Present Over Perfect
Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD! New York Times bestselling author Shauna Niequist invites you to look at the landscape of your own life, consider how it might feel to leave behind the pressure to be perfect, and begin the practice of simply being present in the middle of the mess. A few years ago, Shauna found herself exhausted and isolated, her soul and body sick. She was tired of being tired and burned out on busy. It seemed like almost everyone she talked to was in the same boat: longing for connection, meaning, and depth, but settling for busy. But then something changed. She decided to trade the hustle and bustle for grace, love, stillness, and play, and it changed everything. Shauna offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: soaked in rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us. As you witness Shauna's journey, you'll be inspired to embark on one of your own. She gives you the encouragement you need to: Put an end to people-pleasing tendencies Embrace moments of simplicity, quiet, and stillness Accept that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy Written in Shauna's warm and vulnerable style, this collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in her life, and maybe yours too: leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection. Join the over one million others who have already started walking this new path away from frantic pushing and proving and toward their true selves.
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Short review: This is more of a 3.5 review than a 4 review. But I generally round up. I like Niequist's writing generally. I think she is relatable and interesting. I think she has a good message. But this is book three of the same essential message, slow down, embrace important things. Focus on what God has for you, not what everyone wants you to do. A good message, but repetition.
I also think there continues to be a problem in her writing about not acknowledging the inherent privilege in her life. (Not in her, because I keep hearing from her and her husband about how they understand their privilege, but somehow it doesn't seem to make it into the books.)
I also think there is a problem with this being a mostly negative message, saying no to the extra and not enough of the positive message (what you are saying yes to.)
On the whole I would have liked the book more if I had not read more of her previous books.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/present-over-perfect/
