Summer Reads: Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Present- (adj.) being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; or current

Perfect- (adj.) conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type

Between social media and regular media (tv, magazines) perfection is far from possible even for the most celebrity among us. What Niequist calls for in Present over Perfect is not a giving in or giving up but the realization that life is happening now. Not tomorrow, or a year from now. If you want to enjoy your life you have to start somewhere, why not now?

“You don’t have to sacrifice your spirit, your joy, your soul, your family, your marriage… just because you have the capacity to do something doesn’t mean you have to do it.”

I am a huge fan of Niequist’s essay writing style. I find it similar to reading a journal of a long gone soul, deep, sensitive and full of insight. My favorite thing about Niequist in this book is in no way preachy, over the top you must have Jesus to center yourself push of Christian agenda. She honestly speaks about her struggle with connection with God, her fear of silence and unhustling her life.

“It’s easy to be liked by strangers. It’s very hard to be loved and connected to the people in your home when you’re bringing them your most exhausted self…”

She commonly talks about how maybe this is just what happens in your mid-life. This saying NO to others expectations of you, or caring what others think and putting you and your family ahead of everything else. If thats the case, then at 30, I’m going through the same thing. My personal wellbeing is far more important that what others think about me, my blog or how Travis and I live our life.

Thank you Shauna for reminding me to be exactly who God created me to be.

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I received this book in return for a free review. Pick up your copy of Present over Perfect.

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