Waking Up in Winter Lib/E: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife

by Cheryl Richardson (Reader)

Internationally recognized coach and New York Times bestselling author Cheryl Richardson has toured the world empowering others to make lasting change. But when Richardson's own life no longer worked as it once had, a persistent, inner voice offered unmistakable it was time to reevaluate her life to uncover what really mattered. Waking Up in Winter is the candid and revelatory account of how at midlife, Richardson found renewed contentment and purpose through a heroic, inward journey. The unfolding story, told through intimate journal entries, follows Richardson from the first, gentle nudges of change to a thoughtfully reimagined life - a soulful, spring awakening. With an experienced coach's intuition and an artist's eye, Richardson reexamines everything - her marriage, her work, her friendships, and her priorities - gracefully shedding parts of the self that no longer serve along the way. In the end, she not only discovers what really matters at midlife, she invites readers to join her in the inquiry process by providing thought-provoking questions designed to usher them through their own season of transformation. Offering up Richardson's most powerful teaching tool yet - her own life - Waking Up in Winter takes readers on a brave, spiritual adventure that shows us all how to live a more authentic and meaningful life. Special Bonus Cheryl has included a special section on this audio program where she discusses the series of questions at the end of the book. These questions (and the discussion) are meant to encourage your own transformational journey. You can use them with a journal, in discussions with a friend or support partner, or with your book group.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational, Psychology, Audiobook, Spirituality

Audio CD

First published December 19, 2017

About the author

Cheryl Richardson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of several books including: Take Time for Your Life, Life Makeovers, Stand Up for Your Life, The Unmistakable Touch of Grace, The Art of Extreme Self Care, You Can Create an Exceptional Life (with Louise Hay), and her new book, Waking Up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife. Her work has been covered widely in the media including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, New York Times, USA Today, Good Housekeeping, and O Magazine. Cheryl was also the team leader for the Lifestyle Makeover Series on the Oprah Winfrey Show and she accompanied Ms. Winfrey on the "Live Your Best Life" nationwide tour. You can visit her at CherylRichardson.com as well as on Facebook at: Facebook.com/cherylrichardson, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram under the user name: coachoncall.

Reviews

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked this book better than I expected... some of her coaching books are not a great fit for my worldview. a fairly quick read. There were aspects of her internal dialogue that do resonate with my current journey, however there was an aspect of privilege that was off putting, and it did indeed at times have a contrived feel, that self-consciousness that she herself admits to of knowing the "journal" was ultimately for public consumption. I think that this book will certainly be popular with those who are already fans, otherwise I think the demographic this book is targeted to is fairly narrow. I just happen to fit into it; women on the other side of menopause and who want something deeper for whatever remains.

[Melinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've never read her work before but it seemed like she was having a hard time coming up with a new book idea so she published her "journal" from the last year. Her biggest problems were that she was tired of traveling and missed her cat! I wish I had those problems! I didn't get any life changing or even thought provoking take-aways from this book. Reading it was a waste of time.

[Claudia Silk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely disappointing. I have read her books in the past and have always come away with something which is why I even finished this book.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turning 40 was some kind of a wake-up call for me to reexamine my life from within. And I have been doing so much soul-searching within the past year or more it's been exhausting but I have managed in the course of the year to define certain things that were undefined for decades. I know what I want, where I want to be, what my true priorities are and of course, I know what I don't want anymore. I am a work in progress still, but I feel like I have made so many breakthroughs.
I even took up journaling again, my favorite childhood and adolescent activity that I abandoned during my entire adulthood (save for TODO lists)

I stumbled across this book on audio and listened to it in 20-30 minute increments on my ride to work and back. I didn't think it would hold my attention because I find audiobooks hard work, my mind wonders too often. But this book drew me right in probably because I could relate to it so well. While Cheryl defines her midlife at 50, mine really is kind of at 40, but that is ok, the earlier we do this soul search and start leading an examined life the better.
She touches on many subjects some a bit of a taboo too, such as sex with her husband "if I am saying no to him, what am I saying yes to?" she says. Deciding to get a room of her own and sleep there on her own, doing regression hypnosis and exploring her past lives, how the decision not to have children is impacting her from time to time, etc.
Well worth a read if anything it will inspire you to do your own soul searching in a journal. She even lists some questions at the end that you can answer for yourself or in a support group that should help the process.

I see that the author is a famous life coach and has published many bestsellers. This is my first book by her but I may check out a few more.

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was feeling really unsettled when I started reading this book. The book steadied me a little. Before reading an ad for this book, I had never heard of this author. In this book Cheryl gives you a true glimpse into her life. A life that is not much different from yours or mine. Cheryl shares her discoveries on how she centered her life. Some of her ideas I might try to assist myself in finding center. The book was an everyday person telling her story in a very straight forward way. I took away this quote from the book: "I must tend to my inner life like I do my garden-with consistent attention and loving care. My inner life must now be granted equal weight with my outer life." Balance must be or wholeness will not happen.

[Mary K · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suppose this book was meant for the author’s current fans and I’m not one of them. I’d never heard of her when I picked up this book. Apparently she was previously a self-help author who did some kind of series for Oprah. Since I can’t remember the last time I read a self-help book (in the 70s), and I’ve never watched Oprah, this book didn’t remotely appeal to me. It’s the author’s journal, the minutiae of her life day by day, some stiff and emotionless meanderings into her psyche (how can I discover my current passion?) and that’s about it. Spoiler: her latest passion was writing this awful memoir. If you aren’t already a fan of this author, don’t bother.

[Lisa Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful * Empowering * I was struck by many truths that resonated in my soul. I don't believe it was a coincidence that this book found it's way to me when it did.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to me at just the right time, the end of the year when I reflect on what has happened and a look toward the future as well as a big life change. I sometimes feel like I'm the only one who feels or thinks the things that I do, especially at this time in my life, but I found a kindred spirit in Cheryl Richardson.

[Mehrsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not usually the type of book I pick up, but it was recommended to me by a friend. It was painful. It was like reading the journal of a really cheesy friend complaining about stuff and then being really grateful about other stuff. It was all "universe" and truth and beauty and maybe I'm way too cynical to enjoy the present moment.

[Jay French · Rating 2 out of 5]

Richardson writes this book in the guise of a journal over a winter. She shares what she has learned about herself over this time. The journal entries didn’t really work for me. I felt as much lectured to as listening in on private thoughts. Very little grabbed me in this book.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A self-help luminary searches for her own light.

Middle age is weird. You're not young, but you're not old. You're busy as hell, that's for damn sure. Everything seems like a mess. Alchemically, this is the part of your life when everything starts to break down, and you literally become somebody else on the other side of it. It's messy and painful, and it's very much a "top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs" type problem: if you're white and middle-class, and/or not struggling to meet survival needs, this is the kind of quest you need next.

Richardson, best known for her self-help books on self-care, here reveals the private journal she kept of a difficult period in her mid-life. Her career just wasn't doing it for her anymore, and she wanted a whole different life for herself. Anybody going through similar struggles will probably appreciate her insights, especially if they are at a similar crossroads. It is difficult, however, for most to empathize with the internal psychological struggle of someone who has been so blessed by life. It's the whole "complain out, comfort in" thing of ring theory: if you're at the point in your life where you CAN take inner quests, this book will help you. If you're not, it's gonna read like a bunch of privileged claptrap hooey.

So choose carefully, selectors, based on the population you serve. This is a book for the suburbs, or for urban neighborhoods that primarily serve the "eds and meds" community, or tech sectors. It's a wonderful book with good advice, but only if it's in the right hands. Recommended with the above caveats.

[Dey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t. It’s a journal. And while I appreciate that folks who are quite privileged experience lots of problems and want to grow personally/emotionally/spiritually, I just couldn’t get to a place of caring about her complaining that she’s traveling too much and traveling too much without her husband. Like, I’m glad she figured out she’s happier when he comes too...but I don’t really care and cannot read an entire book about it.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this was more self-indulgent than inspiring. Was hoping for more.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up. In this book, Cheryl Richardson talks about reaching midlife, a time she calls winter, and reflecting on your past and the decisions you've made, deciding what's most important to you, and setting intentions for how you want to live your live. She cites finding Journal of a Solitude by May Sartin as a key influence on her desire to keep a journal and its benefits as comforter and connection. Waking up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife takes the form of journal that shares her reflections and observations. I listened to an audiobook narrated by the author. Richardson has a good voice, so the audiobook was a good choice for me. At times, I found Richardson a little difficult to relate to; her life is far different than mine. She's an author, lifestyle coach, public speaker, and was the team leader for the Lifestyle Makeover series on the Oprah Winfrey TV show. I didn't see a lot of points of connection between my life and hers. However, I used to journal sporadically and remembered the joy that keeping a journal brought into my life, the points of connection between observing nature, others, and myself, and living my life. Cheryl's love for nature and observations about the nature around her reminded me of my own love of nature and hiking. I was able also to relate to Richardson's observations about aging, the need for simplicity in her life, the complexity of relationships, and the care and time they need to flourish. Richardson also identifies herself as a 'helper,' someone who takes care of others, and over extends, and then feels resentful because she hasn't communicated her own needs. A lot of the book relates to self care and what that looks like. There was much in the book that I identified with and enjoyed being reminded of, even though Richardson's life is much different than my own.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. So good, in fact, that I plan on listening to it again.

I particularly liked her emphasis on journaling, her battle with food and the importance of “moving your body” every day as a form of deep connection to yourself, as well as her experience as a coach and with her therapy. I’m on the fence about her dream analysis.

I began this one over a year ago before the tumult of my life began, set it aside, and am so glad to have finished it now. This was a great book for me at precisely the time that I needed it.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm yeah, it was okay…. I found it interesting that she mentioned other authors and books that had helped her. I didn’t like the way she continually said she did too much and it was all too much for her. I appreciate she travels a lot in her role but she’s hardly going down a pit to work. Read quickly and briefly….

[Jen (bookscoffeedogs) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. I despise giving books below a three star. Only because I really do believe writing books is hard. Writing books from the memoir kind of genre, even deserves more from the start. So I was waiting and waiting for any strong revelations to come through on this journey for her. And it showed up on a feed of another writer I enjoy Kris Carr. Which after reading this I understand that Hay House is a family and they support each other in and out of the office so to speak. I could just not relate to this all that much. Approaching midlife from the 45 end, I thought there would be some clear insights into what is important. What I found was a lot of refelction on what we all feel at anytime of life, which is...wow...I feel so busy...I want more peace and calm and time for reflection. I think I have felt that since I got married and had children 14 years ago! It is nothing new at 45! Or 55 for her! I could not relate to her life being about her and her husband's relationship either, as my kids are very much still front and center of my daily life. I don't judge her choice not to have children, just can't relate to her struggle of needing more time with her spouse and her cat. I am sure he is super nice, and minne is super nice, and we are a family vacation now and I miss my 3 dogs of course! They are so central to our lives on a daily basis. I guess I just am coming from a different life experience where anytime alone with my spouse would be great, but I know that time is to come. Very few gems that I underlined, which is always a clue I wasn't blown away by much. And, I read it in like 4 hours. Max. Unlike other reviews, I do not mind past life regressions or any other woowoo bits, in fact I have read that author she refers to and many years ago. Just something was lacking for me. I've read many other books that made me stop and pause 100 times on a page with insights.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I have to start by saying that I love Cheryl Richardson. I’ve been reading her books since college, and I attended a weekend retreat with her the summer before last. I love the picture she paints of the life you can have. I’ve not achieved that life, but I keep reading the books, anyway! Her latest book is completely different, but it doesn’t disappoint. Written in journal form, Cheryl looks at her daily life and how her needs and desires have changed as she has entered her fifth decade in the planet. She talks about her career and her relationships, and she openly discusses what she wants her remaining years to be like and how that that vision doesn’t fit neatly with the life she’s currently living. Life is full of these transitions, and it’s both comforting and helpful to hear from others in the throes of navigating them, and not only once they successfully arrive on the other side.

[Kerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book, written by a life coach, about her experiences as she goes through the changes women in midlife do. I was expecting to identify with the author in some way, perhaps come away with some new ideas I could apply to my own life as I experience changes. Maybe there were some tips in there, but for me, they got lost between all the ramblings about her cat and past life regressions. I listened to the audio, narrated by the author in a monotone that had me drifting away and needing to rewind frequently. Disappointed. The only redeeming feature is the list of questions at the very end.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes into your life exactly when you need it. This is one of those books for me. So much of what the author wrote resonated with me, particularly “this time of healing and renewal is justified” and “living in limbo is necessary.” I am going to trust the process and keep the faith that my “meandering does have a purpose.”

[Herman Plasmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that I have ever read

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book in early afternoon, before sitting down to write a letter to a good friend. "You have to read this book I'm enjoying~ there is so much we can both relate to," I'd written. I'd experienced much of the angst and emotions of the author, who I wished was my friend. I could imagine sitting down with her for a chat over a cup of coffee, if both of us made the time for such a visit in our busy lives, that is. Later in the afternoon, reading further, I picked up the letter I'd written and added a post-script: "Don't bother. Not only does the author spend several pages talking about her past-life regression therapy, but get this~ she ends a long-time friendship with a woman when it seems like they have less in common than they once did.
"She was a dear, close friend, and after years of sharing our lives, I finally faced the fact that our priorities were no longer in sync. She was spending more and more time focused on building her career when I was more interested in enjoying quality time together."
Who needs enemies with a friend like that?
Still, there were a few gems of advice and insight, which redeemed the value of this book

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as the other books of hers that I’ve read, Cheryl puts forth a number of questions at the end that I’m excited to contemplate. If nothing else, those questions gave me incentive to give this book the higher rating. I did find it interesting that she was willing to publish this journal of her struggles taking her own advice during a time of self exploration. It wouldn’t be a book I’d recommend to others, but I did find it worth listening to given the questions at the end.

[Kate Hendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage! I came across this when looking for an a short audio book to listen to. A sad find. CR seems to be swanning through life with the belief that she is here to enable those who subscribe to her live satisfying , meaningful lives. maybe if your cat and husband feature as the most important people in your life she will connect with you too. I really hit complete frustration with this self centred lady when I had to listen to how she had to get her hair coloured as she could not possibly be regarded as part of the Grey generation. And yet she is preaching be true to yourself?As grey and proud it was derogatory. My own personal belief is that whatever we do to help, support, give to our fellow humans is a part of our daily living not something to be charged a fee for . I shall send my money to a Charity instead.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Cheryl writes it like a diary, which I can appreciate since I myself love journaling. She discusses the pull between living life quickly and slowing down to feed her soul. Shw discusses purpose, passion, and self-care. It was perfect for this time in my life!

[C2015 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great questions at the end. Felt like an honest and revealing series of diary entries and thoughtful essays.

[Sessygail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one and there were quite a few thoughts expressed that struck a chord with me. Still, for some reason it was just okay.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read!!! I really enjoyed following the journey to self discovery. It resonated with things that I, myself, am dealing with during this season in my life so it really touched me. I definitely recommend it and I will have to read other books by Cheryl Richardson soon as well.

[Michal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a nearly total waste of time.

It starts with a sensible premise: in mid-life, one must re-evaluate one's goals in life, focus on what's important, make some changes.

The trouble is that the book gives little advice on how to actually achieve this. It is written from the perspective of white privilege of a rich person who can simply stop working if she wants to. How do you achieve "something more, something deeper and more aligned with who we really are" when we have dead-end jobs, sick parents, mortgages, unpaid debts and empty savings accounts?

As much as the book lacks in practicality, it is full of New Age nonsense like regression therapy (discovering your past lives!), analysis of dreams, healing crystals and mediums.

Finally, the writing style is just plain annoying, full of euphemisms, pathos and grandiosity - and platitudes, so many platitudes! Sentences like "I can feel my vitality ebbing", "I sit in bed staring at the luminous maple", "I want to be gentle and forgiving with my humanness" are everywhere. Oh, and everyone the author meets is a "dear friend" who has absolutely no negatives...

Bottom line: not worth your time unless you specifically like this sort of writing style.

[Tammy Laurenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at exactly the right time in my life - I have been feeling like I need some kind of change but was not sure where to begin. Cheryl's experience has provided much needed insight into my own life and her many references throughout the book has led me to embark on my own journey of self exploration and self - compassion. A must read if you are feeling stuck and alone.