; one which cultivates the best possible version of, not only herself, but also of what she experiences and her responses to all life events. Utilizing language that often makes it sound as if human beings are a bit like biological computers, the book provides guidance regarding how one can go about “overwriting the system” of the subconscious mind where entrenched beliefs are stored, silently running on autopilot.
Crafted in a user-friendly, easy-to-comprehend manner, at only 60+ pages this slim volume offers encouragement about how to develop a new belief system by taking on only information that personally resonates, thus bringing new beliefs to life within one’s individual consciousness. Whereas in childhood music, along with joyfully singing, provided reprieve from physical, emotional, and sexual mistreatment — before this single spot of childhood brightness was poisoned — now, for Melendez, much happiness is found in the process of transmuting past trauma by deeply understanding how everything that once seemed so broken really only served to help her grow. Pearls of wisdom are offered, such as: life is all about change. It’s about reaching for more life, reaching to evolve into becoming more one’s True Self. And this is something that is not possible when one remains mired in suffering, anxiety, resentment, or distraction; all coping mechanisms Melendez tried, then eventually discarded. Here’s the rub though: a good deal of the author’s successful inner work and subsequent pivotal, transformational life choices were sparked by a specific supernatural occurrence shared with a recently deceased parent, in which Melendez got to genuinely feel a heightened sense of unconditional love and gratitude she never before experienced. However, this kind of paranormal catalyzing event may very well not be something that is experienced by all readers, perhaps leaving folks wondering whether the kind of quantum jumps in perspective and mental health as described are possible for everyone. Addressing such fundamental points further would have been useful.
Having parents who were also LIVING DEAD WHILE BEING ALIVE, Michelle L. Melendez’s memoir depicts one determined woman’s remarkable journey towards learning how to experience joyful unconditional love rather than continuing a cycle of harm.
~C.S. Holmes for IndieReader