Review and Giveaway: I've Been Thinking: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life by Maria Shriver

Title: I've Been Thinking: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life
Author: Maria Shriver
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publish Date: February 27, 2018
Source: Publisher

What's the Story?:

From Goodreads.com: "As a prominent woman juggling many roles, Maria Shriver knows just how hectic and stressful everyday life can be. In this candid and heartfelt book, Shriver offers up the lessons she's learned along the way, and the meditations she's kept by her side as a touchstone for the challenges that arise. The quotes, scriptures, prayers, and reflections within are meant to encourage empowerment, accomplishment, and forward mobility in women of all ages.

I've Been Thinking . . . is an intimate devotional, ideal for those transitioning into the prime of their lives, who want to slow down, breathe, and take life one day at a time. Whether you're devoting attention to finding a cure for Alzheimer's, beginning a new career, starting your own business, or something in between, this slender, accessible book is for anyone who needs a reminder that taking a moment (or two!) to center yourself is the first step on that path."

My Two Cents:

"I've Been Thinking" is a glimpse into how Maria Shriver is able to make the most out of life. This book is the literary equivalent to having a huge cup of tea with a really good friend. It is thoroughly comfortable and satisfying.

I think it's always important to keep in mind that books like this about people's ways of finding themselves in the world may not work for everyone. Shriver is up front with this in this book: her way may not be the right way for everyone but it works for her. I saw that a lot of her methods and the things that she thinks about could be molded to my own life.

One of the things that stuck out most to me were her ruminations about mothers. She had an incredibly strong mother and Shriver herself seems to be a pretty strong mother. She mothers sometimes in a different way and sometimes in the same way as her mother. Mothering has been my most difficult job and it seems to carry such a huge responsibility. One day, these little people that I am raising are going to be out in the world. How do I set them up for success? Shriver gives a little insight and a little grace to the conversation.

This book is probably best if read little by little over a period of time. While it was satisfying to read it in one fell-swoop, I am already finding myself wanting to go back and read this book a little slower in order to more thoroughly digest some of the tidbits and great life lessons that this book offers.