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Stretch Marks: A Self-Development Tool for Mothers Who are Being Stretched in Every Direction
Stretch Marks helps mothers by inspiring, entertaining, and laying out how to create more time, more peace, and more joy in their lives.
Women seek time, peace, happiness, and fulfillment but often cannot find it because they don’t think it’s possible, don’t believe they deserve it, or don’t know how to make it happen. Emerging from the other-focused world of raising young children, now struggling to figure out what they want to do and how they can actually make it happen, mothers are busier, more stressed, and less healthy than ever and many are seeking realistic answers they can implement into their frenetic lives. What makes these women miserable on the inside when it looks like they have everything they’ve always wanted on the outside? It is often the disconnect between what is truly most important to them, and how they use their time, resources and energy. Stretch Marks serve as emotional, visual, and psychological metaphors representing growth and pushing past one’s limits. Amber Trueblood addresses the challenges mothers face in a funny, entertaining, supportive, and judgement-free environment. Using The A.M.B.E.R. Mindsets, readers learn the tricks and tools necessary to stop living the life they are told they should be living, and start living freely.
184 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2019
6 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 26, 2021
Summary: A self-help book for mother's looking for "time, peace, happiness, and fulfillment."
My take: This is such a great quick and easy read for moms in all spaces! Here's what I loved specifically:
• the journaling component
• it's a great book to refer back to
• the down to earth style
• the way it inspires the reader to sit down and really consider what makes you feel fulfilled and happy in life and in motherhood
• it's quick (us mom's need speed!)
For being a short, quick, easy read - this book really inspires moms to do some deep thinking about their own needs too!
My take: This is such a great quick and easy read for moms in all spaces! Here's what I loved specifically:
• the journaling component
• it's a great book to refer back to
• the down to earth style
• the way it inspires the reader to sit down and really consider what makes you feel fulfilled and happy in life and in motherhood
• it's quick (us mom's need speed!)
For being a short, quick, easy read - this book really inspires moms to do some deep thinking about their own needs too!
June 11, 2021
I freakin' love and appreciate this book so much. As a mother who gets overwhelmed from time to time, this was such an inspiring and uplifting read. Many times, when women become mothers, they lose sight of everything else because they're so focused on being "Mommy" to dependent little humans. I personally have had many people compliment me on how well I am able to keep it together. Guess what? I have good days and I have rough days. Some days I feel like "Super Mom" and other days I feel completely drained and defeated. THIS IS TOTALLY FINE.
I love that this book addresses the disconnect between trying to keep up with simply being a mom, along with everything that encompasses, and still being able to achieve personal goals that make YOU happy. Being a mom can mean so many things. I'm mommy, the chef, the maid, the personal chauffeur, the ghost/monster hunter, and as my cousin loves to remind me... #SnackBitch We do it all and sometimes aren't recognized for it. This is an awesome reminder to be kind to yourself and that it's okay to put yourself first every now and then.
Author Amber Trueblood addresses so many obstacles and concerns that mothers face and perfectly identifies all of the stressors that many of us deal with on a daily basis. She brilliantly and very accurately describes how easy it is for mothers to lose sight of everything else outside of being a mother and how this can negatively lead to stress, feelings of dissatisfaction, and a lost sense of self worth and individuality. She provides examples and an easy to follow guideline known as the A.M.B.E.R. mindsets. Stretch Marks is filled with interactive and thought-provoking materials. I don't usually write in my books but I couldn't help myself.
The best thing about this book is that it's NOT JUST FOR MOMS. This is perfect for anyone who is in need of motivation! I'd highly recommend Amber Trueblood's feel-good resource with such wonderful insight. Take control of your life again and find balance!
I love that this book addresses the disconnect between trying to keep up with simply being a mom, along with everything that encompasses, and still being able to achieve personal goals that make YOU happy. Being a mom can mean so many things. I'm mommy, the chef, the maid, the personal chauffeur, the ghost/monster hunter, and as my cousin loves to remind me... #SnackBitch We do it all and sometimes aren't recognized for it. This is an awesome reminder to be kind to yourself and that it's okay to put yourself first every now and then.
Author Amber Trueblood addresses so many obstacles and concerns that mothers face and perfectly identifies all of the stressors that many of us deal with on a daily basis. She brilliantly and very accurately describes how easy it is for mothers to lose sight of everything else outside of being a mother and how this can negatively lead to stress, feelings of dissatisfaction, and a lost sense of self worth and individuality. She provides examples and an easy to follow guideline known as the A.M.B.E.R. mindsets. Stretch Marks is filled with interactive and thought-provoking materials. I don't usually write in my books but I couldn't help myself.
The best thing about this book is that it's NOT JUST FOR MOMS. This is perfect for anyone who is in need of motivation! I'd highly recommend Amber Trueblood's feel-good resource with such wonderful insight. Take control of your life again and find balance!
November 28, 2021
This was a timely read. As the world begins to open up more, at least in the US, I can feel myself being pulled in many directions again - getting the kids to their various activities, trying to run my business well, taking care of the house, while also trying to feed my soul.
Amber Trueblood breaks down into simple steps, ways to focus on what you really want most out of life in order to arrange your priorities accordingly. I think most people can benefit from learning that saying no to some things makes it possible to say yes to better things
Amber Trueblood breaks down into simple steps, ways to focus on what you really want most out of life in order to arrange your priorities accordingly. I think most people can benefit from learning that saying no to some things makes it possible to say yes to better things
May 29, 2021
Gosh, isn’t parenthood hard? When I saw @uplitreads showcasing Stretch Marks I knew I immediately needed to apply for this campaign. Parenthood is challenging, friends. Really really challenging. I applaud and want to hug anyone who can write a book about the challenges and rewards that being a parent has to offer. And the title... it is completely relatable during this time of my life. There aren’t many days that go by where I don’t feel stretched in all directions. Amber has written a book full of tools, guidance, relatable moments and just the REAL truth of being a parent. This would make a perfect gift for any parent out there - go check it out. ❤️
Thank you so much to @uplitreads and @officialambertrueblood for allowing me to be a part of this campaign.
Thank you so much to @uplitreads and @officialambertrueblood for allowing me to be a part of this campaign.
June 3, 2021
Amber’s short guidebook for moms is different than any others I have read. It’s easily digestible, she has quick “assignments” that can quickly shift your perspective and it teaches by using the easy-to-remember A.M.B.E.R. mindsets (Ask, Move, Believe, Elevate and Radiate).
My favorite parenting tip was the top four - pick four characteristics you deem the most important for your children (there is a checklist), this helps with discipline, communication, and modeling to your children.
So much of this book is stepping back and intentionally looking at how you do, feel and react to life and parenting. Then, think about how to do, feel and react from a place of awareness.
I loved the summary and book recommendations at the end. This book is one that you can reference over and over again without getting overwhelmed.
Amber addresses the challenges mothers face in a funny, entertaining, supportive, and judgement-free environment. There is a way to find peace amidst the craziness!
My favorite parenting tip was the top four - pick four characteristics you deem the most important for your children (there is a checklist), this helps with discipline, communication, and modeling to your children.
So much of this book is stepping back and intentionally looking at how you do, feel and react to life and parenting. Then, think about how to do, feel and react from a place of awareness.
I loved the summary and book recommendations at the end. This book is one that you can reference over and over again without getting overwhelmed.
Amber addresses the challenges mothers face in a funny, entertaining, supportive, and judgement-free environment. There is a way to find peace amidst the craziness!
May 18, 2021
Stretch Marks is a relatable, funny, and practical read. It’s packed with great nuggets to apply to your life, so that you can feel more at peace while accomplishing your goals.
One of the concepts that resonated with me is called Kintsugi. This is when an artist fills the cracks in pottery with lacquer mixed with gold powder, making the pottery more valuable. If we apply this to our lives, whatever we survive makes us stronger and the wisdom we’ve gained because of it is invaluable. This reminds me of the sayings “broken is beautiful” and “perfectly imperfect”—a message busy moms may find comfort in, like I did.
After reading the book, I feel confident I am armed with tools to help me succeed. It’s a book I can keep turning to for motivation, and there’s a handy resource in the back of the book summarizing the tools in a digestible format. I know I’ll be referencing this quick guide often.
One of the concepts that resonated with me is called Kintsugi. This is when an artist fills the cracks in pottery with lacquer mixed with gold powder, making the pottery more valuable. If we apply this to our lives, whatever we survive makes us stronger and the wisdom we’ve gained because of it is invaluable. This reminds me of the sayings “broken is beautiful” and “perfectly imperfect”—a message busy moms may find comfort in, like I did.
After reading the book, I feel confident I am armed with tools to help me succeed. It’s a book I can keep turning to for motivation, and there’s a handy resource in the back of the book summarizing the tools in a digestible format. I know I’ll be referencing this quick guide often.
June 11, 2021
This book is about helping moms find their best selfs and carve out their identity outside of motherhood. I like that it’s simple with clear points. I do think it’s not just for moms and can help anyone feeling stuck in life.
December 28, 2021
Have you ever had a book fall into your lap at exactly the right time? That’s how I feel about this book, Stretch Marks. As the world begins to reopen post quarantine, it feels like every activity, every organization wants to make up for lost time. Extra practices, extra meetings, I’m feeling pulled in a million different directions. I’m literally writing this in my car after dropping off one kid at a sports practice, I’m “watching” soccer practice and the teen had to walk to where he needed to be because I couldn’t be in 3 places at one time. This book provides realistic, actionable tools for reclaiming control of your busy mom life. Prioritizing, quieting self-judgement and finding calm are all available to you and this book helps you figure out how. You need this book, trust me!
June 24, 2021
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“Unfortunately, you’re so accustomed to running full speed ahead, whisked along in the rushing current of your life. You might surface for a breath now and then, panting and frantic. But, let me ask you this, who’s driving your boat? You? Your boss? The kids? Who knows where this river leads? What if your actual destination is somewhere different? What if you’re doing all this work only to end up in a place that will ultimately leave you unhappy? Maybe it’s time you took the wheel, or the rudder-whatever steers a boat.”
WOW. It is uncommon for me to give 5 stars to a self help type book but this one is SO deserving of it. One of my most frequent critiques of self help books is they help identify a problem and the need to fix it, but never give tools of how to do so. Amber Trueblood breaks the mold with Stretch Marks. She delivers screenings to assess your current life standings and practical ways to make any changes you may feel called to make. I don’t think I’ve stopped talking about this book since picking it up and wish I could give you all a “favorite take away” from this gem but honestly, the whole dang thing was SO GOOD. An absolute must read for parents of children of ALL ages. Also, although the tag line suggests this book is specifically for moms, the general concepts of each chapter can be applied to any type of parent. In fact, my husband has called dibs on reading my copy next!
“Unfortunately, you’re so accustomed to running full speed ahead, whisked along in the rushing current of your life. You might surface for a breath now and then, panting and frantic. But, let me ask you this, who’s driving your boat? You? Your boss? The kids? Who knows where this river leads? What if your actual destination is somewhere different? What if you’re doing all this work only to end up in a place that will ultimately leave you unhappy? Maybe it’s time you took the wheel, or the rudder-whatever steers a boat.”
WOW. It is uncommon for me to give 5 stars to a self help type book but this one is SO deserving of it. One of my most frequent critiques of self help books is they help identify a problem and the need to fix it, but never give tools of how to do so. Amber Trueblood breaks the mold with Stretch Marks. She delivers screenings to assess your current life standings and practical ways to make any changes you may feel called to make. I don’t think I’ve stopped talking about this book since picking it up and wish I could give you all a “favorite take away” from this gem but honestly, the whole dang thing was SO GOOD. An absolute must read for parents of children of ALL ages. Also, although the tag line suggests this book is specifically for moms, the general concepts of each chapter can be applied to any type of parent. In fact, my husband has called dibs on reading my copy next!
July 18, 2021
TITLE: Stretch Marks: A Self-Development Tool for Mothers Who are Being Stretched in Every Direction
AUTHOR: Amber Trueblood
PUB DATE: 12/3/2019
Women seek time, peace, happiness, and fulfillment but often cannot find it because they don’t think it’s possible, don’t believe they deserve it, or don’t know how to make it happen.
Amber Trueblood addresses the challenges mothers face in a funny, entertaining, supportive, and judgement-free environment.
Using The A.M.B.E.R. Mindsets, readers learn the tricks and tools necessary to stop living the life they are told they should be living, and start living freely.
Review: Stretch Marks is a well written and engaging transformational book that offers valuable, relatable, and informative advice that is easy to follow. I found the read fun and hilarious. I already know what to give my friends and family as gifts.
AUTHOR: Amber Trueblood
PUB DATE: 12/3/2019
Women seek time, peace, happiness, and fulfillment but often cannot find it because they don’t think it’s possible, don’t believe they deserve it, or don’t know how to make it happen.
Amber Trueblood addresses the challenges mothers face in a funny, entertaining, supportive, and judgement-free environment.
Using The A.M.B.E.R. Mindsets, readers learn the tricks and tools necessary to stop living the life they are told they should be living, and start living freely.
Review: Stretch Marks is a well written and engaging transformational book that offers valuable, relatable, and informative advice that is easy to follow. I found the read fun and hilarious. I already know what to give my friends and family as gifts.
May 15, 2021
This book is a wonderful development too for moms. It is a personal journey into how to not lose yourself as a mom while giving yourself the space that you need as a woman. I loved how each chapter started with a personal story and brief (90 second) homework assignments. My favorite chapter was the “IShoulds”. Especially at the end of the book are more book recommendations. Every mom should read this book while Amber Trueblood let’s you know you are not alone in motherhood journey.
July 31, 2020
I have read lots of development, "self-help" and leadership books, but this was my first book specifically written for mothers. It was such a quick and informative read. It gave lots of practical and useful tools that I put into place right away.
December 30, 2020
I read this at a time where I was just going through every day to make it to the next. I was in survivor mode. Having finished this 3 days before the new year I couldn't be more inspired, positive, hopeful and motivated in all aspects of my life and future. It was needed and I have taken a lot away from such a short and simple read.
May 14, 2021
I will be going back this book again and again. The tools, strategies, advice that she gives is amazing.
I plan to implement pretty much all of them into the way I parent and how I talk and deal with myself.
Thank you for writing this book!
I plan to implement pretty much all of them into the way I parent and how I talk and deal with myself.
Thank you for writing this book!
February 9, 2022
This book is a mess. Any good suggestions get washed away by the thoroughly incoherent structure of the book. I wish she would rewrite it because it could be very helpful and beneficial if there were a more clear through line.
April 26, 2023
Love It!
May 13, 2024
This book helped center my goal of getting my life together. Great read and applicable to moms.
January 26, 2020
What an inspiring book to follow your dreams! But also basically an instructional manual on how to get yourself in the right frame of mind and go! This book is set up in a way that allows you to read short bits at a time (for a busy mom) or to read in one sitting (for the avid reader). I really enjoyed it!
January 8, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do you ever have those moments when you think you’re the only one who experiences something and then find out you’re NOT alone and your struggles are actually pretty common?! THIS was the book for me.
If you find yourself emotionally (and sometimes physically!) drained from the daily act of parenting and can’t figure out a way to help, read Stretch Marks! Heck, this could work for non-parents as well!
Amber Trueblood provides tools to tackle the obstacles we find ourselves facing frequently while also giving some insight into her own struggles. While I don’t read a ton of self-help books, I needed this book. I was able to dig deep and see what I really want to focus on as a mom, wife, and person in general.
Do you ever have those moments when you think you’re the only one who experiences something and then find out you’re NOT alone and your struggles are actually pretty common?! THIS was the book for me.
If you find yourself emotionally (and sometimes physically!) drained from the daily act of parenting and can’t figure out a way to help, read Stretch Marks! Heck, this could work for non-parents as well!
Amber Trueblood provides tools to tackle the obstacles we find ourselves facing frequently while also giving some insight into her own struggles. While I don’t read a ton of self-help books, I needed this book. I was able to dig deep and see what I really want to focus on as a mom, wife, and person in general.
September 6, 2021
Stretch Marks helps mothers by inspiring, entertaining, and laying out how to create more time, more peace, and more joy in their lives.
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This book is a quick read, and has fun mini homework and quizzes that you can do to help you out. I feel that as you become a mom, you lose sight of yourself since you are so focused on your family. This book truly helps guide you to help create more space, time, and excitement in your life and not feel “mom guilt”.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This book is a quick read, and has fun mini homework and quizzes that you can do to help you out. I feel that as you become a mom, you lose sight of yourself since you are so focused on your family. This book truly helps guide you to help create more space, time, and excitement in your life and not feel “mom guilt”.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews