My parents gifted me an Audible subscription for Christmas and it has honestly been the best thing ever! I am a very hard person to buy for because I don't like "stuff". This gift was thoughtful and on point, all my "books" are stored on my electronic devices, and I can access them at any time. I get one free book every month, hola! But here is the BEST part- I can have a book playing in my ears while I am running around doing all-of-the-things. This means that while I am at the gym trying to shed a few, I am also reading. While my son takes a nap and I am folding laundry, or I'm doing one of the million things on my "to do" list... I AM READING. You get the picture, its convenient in so many ways and I'm loving it.
I started off this year with a fantastic book that has deeply changed the way that I want to do life.
Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I've actually read the book twice this month. The first time I just listened. The second time I took notes and I have referred to them almost daily since. It's been the perfect book for the start of the year and I can't recommend it enough. Shauna narrates her work on the audible edition that I listened to and hearing her voice putting emphasis where she meant it to be was magic. This book resonated with me on every level and I feel like it's going to be one that I keep on coming back to.
Here are a few of my favourite quotes from the book:
"When I am rushed I always say "yes". When I take my time I can say to myself "go back to being loved. Go back to your purpose.""
"You weren't made only for contentment, that's only half of the puzzle. The other half is for meaning, calling and love."
"I am not building a castle or a monument. I am building a soul and a family."
"Let's live lightly, freely, courageously. Surrounded only by what brings you joy, simplicity and beauty."
"...What I can do it offer myself, wholehearted and present to walk with the people I love through fear and mess. That's all any of us can do. That's what we're here for."
If you are interested in finding a simpler and more soulful way of living, this book is a fantastic reference. Let me know if you read it, I'd love to have a discussion around it.
