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A Woman's Guide to a Simpler Life
Considering job, housework, and child care, women work roughly fifteen hours more each week than men. A Woman's Guide to a Simpler Life is a thoughtful and eloquently written primer that shows women how to set limits and clear their minds and closets to create space for what is truly work, home, family, friendships, and traditions.
Dr. Van Steenhouse identifies three key obstacles to the fear of appearing selfish, the tug of internal resistance, and the trap of perfectionism. Pointing out the perils of modern living, she shows us that we don't have to be slaves to technology; we can pull the plug sometimes to give ourselves space.
With sensible, soulful advice and real-life anecdotes, A Woman's Guide to a Simpler Life helps women minimize intrusions upon their spirits that take up time and energy without providing a sense of renewal and enrichment. It encourages women to listen to their hearts, absolve themselves of guilt and unrealistic expectations, have the courage to say no, and pare away nonessentials to live a saner, more fulfilling life. Dr. Van Steenhouse's invaluable A simpler life is one in which the knowledge of what matters dictates all that surrounds us, giving us the courage to let go of what our hearts know does not belong.
From the Hardcover edition.
Dr. Van Steenhouse identifies three key obstacles to the fear of appearing selfish, the tug of internal resistance, and the trap of perfectionism. Pointing out the perils of modern living, she shows us that we don't have to be slaves to technology; we can pull the plug sometimes to give ourselves space.
With sensible, soulful advice and real-life anecdotes, A Woman's Guide to a Simpler Life helps women minimize intrusions upon their spirits that take up time and energy without providing a sense of renewal and enrichment. It encourages women to listen to their hearts, absolve themselves of guilt and unrealistic expectations, have the courage to say no, and pare away nonessentials to live a saner, more fulfilling life. Dr. Van Steenhouse's invaluable A simpler life is one in which the knowledge of what matters dictates all that surrounds us, giving us the courage to let go of what our hearts know does not belong.
From the Hardcover edition.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 17, 2012
This book is peaceful and pretty, and it's the only thing that's been working as bedtime reading lately, so I'm in love with it.
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A nice, chilled out book about simplifying your life to include only what's meaningful to you.
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A nice, chilled out book about simplifying your life to include only what's meaningful to you.
May 7, 2017
This book was written almost 25 years ago but it's amazing how relevant it is for today, in our fast paced, go-go-go world. Even though she talks about ignoring your fax machine and answering machine, it's easily transferable to ignoring your smart phone and email.
Steenhouse defines simplicity in a positive way; it's not about how much or how little, but how important. I love how she approaches simplicity--it's about setting limits and having less in all areas.
Very timely and encouraging. This will definitely be a re-read.
Steenhouse defines simplicity in a positive way; it's not about how much or how little, but how important. I love how she approaches simplicity--it's about setting limits and having less in all areas.
Very timely and encouraging. This will definitely be a re-read.
August 16, 2018
A Woman's Guide to a Simpler Life was not exactly what I expected. I browsed through the shelves, found the title, looked briefly through the pages, and thought I would give it a chance. I did find certain chapters helpful suggestions, however, as I am a widow without children or grandchildren, several chapters did not apply to my particular situation.
I do not regret reading the book and would recommend it to others. I did find it interesting reading, however I did not find any information that I had not encountered in other literature
I do not regret reading the book and would recommend it to others. I did find it interesting reading, however I did not find any information that I had not encountered in other literature
November 21, 2023
I wasn't sure how to rate this book. I thought some parts were more helpful than others. The first part of this book is excellent, which is why I decided to give it 4 stars. The first part guides you to prioritize your roles in life in a way that I haven't come across before.
The rest of the book is ho-hum. It's dated at times. I didn't like that the author pits women against men, stating how much harder women have it than their slacking-off, inferior husbands. Good luck being married with that attitude.
The rest of the book is ho-hum. It's dated at times. I didn't like that the author pits women against men, stating how much harder women have it than their slacking-off, inferior husbands. Good luck being married with that attitude.
October 31, 2016
This book certainly didn't hold up very well against the passing of time. Being a "90s woman"! The new intrusive technology of answering machines and FAX MACHINES IN THE HOME! MY WORD!
It did have some good basic ideas about how to simplify one's life but it was mostly a funny little relic read. Better books have written more timelessly and poignantly about the same ideas, so I'd skip this one.
It did have some good basic ideas about how to simplify one's life but it was mostly a funny little relic read. Better books have written more timelessly and poignantly about the same ideas, so I'd skip this one.
August 17, 2022
I bought this book many years ago when I was in a different place in my life. It was very helpful then and rereading it all these years later it appears that I have indeed simplified my life. There were a few good quotes that I will save, but I am "paying it forward" by passing this book along to others.
July 8, 2019
Despite being written when I was six years old, this book is so relative to now. Instead of just focusing on possessions, Steenhouse simplifies all aspects of life - or at least encourages you to think about all aspects.
March 17, 2021
Relevant till this day. I had an amazing time reading this.
August 31, 2021
Good advice for working women. I come back to it periodically and re-read it.
February 7, 2011
Lots of reminders about stuff we already know (getting rid of clothes you haven't worn in years, going to bed on time, excercising, etc.). I thought the following passages from the book summed it up nicely though:
“Rather a simpler life is one in which the knowledge of what matters dictates all that surrounds us. It is a life lived with courage to let go of the things our hearts know do not belong. It’s a more balanced life not a more expert balancing act"
“We want to be aware of what I call ‘soul weeds’-all those questionable choices that trespass on our spirit and take up our time, energy, and space without renewing or enriching us”
“Rather a simpler life is one in which the knowledge of what matters dictates all that surrounds us. It is a life lived with courage to let go of the things our hearts know do not belong. It’s a more balanced life not a more expert balancing act"
“We want to be aware of what I call ‘soul weeds’-all those questionable choices that trespass on our spirit and take up our time, energy, and space without renewing or enriching us”
September 2, 2013
Wish I knew where this came from, found it on my bookshelf one night when I had nothing lined up to read and there it was! Published in 1996, I loved every bit of advice in it! I will keep it for future reference. The author's tone of "voice" was very soothing to me at this time.
May 13, 2011
I found this book to have a few gems, but it lacked staying power. I don't remember most of it, and it didn't significantly motivate me to change my life.
May 23, 2011
Nothing new in this book - a reaffirmation of taking care of yourself in order to take care of others, setting priorities, letting go of things that clutter your life.
July 23, 2016
This was a lovely, relaxing book. I loved the real life examples and the encouragement of finding out what is right in your life and living that way. The small chapters are perfect for this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews