Scan barcode
A review by redpineapple
I've Been Thinking . . .: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life by Maria Shriver
4.0
It's a book about a woman and her journey in this world. The author shares her experiences of different situations that have occurred in her life and her quest to be braver, more aware and stronger while dealing with the situations.
It's not a preachy book. No 7 steps to happiness. It's a book about very basic life lessons like gratitude, forgiveness, peace, faith, perfection, letting go and the author's experiences around these lessons. Even though there is no preaching, you would still be motivated to make a change in your life.
Some quotes from the book:
"When we talk about powerful women, we always focus on those in political office, women CEOs on magazine covers, women who star in films and on TV. But I want to focus some attention on women whose power comes from within themselves—not from their clothes or cars, not from their jobs or their spouses. They have none of the trappings that typically make us think people are powerful... Power comes from values, from beliefs, from purpose, from within..."
"May we reassure ourselves that being a woman isn’t a liability. It’s an asset. Like any asset, you must invest in it, care for it, recognize its uniqueness, and nurture it forward... If you’re a woman, never doubt that you belong at the table. Never doubt that you bring something to it. And never forget to save a seat for someone else..."
"So I’ve been present every step of the way. I know I’ll struggle with the emptiness that his leaving will create. I know I’ll cry. But I also know that if I’m super present, the memories I create will endure and comfort me far into the future. Your conscious presence in your own life is powerful.
It’s a gift to be present—a gift for you and for whomever you share your days with."
"Sometimes when we pause, we give ourselves the space to realize we need to hold ourselves back from impulsively acting out on ego to make ourselves feel good or better or bigger or “smarter” or more “in the know.” Pausing gives us the power to change direction—and with power comes responsibility... And finally, remember this: Whenever you’re in doubt: Pause. Take a moment. Look at your options. Check your intentions. And then? And then take the high road."
"What is forgiveness? It’s letting go of a resentment, giving up feeling harmed or damaged. That doesn’t mean the harm or damage didn’t happen. It means that you’re not going to keep revisiting it over and over again, staying stuck in your resentment of the person who caused the harm. Even if it’s you."
"Try to calm the anxious child in you that’s telling you no one is there for you, no one can help you, and that you are all alone. Try to open your heart a bit wider, and you’ll feel things you didn’t feel before. Yes, some feelings may be painful, but better to know you can feel than to walk through life numb."
"So give yourself permission to step away. Breathe. Turn to those with wisdom who have seen it all and lived to tell it. Stay attuned to the news, yes, but don’t allow yourself to become sucked into and consumed by it either. Find your resolve. Focus on the good you can do in your own life."
"Gather at the table. Invite people in. Celebrate with people you love and care about. Listen. Learn.
Love. Focus on what you know makes you feel good, and what makes you feel certain. Focus on your gifts. Focus on your gratitude."
"If you do have a self-pity party, make it short, and then move on."
The author generously provided an ARC to me. This, in no way, affects my review of the book.
It's not a preachy book. No 7 steps to happiness. It's a book about very basic life lessons like gratitude, forgiveness, peace, faith, perfection, letting go and the author's experiences around these lessons. Even though there is no preaching, you would still be motivated to make a change in your life.
Some quotes from the book:
"When we talk about powerful women, we always focus on those in political office, women CEOs on magazine covers, women who star in films and on TV. But I want to focus some attention on women whose power comes from within themselves—not from their clothes or cars, not from their jobs or their spouses. They have none of the trappings that typically make us think people are powerful... Power comes from values, from beliefs, from purpose, from within..."
"May we reassure ourselves that being a woman isn’t a liability. It’s an asset. Like any asset, you must invest in it, care for it, recognize its uniqueness, and nurture it forward... If you’re a woman, never doubt that you belong at the table. Never doubt that you bring something to it. And never forget to save a seat for someone else..."
"So I’ve been present every step of the way. I know I’ll struggle with the emptiness that his leaving will create. I know I’ll cry. But I also know that if I’m super present, the memories I create will endure and comfort me far into the future. Your conscious presence in your own life is powerful.
It’s a gift to be present—a gift for you and for whomever you share your days with."
"Sometimes when we pause, we give ourselves the space to realize we need to hold ourselves back from impulsively acting out on ego to make ourselves feel good or better or bigger or “smarter” or more “in the know.” Pausing gives us the power to change direction—and with power comes responsibility... And finally, remember this: Whenever you’re in doubt: Pause. Take a moment. Look at your options. Check your intentions. And then? And then take the high road."
"What is forgiveness? It’s letting go of a resentment, giving up feeling harmed or damaged. That doesn’t mean the harm or damage didn’t happen. It means that you’re not going to keep revisiting it over and over again, staying stuck in your resentment of the person who caused the harm. Even if it’s you."
"Try to calm the anxious child in you that’s telling you no one is there for you, no one can help you, and that you are all alone. Try to open your heart a bit wider, and you’ll feel things you didn’t feel before. Yes, some feelings may be painful, but better to know you can feel than to walk through life numb."
"So give yourself permission to step away. Breathe. Turn to those with wisdom who have seen it all and lived to tell it. Stay attuned to the news, yes, but don’t allow yourself to become sucked into and consumed by it either. Find your resolve. Focus on the good you can do in your own life."
"Gather at the table. Invite people in. Celebrate with people you love and care about. Listen. Learn.
Love. Focus on what you know makes you feel good, and what makes you feel certain. Focus on your gifts. Focus on your gratitude."
"If you do have a self-pity party, make it short, and then move on."
The author generously provided an ARC to me. This, in no way, affects my review of the book.