Have you ever felt like you’re living a life dictated by others? Be it by religion, societal expectations, or even by the demands of love? Have you ever found yourself guilty of being the creator of such monsters and self-created gods?

Believe it or not, we all have people and experiences in life that sustain our growth—both intentionally and unintentionally. Be it teachers, bosses, lovers, societal expectations, or fear of rejection. such experiences and extremes hinder our progress and contribute to anxiety, depression, and a lack of confidence.
If you’re yearning for freedom, a journey of self-discovery, or the courage to question everything you thought you knew, then Richard Carlston’s “Choking God“ ise the book you’ve been waiting for.
This isn’t your typical self-help book. Instead, Carlston opens up the gates to a world where age, gender, and background fade away. He directly speaks to the “adult within us all,” the one yearning to break free and forge their own path. It’s a call to action for those who are ready to shed the shackles of external forces and discover the boundless potential within themselves.
“Choking God” doesn’t shy away from the sacred. It’s a playful yet profound exploration of faith, tradition, and the very things we hold dear. Carlston isn’t afraid to “kick against the pricks,” questioning long-held beliefs and societal norms. And just when you think it might be about blind rebellion, it is not. It’s a journey of introspection, a chance to examine the “teachers and monsters” who have shaped our lives and changed how we view the world.
Carlston acknowledges the role that both positive and negative influences play in our lives. He calls the negative ones “monsters,” not because they’re inherently evil but because their challenges force us to confront our own limitations and ultimately lead to change. Whether it’s a rigid religious upbringing, a controlling boss, or a toxic relationship, these experiences, while painful, can be extremely emotionally driven and can blindfold our perception of reality and of ourselves.
Moreover, the book uses a powerful metaphor – the “gods” we create for ourselves. These gods represent the self-imposed limitations, the deeply ingrained beliefs that stifle our growth. They could be religious doctrines, teachers, societal expectations, or even the way we view ourselves. Carlston argues that these gods are often of our own making, and through introspection, we can dismantle them and reclaim our freedom.
The title, “Choking God,” represents the act of eliminating in oneself, beliefs and dogma, that no longer serve that individual. It represents the act of disengaging oneself from abusive relationships and obligations.It is also the self-doubt, the apologies we smother ourselves with, and our fears that prevent us from living authentically. Carlston admits that the process of choking these self-imposed limitations can be painful and difficult. It requires confronting our vulnerabilities and dismantling the very structures we’ve built around ourselves. Yet, through this discomfort comes liberation and the potential for a life lived on our own terms.
The book isn’t just a critique; it’s a celebration. Carlston ultimately expresses gratitude to his own self, the one who dared to question, choke the self-imposed limitations, and ultimately find freedom. This journey, however, isn’t a destination. It’s a continuous process of growth and self-discovery.
Whether you are questioning your faith or societal expectations, struggling with self-doubt or a lack of purpose, yearning for a more authentic life, or seeking a fresh perspective on spirituality and self-discovery, “Choking God” is a perfect book for you to read and harness the power of self-control—leading to liberation!
With its amazing blend of humor, introspection, personal experiences, and philosophical exploration, this self-help memoir offers a roadmap for breaking free from the shackles of external forces—the monsters and teachers—the self-made gods, and finding the power and potential that resides within you.
About the book:
“Choking God” by Richard Carlston opens a path for anyone seeking liberation. By dismantling the cages of religion, societal expectations, and even relationships, urging readers to discover their own truths, this raw and honest exploration uses humor and insightful reflection to guide you on a path of self-discovery and recovery. So, get ready to question your assumptions, challenge limitations, and ultimately, find the potential that resides within you—to gain freedom and self-control.