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Nurturing the Soul of Your Family: 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday Life
What would it feel like to experience more ease, harmony, and flow in the midst of navigating homework squabbles, mealtimes, commutes, and the other challenges of everyday life?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2013
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269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 6, 2016
I actually found this book equally inspiring, matter-of-fact and actually helpful, for a variety of reasons:
1) The concept of family as a unit/ team/ tribe is not one I grasp easily or am comfortable with (coming as I am from a family of 'solo players'), much to my well-adjusted spouse's despair. This book, written by a person coming from a close-knit huge hippie family (but a relatable - to me - mother of one), really helped me 'get' this family-as-team concept, without making me think I can never 'do it at home'. (Apologies for the bunny ears.)
2) The book covers several areas which can have a big impact on your/ your family's quality of life: the way you're looking after yourself; the way you use digital appliances; spending time in nature; spiritual practice (of any kind); spending time together; celebrating one another; being rather than doing; choosing to remake your life completely, if need be; finding support in your community (OK, this one does not look realistic for me).
What I really liked is the author's stress on the fact that we CAN break with the routine, we just need to consider what we really want to be as a family, what our values are, and then just choose our actions accordingly. Don't laugh at me, my daughter is four, I came back to work when she was seven months old and I only now stop feeling like a hamster in a wheel.
3) Early in the book, I started comparing it to The Artist's Way, which I read a year ago. While the latter helped me to go out of the rut to some degree (I made a list of things I want to try, and started to check them off - quite an achievement for a chronically tired, semi-depressed person I was), it gave me no tools to improve my day-to-day functioning. Nurturing... helps you rethink different areas of your life and implement very straightforward fixes, from very doable to very radical ones (from eating dinners and taking walks together, through ditching cell phones/ all digital appliances during weekends, to changing jobs or states.)
Final note: I found three chapters from her other popular book, on self-care for mothers, on googlebooks/ as free samples, and I think Nurturing... is by far better of the two.
1) The concept of family as a unit/ team/ tribe is not one I grasp easily or am comfortable with (coming as I am from a family of 'solo players'), much to my well-adjusted spouse's despair. This book, written by a person coming from a close-knit huge hippie family (but a relatable - to me - mother of one), really helped me 'get' this family-as-team concept, without making me think I can never 'do it at home'. (Apologies for the bunny ears.)
2) The book covers several areas which can have a big impact on your/ your family's quality of life: the way you're looking after yourself; the way you use digital appliances; spending time in nature; spiritual practice (of any kind); spending time together; celebrating one another; being rather than doing; choosing to remake your life completely, if need be; finding support in your community (OK, this one does not look realistic for me).
What I really liked is the author's stress on the fact that we CAN break with the routine, we just need to consider what we really want to be as a family, what our values are, and then just choose our actions accordingly. Don't laugh at me, my daughter is four, I came back to work when she was seven months old and I only now stop feeling like a hamster in a wheel.
3) Early in the book, I started comparing it to The Artist's Way, which I read a year ago. While the latter helped me to go out of the rut to some degree (I made a list of things I want to try, and started to check them off - quite an achievement for a chronically tired, semi-depressed person I was), it gave me no tools to improve my day-to-day functioning. Nurturing... helps you rethink different areas of your life and implement very straightforward fixes, from very doable to very radical ones (from eating dinners and taking walks together, through ditching cell phones/ all digital appliances during weekends, to changing jobs or states.)
Final note: I found three chapters from her other popular book, on self-care for mothers, on googlebooks/ as free samples, and I think Nurturing... is by far better of the two.
March 7, 2013
my intention and word for 2013 is Nourish. When I was offered a chance to review Renee Trudeau's Nurturing the Soul of Your Family: 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday Life, I knew it was the universe's way of supporting my intention.
I discovered Renee Trudeau many years ago when I clicked on my way from link to link, site to site until I came upon hers. Renee is an advocate of self-care and self-renewal. I must have been a new mother when I learned of Renee. I remember yearning for a support group of new moms (or mothers in general) and wishing for groups like the ones Renee wrote about in her first book, The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life. (Which I haven't read yet, but have read excerpts.)
Nurturing the Soul of Your Family asks us to slow down and take the time to be present in our lives. Each of the ten chapters offers suggestions and tips on how to accomplish each step. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises so readers can reflect on what they've just read. I love that Renee asks her readers to give themselves a "Pat on the Back" by listing what's working for them. Next are "Putting It In Practice" and "Imagine a New Way of Being," which is a journaling exercise.
The first chapter is about self-care and attacks a mother's guilt head-on. Renee gives us permission to take care of ourselves. Sound familiar? How many times have I told myself "I'll schedule that massage next week" and I still put it off? I used to feel guilty for spending a couple of hours on the weekend to just sit and read. As an introvert, I need that time to myself to replenish my energy (and sanity), yet I feel guilty about it!
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.imnotthenanny.com/2013/03/...
I discovered Renee Trudeau many years ago when I clicked on my way from link to link, site to site until I came upon hers. Renee is an advocate of self-care and self-renewal. I must have been a new mother when I learned of Renee. I remember yearning for a support group of new moms (or mothers in general) and wishing for groups like the ones Renee wrote about in her first book, The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life. (Which I haven't read yet, but have read excerpts.)
Nurturing the Soul of Your Family asks us to slow down and take the time to be present in our lives. Each of the ten chapters offers suggestions and tips on how to accomplish each step. Each chapter ends with a set of exercises so readers can reflect on what they've just read. I love that Renee asks her readers to give themselves a "Pat on the Back" by listing what's working for them. Next are "Putting It In Practice" and "Imagine a New Way of Being," which is a journaling exercise.
The first chapter is about self-care and attacks a mother's guilt head-on. Renee gives us permission to take care of ourselves. Sound familiar? How many times have I told myself "I'll schedule that massage next week" and I still put it off? I used to feel guilty for spending a couple of hours on the weekend to just sit and read. As an introvert, I need that time to myself to replenish my energy (and sanity), yet I feel guilty about it!
Read the rest of the review here: http://www.imnotthenanny.com/2013/03/...
July 13, 2020
So I think it took me 3 plus years to finish this, as there were exercises at the end of each chapter to have you journal, etc. So I didn't do all the journaling, but I really read and then when done, decided to skim the earlier chapters, as I started on Chapter 5...enjoyed Returning to the River: Finding Spirtual Renewal, and honestly appreciated finally finishing this book, only took Covid to prompt this re-engagement with the idea of slowing down and having more unscheduled time--Success! I was struck by this quote on pg. 194 "Family life is messy, unpredictable, beautiful, and complex. Sometimes it feels like we're showing up at a new job each day with no instruction manual. The highs can be euphoric; they give our lives meaning and remind us why we signed up in the first place. The lows can bring us to our knees and make us want to take the first plan our of here; they teach us more about ourselves than we might want to know--or are ready to hear."
Will plan to call Gwen, as think I had bought the book for her and hoped we could discuss it....alas the thought was there but follow through was lacking...this is a book to revisit, or simply just to slow down and appreciate the moment to moment of our lives and the importance of being present to what is....nice to reconnect with Hedlun tonight outside on a beautiful summer evening...family has so much to teach us, let us be open to each experience/opportunity.
Will plan to call Gwen, as think I had bought the book for her and hoped we could discuss it....alas the thought was there but follow through was lacking...this is a book to revisit, or simply just to slow down and appreciate the moment to moment of our lives and the importance of being present to what is....nice to reconnect with Hedlun tonight outside on a beautiful summer evening...family has so much to teach us, let us be open to each experience/opportunity.
March 12, 2013
'Self-care is not self-indulgence; it's about self-preservation' - Audre Lorde was a wise soul. When you consider just how much of our family's behaviour is tied to our emotional wellbeing, it makes sense to ensure that we "consciously nourish and nurture our family's sweet, tender soul" (Renee Trudeau).
Yet this book is NOT just for those raising young families. My son has long since flown the nest and yet there were many truths within this book that really struck home to me. For although my son no longer lives with me, we are still very much part of a family unit - myself, my partner, my son, close friends and our extended families. They all form part of my community, my tribe; just as you have your own community, your own tribe and your own family.
As Trudeau shares at the beginning of Nurturing the Soul of Your Family, "we all desire three things:
to know we're heard and we matter
to feel loved and have opportunities to express our love, and
to feel like we belong and have a tribe that we can count on for support"
Who does not yearn for all of these three things, deep down, irrespective of whether we fit the old-fashioned "family" template?
A heart-full book, I love how the author shares poignant memories at the start of each chapter and how she sprinkles her wealth of experience from walking-the-talk alongside solid, wholesome practices; for in nourishing and nurturing our practices daily over a period of time, it is easy how we can shift our perspective on life. As a transformation coach, I am witness first-hand that practice does not make perfect, but it makes for clarity, for peace, for happiness and joyfullness.
Personally, I have also discovered just how powerful that sense of being part of a community, a tribe, can be: I thank the Goddesses every day for my wonderful supportive network of dear friends and also for tribe, without whom my world would be a very different place. How I wish I had known of these 10 Ways during the childhood of my son, how much it would have lessened the frustration, the anger, the isolation in our world; but instead, I can now cultivate and use these 10 Ways to bring further peace and self-care oxygen into my family's life.
Curiosity and playfullness as truly a way to find inner peace while wading knee-deep through the daily juggles of life - Trudeau's pearls of wisdom are twinkles in our sky, and I know you will love the wisdom and light-of-heart writings that she shares within this book's pages.
Treat yourself : if you are willing to explore self-nurture, for the good for yourself, your family and the whole world, I really do recommend you take some time to read through Nurturing the Soul of Your Family. Thank you so much, Renee Trudeau, for birthing a super-useful, well-written book.
Yet this book is NOT just for those raising young families. My son has long since flown the nest and yet there were many truths within this book that really struck home to me. For although my son no longer lives with me, we are still very much part of a family unit - myself, my partner, my son, close friends and our extended families. They all form part of my community, my tribe; just as you have your own community, your own tribe and your own family.
As Trudeau shares at the beginning of Nurturing the Soul of Your Family, "we all desire three things:
to know we're heard and we matter
to feel loved and have opportunities to express our love, and
to feel like we belong and have a tribe that we can count on for support"
Who does not yearn for all of these three things, deep down, irrespective of whether we fit the old-fashioned "family" template?
A heart-full book, I love how the author shares poignant memories at the start of each chapter and how she sprinkles her wealth of experience from walking-the-talk alongside solid, wholesome practices; for in nourishing and nurturing our practices daily over a period of time, it is easy how we can shift our perspective on life. As a transformation coach, I am witness first-hand that practice does not make perfect, but it makes for clarity, for peace, for happiness and joyfullness.
Personally, I have also discovered just how powerful that sense of being part of a community, a tribe, can be: I thank the Goddesses every day for my wonderful supportive network of dear friends and also for tribe, without whom my world would be a very different place. How I wish I had known of these 10 Ways during the childhood of my son, how much it would have lessened the frustration, the anger, the isolation in our world; but instead, I can now cultivate and use these 10 Ways to bring further peace and self-care oxygen into my family's life.
Curiosity and playfullness as truly a way to find inner peace while wading knee-deep through the daily juggles of life - Trudeau's pearls of wisdom are twinkles in our sky, and I know you will love the wisdom and light-of-heart writings that she shares within this book's pages.
Treat yourself : if you are willing to explore self-nurture, for the good for yourself, your family and the whole world, I really do recommend you take some time to read through Nurturing the Soul of Your Family. Thank you so much, Renee Trudeau, for birthing a super-useful, well-written book.
September 20, 2019
this book wasn't perfect (everyone who knows me probably knows I am turned off by parenting books that clearly are only directed at moms/women- that's not really me, and I think my partner would also really benefit from this book) but it came at the perfect time for me. lots of this stuff I already knew - but needed to be reminded of right now. I found most of the ideas inspiring and doable. some stuff definitely showed the author only had one kid, and significantly older than mine, which is always tricky for me as the wrangler of 3 under 5 (soon to be 4.) but her voice was clear, kind, and non judgemental - rare in this type of book! I loved the bits about her family of origin. to this only child I am always fascinated reading about big families, and hers was wonderfully weird! I think most families I know could benefit from this book and I will definitely be purchasing a copy to come back to repeatedly.
July 24, 2013
Pie in the sky, tell me something I don't know - like, duh, nature is good for kids - and silly in parts. ( "draw a cocoon with you in the center" - lady I've got 3 kids!) it's all lovely, the concept of putting your needs first, the "how" is certainly missing, unless you count journaling, which hey, has its perks. Plus, I get really offended when people without training try to tell us, teach you how to "heal." Beware, she is a life coach, not a therapist.
March 1, 2018
Another call to live an intentional life full of self-care and relational closeness. It's fairly well-written, and I was able to relate to the author's background and lifestyle (but not everyone would).
A few things bugged me ... a bit too much emphasis on tapping into the "feminine energy" and it was clearly just for women, but the title and subtitle don't make that clear. I'd worry that if I put this out on my parenting shelf at church that it wouldn't be clear what bias this book holds.
A few things bugged me ... a bit too much emphasis on tapping into the "feminine energy" and it was clearly just for women, but the title and subtitle don't make that clear. I'd worry that if I put this out on my parenting shelf at church that it wouldn't be clear what bias this book holds.
May 28, 2021
No rocket science here - but great reflections and thoughts on refocusing. timely for me right now and although not all where i am going a good reflection on my choices and what I want my life, family and home to be like.
February 7, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. I loved how there was a journaling prompts and things to think about.
January 22, 2018
interesting, but very pushy in tone - as if one solution fits all.
March 30, 2018
Simple and rings true. Wonderful advice for a family leader looking to find and hold onto what matters.
June 13, 2022
I really enjoyed both the content and the format of this book. I took my time working through it focusing on one element at a time. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2018
I keep this book on my night stand to read whenever I need it. It makes me feel so much better about myself as a human, wife, parent and friend. It also offers helpful reminders that can be applied to real life to make you feel better in your pursuits. I love it.
March 13, 2013
Is your life filled with stress from the constant change, challenges and uncertainty of 21st century living?
Do you crave meaningful connections, simpler routines, and slower days, but are unsure of how to achieve those goals?
Do you want to prioritize those things that matter most within your family, but need help safeguarding it from the mixed messages of the outside world?
When it comes to restoring balance to your life and the lives of those you love, award-winning author and life coach Renée Peterson Trudeau is here to help!
In her new book, Nurturing the Soul of Your Family – 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday Life, Renée offers practical advice, tips and exercises to put you back in the driver’s seat of your life – and your family’s as well.
One of Renée’s goals in this book is to help you to change old habits and to see old things in new ways.
“Each family has its own beautiful, unique essence or sacred connection. Just as we need to tend to the emotional well-being of any relationship in order for it to thrive, we have to consciously nourish and nurture our family’s sweet, tender soul,” writes Trudeau.
“When your family is feeling disconnected, stuck, or at odds – and since we’re all human, this will happen a lot – don’t just swallow the pill fed to us by TV sitcoms that this is how family life is. Pause and be open to new ways of seeing and being.”
Whether your goal is to slow down, disconnect from the media, or define and celebrate what your family stands for, if you’re looking for ways to take better care of yourself and your family, you're sure to find something useful in this book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Do you crave meaningful connections, simpler routines, and slower days, but are unsure of how to achieve those goals?
Do you want to prioritize those things that matter most within your family, but need help safeguarding it from the mixed messages of the outside world?
When it comes to restoring balance to your life and the lives of those you love, award-winning author and life coach Renée Peterson Trudeau is here to help!
In her new book, Nurturing the Soul of Your Family – 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday Life, Renée offers practical advice, tips and exercises to put you back in the driver’s seat of your life – and your family’s as well.
One of Renée’s goals in this book is to help you to change old habits and to see old things in new ways.
“Each family has its own beautiful, unique essence or sacred connection. Just as we need to tend to the emotional well-being of any relationship in order for it to thrive, we have to consciously nourish and nurture our family’s sweet, tender soul,” writes Trudeau.
“When your family is feeling disconnected, stuck, or at odds – and since we’re all human, this will happen a lot – don’t just swallow the pill fed to us by TV sitcoms that this is how family life is. Pause and be open to new ways of seeing and being.”
Whether your goal is to slow down, disconnect from the media, or define and celebrate what your family stands for, if you’re looking for ways to take better care of yourself and your family, you're sure to find something useful in this book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 2, 2013
This was a great family balance book that I haven't really read before. I've balance books but this is the first one that has focused on the family effort of balance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I plan to start implementing many of her strategies over the next several months and feel confident that my family and I will achieve a happy balance for ourselves and as a unit.
May 21, 2013
Loved this book! The timing was just right for the book as I am in the last stretches of marathon training. I liked the fact that the book was very much a come as you are, kind of book. It didn't feel like you were being judged, but rather offered many new ways to find peace in your life. definitely going to suggest to all the women in my life.
July 29, 2013
This was a very good read. Although I didn't agree with everything the author had to say, I certainly did agree wholeheartedly with several issues discussed. My favourite chapters were chapter 3: things first, people second, the digital divide. And Chapter 8, do less, experience more.
March 14, 2013
Amazing book. A must read for all families.
August 3, 2013
I really liked this book...though it was a little too "granola" for me! I came away inspired, though!
September 7, 2013
Some good, if basic, suggestions without much guidance on strategies to implement them.
August 2, 2013
Some good, practical ideas for slowing down and enjoying family life mindfully.
January 25, 2014
Enjoyed.
September 16, 2014
Lovely reminders, practices and ideas for achieving greater peace and happiness in our families.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews