The Dumb Blonde Approach (2016)
by Passion Wisdom
I am a 5 foot blonde female with an average IQ. I had a fear of not knowing; fear of being “just” a dumb little blonde facing the big dark world, with absolutely NO new millennium credentials. I will put FEAR under my feet. In fact, I am going to stand right on my fear and make it my soapbox! I might even do it barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen while doing dishes and eating bonbons; and make THAT statement a bullet point on my “not” career friendly resume. I will embrace my appearance, my femininity, my weaknesses and especially my ignorance. I will overthrow century old stereotypes of women but especially the bogus new millennium feminist expectations. I will become… a courageous five foot force to be reckoned with. And I will use the Dumb Blonde Approach in this fool ruled world.
I will make the argument that the opposite of stupid is NOT smart. DUMB is the opposite of stupid! Wisdom and courage cannot exist without humility and vulnerability; both are characteristics of those who humbly learn to say, “I just don’t know”; who can stand in front of others naked and unashamed…vulnerable. Traits most of the credentialed world might blindly consider dumb.
The Stupidity Factor is a phrase I coined to describe the foolishness that opposes life and produces death. The Stupidity Factor affects us all. The Dumb Blonde Approach is my sword I will wield to combat the Stupidity Factor. The Stupidity Factor was, is and always will be life halting foolishness both in the world and within ourselves.
The Stupidity Factor agitates us, wounds us, produces pain and battles our souls. We all collaborate with The Stupidity Factor when we fear the unknown and lose touch with our best-selves. Instead of being aware of and accepting our ignorance, youthfulness, frailties and blind spots; we ignore that we can’t know everything, pretend to be grown-up, hide our weaknesses and blindly launch ourselves into controlling behavior with our disconnected worst-self that damages others and ourselves.
The really cool thing is, we can turn The Stupidity Factor on its head and destroy it by being Dumb and retrieving and becoming our connected best-self. It is an upside down child-like path. It is the only way to take our pain and turn it into a pearls. We have to go down to go up; we must be wounded to heal and as we are becoming precious beauty. The Dumb Blonde Approach is a surprising path to wisdom and freedom.
What readers are saying
“Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2016 I did not want to read this book because of the title and because I am an natural blonde. I find the "Dumb Blonde" phrase insulting. But the book was on a free promo, so I wanted to see what I expected to be insults about blondes. Instead I was very surprised to discover that this is an approach to life that is very intelligent! An incredibly well written book, the author delves into her life lessons of how she learnt how to ask questions, how she learned to become wise by listening and not judging. This author struggled through many painful times and experienced loss and grief, but she uses her wisdom to show us that something can be learned through every difficult season. I was very encouraged by the end of this book. It really caused me to look at myself and think about re-evaluating many difficult times in my life.”
— -anonymous reader
“Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016 I've known Jamie since she befriended me way back in the 10th grade and this book is ALL her, spunky, passionate, thoughtful, vulnerable and wise. Jamie details her own journey through trials/tribulations, as "middle-aged" adults, we often pause and take note of our experiences while processing what really matters to us. In doing so, we re-affirm our values, and find our courage to align our lives by them. Jamie has done this utilizing her spirituality and intellect, genuinely and creatively using age old wisdom in modern ways. She writes eloquently yet plainly, quickly engaging us in what promises to renew our own spirit! While she may be "pulling our weeds" here and there, it's only after asking if it's okay- say okay and read this book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and find the metaphors/acronyms/re-frames as something I can use personally and professionally as I help my own clients with their gardens- A worthy read!”
— -Jane Cooper-Henderson, MSW, LMSW
“Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2016 This is not the typical story. This is one that most people can relate to and once they hear a story that may parallel their own walk through this crazy life, they may find the power within themselves to face these challenges in a different way. Some of the keys to the dumb blonde approach is to be humble, still and thoughtful. In this life we travel through so quickly and we are in a society of instant everything. Instant happiness, instant decisions, instant love-I think society will be disappointed. Nothing worthwhile happens quickly! Be still, enjoy what is in front of you, and be patient in life. No one knows where our own journey will take us. This book is a straight forward, well written, and provides an example of everyone's adventure through life. I hope that this book will provide some words of wisdom to allow others to live their lives with hope.”
— -anonymous reader
“Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2016 Because of this book, I aspire to be dumb. By sharing pivotal personal experiences, Jamie D.J. Shepherd tells how the true definition of the word, so often seen by our society as negative or degrading, can be used for a surprisingly positive way to face the many challenges of life. It is an approach that people should pursue, and wise readers will do so. Useful reading for many audiences in addition to those wanting to grow personally. These would include business owners, entrepreneurs, family leaders, and those interested in religion, women's issues, health, or biographies.”
— -Jacqueline Dunn Wiehe
“Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2016 Jamie has easy to follow advice for life struggles that affect many of us. By using her personal life experiences to get her point across it makes for an entertaining, interesting and thought provoking read. She is definitely a real person on a real journey in life and I appreciate her transparency throughout the book. It made me take a look at my own “weed pulling” so I learned a few lessons along the way. Nice perspective on life’s issues!”
— -Sandi Cole
“Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016 It's ironic, that this book is such a quick read, yet I find myself needing to take small bites and chew a lot. Jamie throws a LOT of provocative content and thoughtful material into this book. The initial concepts are easy to grasp, yet applying them personally may take a lifetime...definitely food for thought, refreshing, thinking outside the box.”
— -Bart Larson
“Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2016 This book will change your way of thinking in both your personal & professional life! Currently life is exceptionally burdensome meeting everyone's expectations for what you should be doing/thinking/saying, whether or not it is correct. "The Dumb Blonde Approach" is a revolutionary dialogue that provides many thought-provoking ideas to upset our current version of who we are and what we do. Read this book and get ready to embrace your Super Powers!!”
— -Jennifer Herrin
“Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2016 I'll never use the words, "DUMB" or "STUPID" in the same way ever again. A great educational read, especially for those that are currently experiencing major life struggles. Superb in every way. Congratulations on a job well done. Yes...give us more...much more!”
— -Kevin Moll
More books by Passion Wisdom
Passion Wisdom (2020)
A story about stepping into your creative purpose.
Dawn Walker is tired of feeling like she has fallen under the shadows of her husband Chase’s successful career and her children’s newfound independence. Her depression came with a cost to her marriage, family, and work life. Following one of the couple’s counseling sessions, Chase worked up the gumption to give Dawn room to take a dive deep and find her purpose so that she could get her spark back! With support, Dawn took the opportunity to peel back the layers of herself and reconnected with her love for photography. Once Dawn connected with her camera, she fell in love with life again and felt even more complete once she found her tribe, affectionately known as her “Wisdom Board”. Through her journey to finding herself and restoring her passion, she was able to become a happier wife, supportive mother and wonderful friend to those she held closest. This is a story of rejuvenation and restoration of self.
It’s never too late to rekindle your passion, find your sacred sweet spot, and put together your wisdom board. It’s time to rediscover your life’s purpose!