Me to We: Turning Self-Help on its Head

Millions turn to self-help in pursuit of happiness and success. But perhaps the idea of helping ourselves- self-help- is completely backwards. Maybe, fulfillment, success, and happiness can be found when we turn from ‘me’ (focusing on ourselves) to ‘we’ (reaching out to help others).

It’s been awhile since I have read a book that has left me feeling sure of what I want to do with myself, with a firm sense of direction. And that’s saying a lot considering I’m at that point where university applications, scholarships, and that 100%-tried-true-and-tested clichéd conversation “so what do you want to do (with your life) after high school?” is perpetually popping up.

Written by Craig and Marc Kielburger, “Me to We: Turning Self-Help on its Head” is a book that challenges every individual to think outside themselves and reach out to help others, create community, and change the world. As hard as we might try, life will never be completely meaningful if we base our success on materialistic gains and isolate ourselves in the race to be the ‘best.’ Moving from ‘me’ to ‘we’ can be as simple as offering a smile or holding open a door; it’s about volunteering and caring for you neighbours; it’s about taking small steps toward changing the world.


When you stop to think about global issues plaguing our world today, it’s overwhelming. Poverty. War. Racism. Starvation. Terrorism. Climate change- the list goes on and on. “I’m only one person- how the heck can I make a difference?” But the truth is, you can. (Surprisingly) nobody has one direct answer. (“According to Mr. E-Z-Solve, world hunger can be eliminated if we follow these 1352 simple steps…” yeah right.)

However, each of us can make a ripple- albeit a small one- which might affect someone else, which might reach someone else, and perhaps someone else. The challenge is in recognizing that each of us can be part of that wave by reaching out and working together. You don’t have to do something worthy of the six-o’clock news for your actions to be ‘worthwhile.’ Simply caring for one another, sharing gifts of time and talents, being generous and selfless all count. And in taking that step to help someone else, we are left feeling pleased with ourselves, content with our lives, and happy. Simple.

“Me to We” outlines the ‘steps’ to happiness but not in terms of ridiculous schemes or crazy money-spending ploys. Instead its pages of stories, inspiration, and down-to-earth ideas encourage, motivate and empower. I was left feeling incredibly optimistic about our world and my life- and I would most definitely recommend this book.
- by Charley Switzer