Maria Shriver’s new book, I’ve Been Thinking, feels like an oasis of peace in the storm of the volcanic lava flow that has taken my home on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Maria offers beautifully written short chapters, each beginning with inspirational quotes, followed by her thoughts and prayers on everything from dealing with grief to letting go, the power of positive thinking, why we should stop trying to “go it alone,” and getting back to center.
The book ends with Sixty Life Lesson for My Birthday, and I’d like to share some of Maria’s wisdom here:
- There’s nothing about life that’s predictable. So stop trying to predict it.
- Find every excuse you can to celebrate it.
- Moderation in everything but laughter.
- Be kind, because everyone else is struggling, too.
- Be of service.
- Learn how to turn off the critical voice in your head as early and often as possible.
- Listen to your gut. It knows more than anyone you’re asking for advice.
- Get good at forgiveness. You’ll need to practice it throughout your life.
- Don’t expect people to be perfect. Just as you aren’t, neither are they.
- Don’t see yourself as a victim. See yourself as brave.
Maria said that her purpose in writing this book was “to get you to think about what constitutes a meaningful life for you. Just you. Because there is only one you, and you have only one life.”
In I’ve Been Thinking, Maria opens up about her experiences of life to the reader, and I think you’ll find yourself relating to similar situations in your own life. I highly recommend this book as a gift to a friend or to yourself.
I’ve Been Thinking…Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life is available on Amazon.com.
Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries, Chakra Secrets, Balance Your Chakras-Balance Your Life, and The Chakra Energy Diet
