This book changed my life

my personal copy - held close to my heart, and lovingly given to a friend within 12 hours of completion because I didn't want her to miss a moment of being able to know she's a warrior too!

I can't tell you the last time I was so eager to read a book AND when I finished I was even move thrilled than the anticipation of starting.  Glennon Doyle Melton's Carry On, Warrior changed my life.  It grabbed me by the heart and held me close as to ensure I was listening - no, really LISTENING!

I haven't laughed or cried so hard in a long time - and not at the same time.  Well sometimes the laughter led to tears, good tears.  And sometimes the tears were recognition that Glennon was describing me - my struggles, my challenges, my hopes and dreams.  And then she offered me a hand to grab onto through the book.  A path to follow as I make my way through my own messy, wonderful life.

What's wonderful and frustrating is that as she described things, I realized this has been my challenge my whole life.  And mine to solve, manage, endure.  Yet somehow I've searched for external solutions.  It's like wanting a magic pill to solve whatever deem as needing to solve - lose weight, more successful, better parenting - whatever your challenge is - it cannot be solved with a magic pill!  It takes hard work and time.

Oh yeah, those things.

Yup, those things.

No one said this was going to be easy.  Certainly not me.  And yet, I can tell you that the results are amazing!  Truly amazing.  On the inside!  And I'm not alone.  I've learned that each of us is traveling our own messy, beautiful path - married, single, kids, no kids, career, part-time job ... every one of us .. and yet how many of us are willing to embrace it?  Look it straight in the eye and say, "you know what life, you're challenging me but I'm a warrior - strong enough to endure - to find I'm grateful and loving and able to create my own little miracles"

A bit dramatic?  Well it's a start.  An ambitious one at that.

It changed my life.

As a mom, wife, friend ....

And now I've ordered three more copies to give to friends who NEED this book like I did.  Not cause they're lives are a mess.  Certainly not by my standards.   Because I don't want them to miss being in this big, wonderful, chaotic club of being a warrior!  Knowing that each of us is strong enough to face the day - and get to the other side.  The other side being the moments of joy.  Your child's laughter, holding your husband's hand just because, a friend's hug, a wonderful run ... all those joyful things that are the reward for a beautiful, messy life.  My life!

Carry On, Warrior!