bethgiven's review against another edition
4.0
This book was both validating and encouraging. I was pleased to discover that these ten habits Meeker cites are real and deep -- things that truly would bring more lasting happiness and not just an afternoon of escape. I also appreciated that Meeker doesn't shelve her religion while discussing these habits -- many of them center around a belief in God, which is something I've found crucial to my own happiness.
The ten habits are:
1. Understand your value as a mother
2. Maintain key friendships
3. Value and practice faith
4. Say no to competition
5. Create a healthier relationship with money
6. Make time for solitude
7. Give and get love in healthier ways
8. Find ways to live simply
9. Let go of fear
10. Make the decision to have hope
I think #1, #2, and #6 resonated with me the most. This was an easy listen -- very conversational.
The ten habits are:
1. Understand your value as a mother
2. Maintain key friendships
3. Value and practice faith
4. Say no to competition
5. Create a healthier relationship with money
6. Make time for solitude
7. Give and get love in healthier ways
8. Find ways to live simply
9. Let go of fear
10. Make the decision to have hope
I think #1, #2, and #6 resonated with me the most. This was an easy listen -- very conversational.
annemtipton's review against another edition
2.0
She had some really good points. The habits are all ones that we mothers need. I gave this book 2 stars because I really didn't connect with her tone as an author. Boring writing.
aedgeworth27's review against another edition
5.0
A very interesting and inspiring read. It had some incredible quotes and I was constantly running down to record them in my journal. I really enjoyed the experiences of real people the author wove into the chapters. I thought all the Happy Habits were really inspiring.
biblioberg's review against another edition
5.0
This book is exactly what I needed to hear. It was like she was talking directly to me. I highly recommend for all young moms.
missy_littell's review against another edition
3.0
Habit #7: Give and Get Love in Healthy Ways.
"A spouse...can become our soul mate if we work at the relationship." That's such a healthy view of marriage.
Habit #8: Find Ways to Live Simply
"No matter how hard we try, we feel behind in some area of our lives or another. This isn't a fear, per se, which we'll learn about later in the fear chapter; rather it is unrest and a feeling of being 'behind the eight ball,' if you will. Restlessness keeps us from relaxing, and soon we wonder whether we even have the ability to relax at all."
Our loved ones are a gift loaned to us for a period of time. "When we believe this, we feel more joy and contentment in parenting them." We also enjoy our spouses and family more.
"A spouse...can become our soul mate if we work at the relationship." That's such a healthy view of marriage.
Habit #8: Find Ways to Live Simply
"No matter how hard we try, we feel behind in some area of our lives or another. This isn't a fear, per se, which we'll learn about later in the fear chapter; rather it is unrest and a feeling of being 'behind the eight ball,' if you will. Restlessness keeps us from relaxing, and soon we wonder whether we even have the ability to relax at all."
Our loved ones are a gift loaned to us for a period of time. "When we believe this, we feel more joy and contentment in parenting them." We also enjoy our spouses and family more.
mindingmypeas's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great perspective check and balance for moms. I don't agree with all of her religious ideas, but the habits she presented were fantastic. Motherhood is such a crazy (and wonderful) minefield sometimes and it's always uplifting to hear from those who have done it successfully. This book is especially relevant in these days of supermoms, Pinterest perfection, and internet-omniscience. If you're a Mom feeling frazzled and pulled approximately 9,000 different directions all at once, give yourself the privilege of a little solitude and read this one. Let it go, breathe, get back to the basics.
mharrison13's review
3.0
I listened to the audiobook for this while walking the dog and pulling weeds over the last few weeks. It is about what mothers can do to make more happiness in their lives. There are 10 habits, or suggestions, and even though I just finished the book today I can only remember some of them.
The habits I remember include: have many friends, but also make time to be alone. Have hope. You should address and release your fears. You should trust in someone or something. You should simplify your family’s life.
I actually agreed with some of her ideas. For example, I totally would have lots of friends if they would have me, and I always do feel better after having a complete conversation with another like minded adult. (It’s really hard making friends in a new town for someone as introverted as myself.)
I also agree with having hope, facing your fears, and simplifying your life.
What I didn’t like was her attitude about other things. The quote below took place in habit 1 or 2 and is a good example of when she includes her personal opinions that annoyed me or I disagree with. (Green is my favorite color.)
“Is anyone’s favorite color green, which is often associated with sickness and vomit?”
Meg Meeker
I also found this book to be too “Faith in God” based for me. I’m not a religious person and Meeker very clearly is. Faith gets brought up in every chapter. In her defense, she doesn’t say you have to have a faith in any sort of God, but she does say it helps.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to it. I especially like the idea of changing the way you talk to gradually change the way you think and put more positivity in your life.
This book is not a magic happy pill you can read once and be happy forever, but it does provide some thoughtful ideas and suggestions. I’m hopeful I can put some of them into practice.
Ooh. I just remembered another one. Say NO to competition. That’s a good one. Each child and mom is different and there’s no sense in comparing and competing. Easier said than done, but something that should be done!
The habits I remember include: have many friends, but also make time to be alone. Have hope. You should address and release your fears. You should trust in someone or something. You should simplify your family’s life.
I actually agreed with some of her ideas. For example, I totally would have lots of friends if they would have me, and I always do feel better after having a complete conversation with another like minded adult. (It’s really hard making friends in a new town for someone as introverted as myself.)
I also agree with having hope, facing your fears, and simplifying your life.
What I didn’t like was her attitude about other things. The quote below took place in habit 1 or 2 and is a good example of when she includes her personal opinions that annoyed me or I disagree with. (Green is my favorite color.)
“Is anyone’s favorite color green, which is often associated with sickness and vomit?”
Meg Meeker
I also found this book to be too “Faith in God” based for me. I’m not a religious person and Meeker very clearly is. Faith gets brought up in every chapter. In her defense, she doesn’t say you have to have a faith in any sort of God, but she does say it helps.
Overall, I’m glad I listened to it. I especially like the idea of changing the way you talk to gradually change the way you think and put more positivity in your life.
This book is not a magic happy pill you can read once and be happy forever, but it does provide some thoughtful ideas and suggestions. I’m hopeful I can put some of them into practice.
Ooh. I just remembered another one. Say NO to competition. That’s a good one. Each child and mom is different and there’s no sense in comparing and competing. Easier said than done, but something that should be done!
cashmama1's review
1.0
Terrible book filled with concepts but poor strategies. When the author writes that moms can have me-time while scrubbing floors, I shut the book for good.