I share a few thoughts on the books that have been on my bedside table, and ask you, 'What are you reading?' Let us know what we should add to our savvy reading lists!
Just Who Will You Be? by Maria Shriver
This small, slim volume – just 91 pages of well-spaced text – is really about Maria Shriver's awakening to what I would call living savvy. She reflects on the first 50 odd years of her life spent chasing big achievements and fulfilling other's expectations – as a part of two famous and revered families (Kennedy and Shriver), as an award-winning NBC newswoman, and as wife to Arnold Schwarzenegger the movie star turned Governor of California. Having to leave her NBC job following her husband's election sparked a process of reflection and change. She realised, “I was always scrambling to live up to the myth, always worried others would think I wasn't fulfilling my role… But we're entitled to our own lives, our own dreams and goals, our own legacies.”
What I took away from this book
I enjoyed the gentle story telling qualities of this book – Maria is simply sharing the lessons she has gathered on her journey, rather than trying to create a broad ranging manifesto. I particularly appreciated her thoughts on being a “work in progress” and the fact that who you want to be will, and should, constantly evolve.
Should you buy it?
It's certainly a lovely little volume, and Maria is undoubtedly a fascinating woman. However, you can also hear most of what is said in the book by listening to her 2007 address at California's annual Women's Conference.
Make your pledge
Maria concludes the book with her list of 'Ten Things I Pledge to Myself', a list she uses to keep focused and centred on who she wants to be. Her list includes:
- I pledge to "show up" in my life as myself, not as an imitation of anyone else.
- I pledge to give myself ten minutes of silence and stillness every day to get in touch with my heart and hear my own voice.
- I pledge to ask myself, "Who am I? What do I believe in? What am I grateful for? What do I want my life to stand for?" [Note: Savvy questions for sure!]
She asks us to think about making our own pledge – here are some of mine:
- I pledge to exercise each day, preferably in the sunshine during daylight hours. I believe a healthy and fit body gives me the physical and emotional strength to live a full life.
- I pledge to make space to spend time with the people that enrich my life. I believe that my relationships are the essential nourishment for my soul and spirit.
- I pledge to always be open to wonder – to see the ordinary anew each day.
- I pledge to dream big for myself and others.
- I pledge that as a parent I will be generous with my love, sharing of my experiences, supportive of your inquisitiveness, encouraging of your opinions and clear on my expectations.
Do you have a pledge you'd like to share? Or a book to recommend? Tell us in the comments below…
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