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Hold On, But Don't Hold Still
Delivering inspiration and "parenting comedy at its finest,"* here is one woman's story of ditching her fairytale dreams and falling in love with her unpredictable, chaotic, imperfect life
Kristina Kuzmič has made herself a household name, speaking directly to mothers from the trenches of parenthood via her viral videos and social media presence. She is now bringing her message of self-acceptance, resilience, and joy to book readers. With a refreshingly unpretentious, funny, and galvanizing voice, Kuzmič goes behind the scenes to reveal how she went from broke and defeated to unshakably grounded and brimming with thankfulness. Illuminating the hard-won wisdom from a life always spent one step behind--whether it was as a high school student new to America, a suddenly single mother to two kids, a newlywed juggling two teens and a newborn, or the unexpected recipient of Oprah's attention and investment--Hold On, But Don't Hold Still is the book every mother needs to reassure her that she's not only fine just as she is, but that she already has more tools and support than she can possibly imagine. Sparkling with wit, this heartfelt memoir is like a long coffee date with a best friend, or the eleventh-hour text message that gives you just the boost you need to get through the night.
*The Huffington Post
Duration: 06:38:57
Number of parts: 6
Kristina Kuzmič has made herself a household name, speaking directly to mothers from the trenches of parenthood via her viral videos and social media presence. She is now bringing her message of self-acceptance, resilience, and joy to book readers. With a refreshingly unpretentious, funny, and galvanizing voice, Kuzmič goes behind the scenes to reveal how she went from broke and defeated to unshakably grounded and brimming with thankfulness. Illuminating the hard-won wisdom from a life always spent one step behind--whether it was as a high school student new to America, a suddenly single mother to two kids, a newlywed juggling two teens and a newborn, or the unexpected recipient of Oprah's attention and investment--Hold On, But Don't Hold Still is the book every mother needs to reassure her that she's not only fine just as she is, but that she already has more tools and support than she can possibly imagine. Sparkling with wit, this heartfelt memoir is like a long coffee date with a best friend, or the eleventh-hour text message that gives you just the boost you need to get through the night.
*The Huffington Post
Duration: 06:38:57
Number of parts: 6
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 11, 2020
628 people are currently reading
5253 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Kuzmic
4 books198 followersKristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It’s not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, depression…), Kristina wanted to be for others what she wished someone had been for her during her darkest hours.
Now, with over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill.
In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality TV competition “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that THING?…That’s so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I’m like her’… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS’ girl… I wanna watch her!”
Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating mom-centric videos about raising children and juggling all of life’s challenges. Her messages resonate with moms, dads, and even those who don’t have children. She has quickly become a viral sensation with well over 2.8 million Facebook followers. Kristina has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with a massive audience (from young millennials through Gen-Xers and even Baby Boomers).
The Huffington Post referred to Kristina’s videos as “Parenting comedy at its finest,” and The Inquisitrhas praised her “witty charm.” People, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Parents,and many more have posted articles on her creative parenting advice and unique humor, and media outlets across the country are picking up her videos and re-posting them. Kristina has quickly made a name for herself as a creative, yet unpretentious parent, as well as a world-renowned motivational speaker and comedian. She is currently touring the country with her “Hope & Humor” tour. Her first book,Hold On But Don’t Hold Still, will be released through Penguin Random House in February 2020.
Kristina and her husband live in Southern California, where her most important, rewarding, and exhausting roles include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffer, conflict resolution guru, and cheerleader for her three (mostly satisfied) clients – her children.
Now, with over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill.
In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality TV competition “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that THING?…That’s so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I’m like her’… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS’ girl… I wanna watch her!”
Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating mom-centric videos about raising children and juggling all of life’s challenges. Her messages resonate with moms, dads, and even those who don’t have children. She has quickly become a viral sensation with well over 2.8 million Facebook followers. Kristina has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with a massive audience (from young millennials through Gen-Xers and even Baby Boomers).
The Huffington Post referred to Kristina’s videos as “Parenting comedy at its finest,” and The Inquisitrhas praised her “witty charm.” People, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Parents,and many more have posted articles on her creative parenting advice and unique humor, and media outlets across the country are picking up her videos and re-posting them. Kristina has quickly made a name for herself as a creative, yet unpretentious parent, as well as a world-renowned motivational speaker and comedian. She is currently touring the country with her “Hope & Humor” tour. Her first book,Hold On But Don’t Hold Still, will be released through Penguin Random House in February 2020.
Kristina and her husband live in Southern California, where her most important, rewarding, and exhausting roles include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffer, conflict resolution guru, and cheerleader for her three (mostly satisfied) clients – her children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 756 reviews
March 1, 2020
Way better than Girl Wash Your Face!
I have nothing bad to say about this book. At first, I thought the writing wasn't the best, it felt a bit rambling, but then I realized; That's how Kristina talks! And that's what I love about her and this book. She is not afraid to be herself. And the more I read, the more I felt the writing was incredibly clever and down to earth.
This book is marketed as a self-help book, but it's also a parenting book and an autobiography of sorts. I've read some very useful parenting and self-help books and some parenting books that left me feeling incredibly guilty and angry. This book is completely different. It is so real and inspiring and hopeful. It makes me feel like I can do this parenting thing while giving some useful advice.
I will definitely be buying this book because I was sorely tempted to deface my library copy. That's how many golden nuggets are in this book. I wanted to underline like every freaking sentence. There are so many of her practices I want to adopt.
This book legitimately made me laugh and cry. I felt like a better person after reading it and like I wanted to try and be better at the same time. Krisinta has had so many experiences that different people can relate to. I wish I could buy a copy for every parent.
I have nothing bad to say about this book. At first, I thought the writing wasn't the best, it felt a bit rambling, but then I realized; That's how Kristina talks! And that's what I love about her and this book. She is not afraid to be herself. And the more I read, the more I felt the writing was incredibly clever and down to earth.
This book is marketed as a self-help book, but it's also a parenting book and an autobiography of sorts. I've read some very useful parenting and self-help books and some parenting books that left me feeling incredibly guilty and angry. This book is completely different. It is so real and inspiring and hopeful. It makes me feel like I can do this parenting thing while giving some useful advice.
I will definitely be buying this book because I was sorely tempted to deface my library copy. That's how many golden nuggets are in this book. I wanted to underline like every freaking sentence. There are so many of her practices I want to adopt.
This book legitimately made me laugh and cry. I felt like a better person after reading it and like I wanted to try and be better at the same time. Krisinta has had so many experiences that different people can relate to. I wish I could buy a copy for every parent.
July 28, 2021
I had never heard of Kristina Kuzmic before, but I would totally love to hang out with her. Her messages are not necessarily new, but they are good reminders, and her stories are great. She’s funny and real and uplifting.
She was a teenage immigrant, a poor single mom, and a contestant on a show for Oprah. Wow. When asked what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to help people who are at their lowest know it would get better. She’d been there. She’d been crushed by life until she wanted to end it all. And now, to want to help other people who were now where she’d been, is such a great attitude.
She talks a lot about parenting and about feeling like a crappy parent (because we all do), and I needed that.
I don’t know if you’ll get much out of the book if you’re not a parent. Either way, the stories are funny and honest and real.
Instead of judging people, make their day better. Instead of criticizing people, encourage them. We need to stop being jerks to each other and give each other a break because we’re all in this together.
Language: One story about saying s–t
Sexual Content: Two instances of sexual assault
Violence: War and bombs
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
*Reader’s Choice Fall 2021*
She was a teenage immigrant, a poor single mom, and a contestant on a show for Oprah. Wow. When asked what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to help people who are at their lowest know it would get better. She’d been there. She’d been crushed by life until she wanted to end it all. And now, to want to help other people who were now where she’d been, is such a great attitude.
She talks a lot about parenting and about feeling like a crappy parent (because we all do), and I needed that.
I don’t know if you’ll get much out of the book if you’re not a parent. Either way, the stories are funny and honest and real.
Instead of judging people, make their day better. Instead of criticizing people, encourage them. We need to stop being jerks to each other and give each other a break because we’re all in this together.
Language: One story about saying s–t
Sexual Content: Two instances of sexual assault
Violence: War and bombs
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
*Reader’s Choice Fall 2021*
March 21, 2020
So I like Kristina Kuzmic. She has a great energy and some great messages too, unlike some other books/authors in the same category.
But I just got plain bored. It was just so much of the same.
Maybe really for real fans?
But I just got plain bored. It was just so much of the same.
Maybe really for real fans?
January 20, 2022
Абсолютни 5 🌟!
Тази книга искрено ме разсмя и разплака и то на няколко пъти. Няма шанс да сте родител и да остане равнодушни. Кристина има способността да пише увлекателно и достъпно. Подарете си време за Вас в нейната компания.
Тази книга искрено ме разсмя и разплака и то на няколко пъти. Няма шанс да сте родител и да остане равнодушни. Кристина има способността да пише увлекателно и достъпно. Подарете си време за Вас в нейната компания.
February 25, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Funny, insightful, inspiring, and very often relatable, Hold On, But Don't Hold Still is a memoir I would recommend to any mom in the trenches of parenting. This offers a nice balance of personal history, child-rearing anecdotes, life lessons, advice, and encouragement, all with a strong dose of humor. This made me laugh, a few times made me emotional, and reminded me that parenting isn't easy, but it's worth it and we're all in this together. And it's a good reminder to tell the mom with the screaming child on the airplane that you have been there too. Kids are hilarious, lovable terrors and it's nice to know it's not just you! I received an audio copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Funny, insightful, inspiring, and very often relatable, Hold On, But Don't Hold Still is a memoir I would recommend to any mom in the trenches of parenting. This offers a nice balance of personal history, child-rearing anecdotes, life lessons, advice, and encouragement, all with a strong dose of humor. This made me laugh, a few times made me emotional, and reminded me that parenting isn't easy, but it's worth it and we're all in this together. And it's a good reminder to tell the mom with the screaming child on the airplane that you have been there too. Kids are hilarious, lovable terrors and it's nice to know it's not just you! I received an audio copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2021
This is Nonfiction/Memoir/Inspirational. I loved this one. She was funny, but she also felt real, authentic, positive and honest. All things I love in the Memoir genre.
The best part is that she was relatable. It felt like a conversation with a friend over a burger and fries. And the bonus is that there are plenty of take-aways to live a better life. So 5 whole stars for this one.
The best part is that she was relatable. It felt like a conversation with a friend over a burger and fries. And the bonus is that there are plenty of take-aways to live a better life. So 5 whole stars for this one.
February 26, 2020
I love this women. She writes like she talks! I can hear her saying the words on the paper. I appreciate her blunt way of explaining things. How she explains them and then flips the perspective with another explanation so you can understand it from multiple points of view. She's open and real and authentic. I wish I had the book with me so I could put a few quotes in this review (alas I do not.) I highlighted something from almost every chapter that really inspired me. I loved reading about her background and learning how she got to where she is. The book isn't laid out chronologically...our minds skip from story to story no matter the order. That's how this book is written, I can appreciate that. Kristina, thank you for such an amazing book and for being able to share your amazingness with everyone! Way to go, you hit the ball out of the park with this! 💖💖
March 28, 2024
Kristina Kuzmic este genul de autoare care inspiră. Cartea ei nu este doar despre parenting ci și despre povestea ei ca mamă. Prezintă sacrificiile (cum ar fi menținerea unei relații cu tatăl copiilor după divorț) pe care le-a făcut spre binele copiilor ei și principiile pe care se bazează în creșterea acestora.
Mi-a plăcut mult cum gândește și ce a scris în această carte mai mult autobiografică dintr-o perspectivă. Inspiră pozitivism, inițiativa de a trece la fapte concrete și curajul de a sacrifica tot confortul pentru a crește cât mai armonios copii.
Mi-a plăcut mult cum gândește și ce a scris în această carte mai mult autobiografică dintr-o perspectivă. Inspiră pozitivism, inițiativa de a trece la fapte concrete și curajul de a sacrifica tot confortul pentru a crește cât mai armonios copii.
March 20, 2024
Relaxant
June 20, 2021
O urmăresc pe Kristina de mai mulți ani și videourile ei întotdeauna mi-au plăcut: e viața reală povestită fără menajamente, cu mici glumițe înserate pe alocuri pentru a crea o bună dispoziție și o stare de bine. Este mamă a trei copii, a avut parte de perioade foarte grele în viață, dar mesajul ei a fost mereu că nimeni nu este perfect, greșim ca părinți, ca parteneri de viață, nu avem mereu casa perfect aranjată, copiii nu se comportă întotdeauna ca niste îngerași (ca și părinții de altfel).
Cred că aș putea găsi câte un citat care mi-a plăcut pe fiecare pagină, iar stilul autoarei este foarte drăguț.
📚 "- Deci, Kristina, ce-ți dorești în ultimă instanţă? O emisiune la televizor? Un turneu de conferinţe? Ce vrei să faci cu viața ta? Fără să stau deloc pe gânduri, le-am trântit răspunsul:
Vreau să fiu pentru alții sprijinul de care am avut eu nevoie când eram la pământ. În timp ce vorbeam, am simțit cum mi se gâtuie vocea."
📚 "Rolul de părinte ne aduce fericire şi tristețe, ne împlinește și ne stoarce de energie. Ne face să ne simțim ca niște supereroi preț de o clipă şi ca nişte oameni de nimic o clipă mai târziu. Să fii părinte e complicat. Foarte, foarte complicat."
📚 "Am fost întrebată de-a lungul anilor cum îi tratez pe haterii mei. Răspunsul este: nu-i tratez nicicum. Pentru că nu este treaba mea să tratez cu ei. Atunci când te judecă cineva, e puțin probabil ca judecata să fie cu adevărat despre tine. După cum văd eu lucrurile, purtăm după noi o grămadă de valize. Avem o valiză cu îndoieli. Avem o valiză cu stres. Avem o valiză cu vinovăție și griji. S-ar putea să cărăm unele valize încă din copilărie, cu povești care ni s-au spus despre cine suntem şi care nici măcar nu sunt adevărate."
📚 "Probabil că n-am conştientizat la vremea
respectivă, dar, când ne-am îndrăgostit de bebeluşul ăla atât de drăgălaș și de dulce, ne-am înhămat în același timp și la munca uriașă, copleşitoare, de a crește un adolescent. Nimeni nu ajunge cu burta la gură după ce se gândește: Uau, ce încântare ar fi să am un adolescent în care tropăie hormonii, care-mi răspunde obraznic, care-și dă ochii peste cap și care-mi trântește ușa-n nas!"
Cred că aș putea găsi câte un citat care mi-a plăcut pe fiecare pagină, iar stilul autoarei este foarte drăguț.
📚 "- Deci, Kristina, ce-ți dorești în ultimă instanţă? O emisiune la televizor? Un turneu de conferinţe? Ce vrei să faci cu viața ta? Fără să stau deloc pe gânduri, le-am trântit răspunsul:
Vreau să fiu pentru alții sprijinul de care am avut eu nevoie când eram la pământ. În timp ce vorbeam, am simțit cum mi se gâtuie vocea."
📚 "Rolul de părinte ne aduce fericire şi tristețe, ne împlinește și ne stoarce de energie. Ne face să ne simțim ca niște supereroi preț de o clipă şi ca nişte oameni de nimic o clipă mai târziu. Să fii părinte e complicat. Foarte, foarte complicat."
📚 "Am fost întrebată de-a lungul anilor cum îi tratez pe haterii mei. Răspunsul este: nu-i tratez nicicum. Pentru că nu este treaba mea să tratez cu ei. Atunci când te judecă cineva, e puțin probabil ca judecata să fie cu adevărat despre tine. După cum văd eu lucrurile, purtăm după noi o grămadă de valize. Avem o valiză cu îndoieli. Avem o valiză cu stres. Avem o valiză cu vinovăție și griji. S-ar putea să cărăm unele valize încă din copilărie, cu povești care ni s-au spus despre cine suntem şi care nici măcar nu sunt adevărate."
📚 "Probabil că n-am conştientizat la vremea
respectivă, dar, când ne-am îndrăgostit de bebeluşul ăla atât de drăgălaș și de dulce, ne-am înhămat în același timp și la munca uriașă, copleşitoare, de a crește un adolescent. Nimeni nu ajunge cu burta la gură după ce se gândește: Uau, ce încântare ar fi să am un adolescent în care tropăie hormonii, care-mi răspunde obraznic, care-și dă ochii peste cap și care-mi trântește ușa-n nas!"
August 15, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Viking in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I could not stop laughing when I finished this book. Having friends that are parents and all the struggles they go through with young children, I know they will appreciate this book. It's unbelievable the stories Kristina describes in fine detail and how hysterically charming they all are and so relatable too. Our community members and patrons will go crazy for this and it will do very well at our library.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography and Humor collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I could not stop laughing when I finished this book. Having friends that are parents and all the struggles they go through with young children, I know they will appreciate this book. It's unbelievable the stories Kristina describes in fine detail and how hysterically charming they all are and so relatable too. Our community members and patrons will go crazy for this and it will do very well at our library.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography and Humor collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Read
February 20, 2020This book was something that I really needed to read, and I believe every mom could use this in her arsenal of resources as she wades her way through the swampy parts of motherhood. She is as raw as she is kind, and reminds you of how normal and worthy of good things you are. I am happy and thankful to have read her words.
April 18, 2020
I love Kuzmic's podcast and loved her book too. She is a 'rags to riches' story. An immigrant that left a war torn country as a child with her family to come to the US. Marrying, divorcing, and then restarting her life. Throughout her life she maintained her positive outlook, making 'lemonaide out of the lemons life had given her and keeping a brave and positive front for her children.
June 30, 2021
If you find yourself wanting to read a Rachel Hollis book, don't. And read this instead. I like listening to books like this on audio and her audio delivery was terrific (of course, if you've ever watched her videos). I didn't know much about her life, and the biography aspect of this was very compelling.
February 7, 2022
V tejto knihe sa úplne odhaľuje. Je vtipná, sarkastická, vášnivá, uletená...ale hlavne inšpirujúca. Kristina Kuzmič zažila dno, slobodná matka s dvomi deťmi, rátala každý dolár a jej sebavedomie kleslo nižšie, ako keď lastovičky lietajú tesne nad zemou pred blížiacim sa dažďom.
Dnes je to svetoznáma influencerka, ktorá má len na Instagrame 500-tisíc followerov. Napísala motivačné a zábavné čítanie o rodičovstve, každodennom zápasení s problémami a pochybnosťami spojenými s výchovou detí.
Ideálna kniha pre všetky mamy malých detí, a špeciálne pre tie rozvedené, opustené alebo tie, ktoré si prechádzajú rozvodom.
„Mnohé noci som trávila na dlážke vedľa detskej poschodovej postele, počítala som prepitné, ktoré som dostala ako čašníčka, aby som sa uistila, že mám v danom mesiaci dosť peňazí na zaplatenie účtov, cítila som sa ako neschopná mama...
A potom som jedného dňa pozbierala odvahu a prestala som sa vznášať na hladine svojho života ako bezmocná postava z knihy.“
Existuje pomenovanie pre to, keď veci nevychádzajú tak, ako by ste chceli – „život“.
„Moji diváci ma poznajú ako „vtipnú mamu“, mamu, ktorá nachádza humor v každej škáre materstva a pritom sa napcháva čokoládovými koláčikmi a pije kávu priamo z kanvice,“ píše Kristina vo svojej knihe. „Zbožňujem humor. Potrebujem ho. Pasovať sa so životom bez humoru je ako jesť polievku vidličkou. Jasné, v konečnom dôsledku do seba dostanete trochu živín, ale prídete o toľko dobroty! Kým som sa však dokázala naučiť smiať z toho, že som mama, čo v sebe našla dosť odvahy popasovať sa so zložitými životnými výzvami, potrebovala som čosi oveľa nevyhnutnejšie a zásadnejšie než humor: nádej.“
Už na prvých stranách Kristina napríklad popisuje, ako dostala e-mail od akejsi ženy – tá videla jej bláznivé videá a navrhla, aby sa prihlásila do súťaže Oprah hľadá novú televíznu hviezdu. Vraj preto, že patrí na televízne obrazovky. Nielenže tú ženu nepoznala, ale s partnerom ani nevlastnili fungujúci televízor, takže o Oprahinej súťaži vôbec netušili.
Napokon sa prihlásila, zavolali jej z kastingu, nasledujúce mesiace postupovala do ďalšieho a ďalšieho kola, až sa ocitla medzi desiatkou najlepších. Vybrala ju samotná Oprah.
„Pamätám si iba jednu myšlienku: OPRAH VIE, KTO SOM! Rozoznala by moju tvár, keby ma zbadala v zástupe ľudí! Keby pred ňou niekto spomenul moje meno, nenútene by odvetila: „Ach áno, viem, o kom je reč.“ Skutočná súťaž sa mala ešte iba začať, no už vtedy som mala pocit, že som vyhrala v živote viac, než som čakala...“
Ako sa to skončilo? Prečítajte si v knihe Drž sa! :-)
Drž sa! je knižná paródia, komédia o jednej obyčajnej žene-matke, ktorá sa dokázala otriasť z porážok a neúspechov. Veľmi osviežujúce čítanie pre každú mamu, ktorá má malé deti a myslí si, že je v tých najväčších s...ách. Toto sú jej skutočné príhody a zážitky, láskavé, uletené, srdečné a zábavné.
Cesta od depky a nízkeho sebavedomia k láske k životu. K tomu, ako si ho užívať, vychutnávať a brať (i dávať) maximum.
Pred rokmi – keď som sa nenávidela – som sa až tak nelíšila od osoby, ktorou som dnes. Zmenilo sa iba moje vnímanie. Predtým som sa sústredila na negatíva. Nebrala som na vedomie, aká som silná. Necenila som si na sebe, koľko toho každý deň zvládnem dokonca aj vtedy, keď som sa práve zmietala uprostred náročného boja.
Počas posledných pár mesiacov mi najviac pomáha istota, že robím všetko, čo je v mojich silách. Nie, nie som bez chyby. Áno, urobila som ich veľa. (Lebo... som človek!) No robím, čo môžem, a ak niečo neviem, snažím sa to naučiť. Som úprimná. Som otvorená. Dovolím druhým, aby mi pomohli. Chodím na sedenia s terapeutom. Starám sa o seba. A, čo je najdôležitejšie, vedome si cením, čo robím, namiesto toho, aby som sa kritizovala, pristupujem k sebe s väčším nadhľadom a neodsudzujem sa. Má to taký veľký význam, až by som najradšej chytila každého z vás za plecia, pozrela vám do očí a opakovala vám to, kým by ste si neuvedomili, že mám pravdu: Prosím, ceňte si, čo robíte, a nekritizujte sa, pristupujte k sebe s väčším nadhľadom a neodsudzujte sa. Zaslúžite si to. Zmení vás to.
Mám po krk prehliadania či podkopávania toho, koľko toho naozaj robím a akej lásky som schopná. A nevzdávam sa. Odmietam utekať pred problémami, skrývať sa a popierať ich existenciu či držať sa v blaženej nevedomosti. Akokoľvek náročné sú život a rodičovstvo, dávam si záležať, aby som nikdy neprestala bojovať. Aby som sa so všetkým aspoň pokúsila popasovať.
Dnes je to svetoznáma influencerka, ktorá má len na Instagrame 500-tisíc followerov. Napísala motivačné a zábavné čítanie o rodičovstve, každodennom zápasení s problémami a pochybnosťami spojenými s výchovou detí.
Ideálna kniha pre všetky mamy malých detí, a špeciálne pre tie rozvedené, opustené alebo tie, ktoré si prechádzajú rozvodom.
„Mnohé noci som trávila na dlážke vedľa detskej poschodovej postele, počítala som prepitné, ktoré som dostala ako čašníčka, aby som sa uistila, že mám v danom mesiaci dosť peňazí na zaplatenie účtov, cítila som sa ako neschopná mama...
A potom som jedného dňa pozbierala odvahu a prestala som sa vznášať na hladine svojho života ako bezmocná postava z knihy.“
Existuje pomenovanie pre to, keď veci nevychádzajú tak, ako by ste chceli – „život“.
„Moji diváci ma poznajú ako „vtipnú mamu“, mamu, ktorá nachádza humor v každej škáre materstva a pritom sa napcháva čokoládovými koláčikmi a pije kávu priamo z kanvice,“ píše Kristina vo svojej knihe. „Zbožňujem humor. Potrebujem ho. Pasovať sa so životom bez humoru je ako jesť polievku vidličkou. Jasné, v konečnom dôsledku do seba dostanete trochu živín, ale prídete o toľko dobroty! Kým som sa však dokázala naučiť smiať z toho, že som mama, čo v sebe našla dosť odvahy popasovať sa so zložitými životnými výzvami, potrebovala som čosi oveľa nevyhnutnejšie a zásadnejšie než humor: nádej.“
Už na prvých stranách Kristina napríklad popisuje, ako dostala e-mail od akejsi ženy – tá videla jej bláznivé videá a navrhla, aby sa prihlásila do súťaže Oprah hľadá novú televíznu hviezdu. Vraj preto, že patrí na televízne obrazovky. Nielenže tú ženu nepoznala, ale s partnerom ani nevlastnili fungujúci televízor, takže o Oprahinej súťaži vôbec netušili.
Napokon sa prihlásila, zavolali jej z kastingu, nasledujúce mesiace postupovala do ďalšieho a ďalšieho kola, až sa ocitla medzi desiatkou najlepších. Vybrala ju samotná Oprah.
„Pamätám si iba jednu myšlienku: OPRAH VIE, KTO SOM! Rozoznala by moju tvár, keby ma zbadala v zástupe ľudí! Keby pred ňou niekto spomenul moje meno, nenútene by odvetila: „Ach áno, viem, o kom je reč.“ Skutočná súťaž sa mala ešte iba začať, no už vtedy som mala pocit, že som vyhrala v živote viac, než som čakala...“
Ako sa to skončilo? Prečítajte si v knihe Drž sa! :-)
Drž sa! je knižná paródia, komédia o jednej obyčajnej žene-matke, ktorá sa dokázala otriasť z porážok a neúspechov. Veľmi osviežujúce čítanie pre každú mamu, ktorá má malé deti a myslí si, že je v tých najväčších s...ách. Toto sú jej skutočné príhody a zážitky, láskavé, uletené, srdečné a zábavné.
Cesta od depky a nízkeho sebavedomia k láske k životu. K tomu, ako si ho užívať, vychutnávať a brať (i dávať) maximum.
Pred rokmi – keď som sa nenávidela – som sa až tak nelíšila od osoby, ktorou som dnes. Zmenilo sa iba moje vnímanie. Predtým som sa sústredila na negatíva. Nebrala som na vedomie, aká som silná. Necenila som si na sebe, koľko toho každý deň zvládnem dokonca aj vtedy, keď som sa práve zmietala uprostred náročného boja.
Počas posledných pár mesiacov mi najviac pomáha istota, že robím všetko, čo je v mojich silách. Nie, nie som bez chyby. Áno, urobila som ich veľa. (Lebo... som človek!) No robím, čo môžem, a ak niečo neviem, snažím sa to naučiť. Som úprimná. Som otvorená. Dovolím druhým, aby mi pomohli. Chodím na sedenia s terapeutom. Starám sa o seba. A, čo je najdôležitejšie, vedome si cením, čo robím, namiesto toho, aby som sa kritizovala, pristupujem k sebe s väčším nadhľadom a neodsudzujem sa. Má to taký veľký význam, až by som najradšej chytila každého z vás za plecia, pozrela vám do očí a opakovala vám to, kým by ste si neuvedomili, že mám pravdu: Prosím, ceňte si, čo robíte, a nekritizujte sa, pristupujte k sebe s väčším nadhľadom a neodsudzujte sa. Zaslúžite si to. Zmení vás to.
Mám po krk prehliadania či podkopávania toho, koľko toho naozaj robím a akej lásky som schopná. A nevzdávam sa. Odmietam utekať pred problémami, skrývať sa a popierať ich existenciu či držať sa v blaženej nevedomosti. Akokoľvek náročné sú život a rodičovstvo, dávam si záležať, aby som nikdy neprestala bojovať. Aby som sa so všetkým aspoň pokúsila popasovať.
September 6, 2024
Visiškai atsitiktinai knyga pateko į rankas, kai viename prekybos centre pamačiau jos kainą su nuolaida. Bet tokia gera ir tokia laiku, kad iš karto ir pradėjau skaityti. Tai ne romanas, nors romantiška istorija yra. Tai ne psichologinė knyga, nors daug pamokslų, pamąstymų. Tai tiesiog vienos išsiskyrusios moters, mamos, likusios su vaikais, praradusios viltį, ateitį, namus, bet kaip su visu tuo susidorojo, kaip ėjo pasitikėjimo keliu, kaip rado viduje stiprybės nepalūžti, o palūžus atsikelti ir vėl eiti. Šiuo metu ji laiminga ir turi vyrą, dar vieną vaiką, yra žinoma socialinių tinklų sekėjams.
Tiesiog knygoje daug situacijų, patarimų, kurie tinka bet kuriai savimi karts nuo kartu sudvejojančiai mamai, moteriai. Kad ne vienos mes tokios, pas visas visko būna, ir tai visiškai normalu ❤️
Tiesiog knygoje daug situacijų, patarimų, kurie tinka bet kuriai savimi karts nuo kartu sudvejojančiai mamai, moteriai. Kad ne vienos mes tokios, pas visas visko būna, ir tai visiškai normalu ❤️
did-not-finish
September 28, 2023DNF at page 40. No hard feelings, but this was just not for me. I really liked the intro but as I neared the end of the second chapter, I realized I was quickly losing interest. It’s on me, because I just don’t know this woman. My reading this book was part of the “12 books in 12 months by 12 friends” (12x12x12) that I started on Instagram. This has not been a winning challenge for me.
May 14, 2022
Funny, relatable, encouraging, touching, and, at times, profoundly heartbreaking, Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still is an intimate confession of the real and raw aspects of Kristina Kuzmič’s life as a woman, single parent, and mother.
Like so many of us, I’ve often felt a connection with Kristina’s stories. I wish she’d been a presence in my life when I was bringing up my children, as so much of what she shares were things I desperately needed to hear back then. I was around a lot of “perfect” parents who liked to fixate on my perceived flaws, never considering my unique circumstances as single parent living in poverty without reliable (and non-resentful) support and with children who were struggling immensely. It was, for so long, a degrading and isolating experience. Kristina does incredibly well reminding all of us that we are not alone and I still find comfort in that, even though those years of raising children have passed for me. She is honest about those struggles and quite outspoken against those who choose shame over compassion. I am very grateful for her voice.
Some of the anecdotes she shared in Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still were stories I’d already heard her share in some of her social media videos, but it never hurts to have those reminders. She’s been through a lot of painfully difficult experiences and has known the darkness of depression well, but continues to persevere and speak out so others can find comfort as they face their own battles.
My only issue with the book surfaced gradually and became more intense toward the end. While she does share some of her parenting and human being fails, parts of this book did feel like a collection of unsolicited advice and recollections of the very best things she said to and did for her kids. As noted, this seemed more prevalent near the book’s conclusion. It’s not that those moments are unnecessary to share, but the balance between the fails and highlight reels when it came to how she parented felt a bit uneven. I imagine the over abundance of highlights might feel unintentionally discouraging to some parents in the midst of difficulty. It isn’t that she strayed from the idea that all parents struggle. It simply seemed like she handled so many of those situations in such admirable ways and she wanted the reader to know that. Her stories revealing imperfections in parenting and divorce were few and far between and the mention of failing in those areas were rarely as in depth as the stories of what she did “right.” The struggle was there, but the flawed human aspect seemed less prevalent. We definitely need to know we’re not alone in those struggles, but we also need to know that we’re not alone when we mess up within those struggles.
Regardless, I enjoyed learning more about Kristina’s life, including her challenging childhood. I laughed and cried many times. As a memoir, it was a meaningful read for me. As a self-help book, I was not fully satisfied, but self-help will never be the genre of choice for me.
CW: Family death, divorce, sexual assault, sexual harassment, war and trauma associated with war, mental health struggles, & suicicial ideations.
Like so many of us, I’ve often felt a connection with Kristina’s stories. I wish she’d been a presence in my life when I was bringing up my children, as so much of what she shares were things I desperately needed to hear back then. I was around a lot of “perfect” parents who liked to fixate on my perceived flaws, never considering my unique circumstances as single parent living in poverty without reliable (and non-resentful) support and with children who were struggling immensely. It was, for so long, a degrading and isolating experience. Kristina does incredibly well reminding all of us that we are not alone and I still find comfort in that, even though those years of raising children have passed for me. She is honest about those struggles and quite outspoken against those who choose shame over compassion. I am very grateful for her voice.
Some of the anecdotes she shared in Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still were stories I’d already heard her share in some of her social media videos, but it never hurts to have those reminders. She’s been through a lot of painfully difficult experiences and has known the darkness of depression well, but continues to persevere and speak out so others can find comfort as they face their own battles.
My only issue with the book surfaced gradually and became more intense toward the end. While she does share some of her parenting and human being fails, parts of this book did feel like a collection of unsolicited advice and recollections of the very best things she said to and did for her kids. As noted, this seemed more prevalent near the book’s conclusion. It’s not that those moments are unnecessary to share, but the balance between the fails and highlight reels when it came to how she parented felt a bit uneven. I imagine the over abundance of highlights might feel unintentionally discouraging to some parents in the midst of difficulty. It isn’t that she strayed from the idea that all parents struggle. It simply seemed like she handled so many of those situations in such admirable ways and she wanted the reader to know that. Her stories revealing imperfections in parenting and divorce were few and far between and the mention of failing in those areas were rarely as in depth as the stories of what she did “right.” The struggle was there, but the flawed human aspect seemed less prevalent. We definitely need to know we’re not alone in those struggles, but we also need to know that we’re not alone when we mess up within those struggles.
Regardless, I enjoyed learning more about Kristina’s life, including her challenging childhood. I laughed and cried many times. As a memoir, it was a meaningful read for me. As a self-help book, I was not fully satisfied, but self-help will never be the genre of choice for me.
CW: Family death, divorce, sexual assault, sexual harassment, war and trauma associated with war, mental health struggles, & suicicial ideations.
January 16, 2021
Fii tu. Bucură-te că ești. Nu te lua prea mult în serios. Nu-i lua nici pe alții prea mult în serios. Găsește binele. Fii bun. Nu-ti mai face atâtea griji. Găsește calea de mijloc. Fii autentic. Nu-ți pierde simțul umorului. Trăiește, târăște-te, trăiește. Iubește viața. Și pâinea. Sau mâncarea bună, în orice caz. Oamenii fericiți sunt fericiți pentru că la finalul unei zile de rahat se gândesc la „Mda, dar…” si-atunci știu că mai au încă lucruri frumoase de care să se bucure.
Știți în ce mod face diferența o căciulă și o pereche groasă de mănuși într-o zi geroasă? Uite cam așa e cartea asta. Îți ține de cald, dacă înțelegi ce vreau să zic.
Citeste toata recenzia ⬇
http://momenteinviata.ro/ramai-asa-cu...
Știți în ce mod face diferența o căciulă și o pereche groasă de mănuși într-o zi geroasă? Uite cam așa e cartea asta. Îți ține de cald, dacă înțelegi ce vreau să zic.
Citeste toata recenzia ⬇
http://momenteinviata.ro/ramai-asa-cu...
July 28, 2020
For about the first third of this book, I thought this was going to be a 3-star read. Pretty good, enjoyable, especially for having been written by someone who is basically social media famous, but ultimately forgettable. But then Kristina goes a step further than a lot of these kind of books. She delves into some serious topics, with hard-hitting takes on how she handled things, and sometimes, how she wishes she had done things differently. We are all just so hard on ourselves and each other. It's time to cut us all a little more slack.
May 2, 2021
Ne trebate biti toliko na "ti" s temom roditeljstva da uživate u humornom osvrtu na istu tematiku u "Drži se" Kristine Kuzmić. Neke citate sam si već zabilježio, iako mi se čini da bi ovo mogla biti knjiga kojoj ću se kad-tad vraćati.
July 27, 2022
Kristina Kuzmič - Drži se!
Najbrž med tistimi, ki večkrat naletite na kakšne šaljive videe, ni človeka, ki ne bi videl katerega od Kristininih kratkih videov. Sama sem jo opazila pred časom, ko ne zaokrožil njen video o tem, kako stresno je starševstvo. Od vseh internetnih mam, mi jih je v zadnjem času kar malo preveč, se mi je ona zdela res zabavna in, ko sem ugotovila, da bo v slovenščini izšla njena knjiga, sem predvidevala, da bi to vendarle znalo biti nekaj zame - ne glede na to, da takšne avtobiografije večinoma res niso po mojem okusu.
V knjigo Kristina opisuje svoje življenje s številnimi vzponi in padci - od vojne v njeni domovini Hrvaški, do selitve v ZDA, propadlega prvega zakona, ponesrečenih projektov in življenja na robu preživetja... Vse skupaj začini še s svojim značilnim humorjem, predvsem pa zdravo pametjo, ki jo v zadnjem času res pogrešam. Knjiga je lahko izredno motivacijsko branje s številnimi nasveti, a brez olepševanja in puhlic.
Pri avtorici mi je všeč, da je v svojem razmišljanju še vedno tako zelo balkanska. In to mislim na najboljši možen način. Zdi se mi, da smo bili v času mojega odraščanja Slovenci še zelo po balkansko naravnani - dvigni se, ok je, zdaj pa se bori naprej. Ne v smislu tlačenja nekih čustev ali težav, ampak na način, da vsaka najmanjša težava še ne pomeni konca sveta. Pač v življenju NJ vse rožnato in prav je tako. Ljudje rabimo vse vrste izkušenj in ta zahodnjaška miselnost, da je vse takoj triger, vse je takoj anksioznost, predvsem pa, da so vse težave v astronomskih višinah, mi gre res na in živce.
Je pa obenem tudi zelo realna kar se tiče skrbi za svoje duševno zdravje in to tudi vedno poudari. Čisto zmeraj pač ne moreš rešiti težave sam.
Če mi je bila zelo všeč ta njena balkanska prvina, pa mi je bila pri knjigi morda najmanj všeč lastnost, ki pa je tipično ameriška. Namreč ponavljanje enakih nasvetov in enakih spoznanj. Skoraj v vsakem poglavju so se določene stvari ponovile, a vseeno mi to bralne izkušnje ni pokvarilo.
Še ena stvar, ki bi jo morda jaz zasnovala drugače je to, da si dogajanje ne sledi v kronološkem zaporedju njenih življenjskih dogodkov. A vseeno je knjiga smiselno izpeljana in bralca to ne bi smelo preveč motiti. Glede na to, da nisem mama in tako naj ne bi bila ciljna publika za tole knjigo, sem ob njej vsekakor uživala. Priporočam jo vsem staršem, še posebej pa tistim, ki imajo težave s primerjanjem s "popolnimi" življenji ostalih. Kristina jasno pove, da je življenje pač sestavljeno iz vzponov in padcev. Iz popolnih doma skuhanih obrokov in ribjih palčk iz zamrzovalnika. Tako pač je. In to je čisto v redu!
Najbrž med tistimi, ki večkrat naletite na kakšne šaljive videe, ni človeka, ki ne bi videl katerega od Kristininih kratkih videov. Sama sem jo opazila pred časom, ko ne zaokrožil njen video o tem, kako stresno je starševstvo. Od vseh internetnih mam, mi jih je v zadnjem času kar malo preveč, se mi je ona zdela res zabavna in, ko sem ugotovila, da bo v slovenščini izšla njena knjiga, sem predvidevala, da bi to vendarle znalo biti nekaj zame - ne glede na to, da takšne avtobiografije večinoma res niso po mojem okusu.
V knjigo Kristina opisuje svoje življenje s številnimi vzponi in padci - od vojne v njeni domovini Hrvaški, do selitve v ZDA, propadlega prvega zakona, ponesrečenih projektov in življenja na robu preživetja... Vse skupaj začini še s svojim značilnim humorjem, predvsem pa zdravo pametjo, ki jo v zadnjem času res pogrešam. Knjiga je lahko izredno motivacijsko branje s številnimi nasveti, a brez olepševanja in puhlic.
Pri avtorici mi je všeč, da je v svojem razmišljanju še vedno tako zelo balkanska. In to mislim na najboljši možen način. Zdi se mi, da smo bili v času mojega odraščanja Slovenci še zelo po balkansko naravnani - dvigni se, ok je, zdaj pa se bori naprej. Ne v smislu tlačenja nekih čustev ali težav, ampak na način, da vsaka najmanjša težava še ne pomeni konca sveta. Pač v življenju NJ vse rožnato in prav je tako. Ljudje rabimo vse vrste izkušenj in ta zahodnjaška miselnost, da je vse takoj triger, vse je takoj anksioznost, predvsem pa, da so vse težave v astronomskih višinah, mi gre res na in živce.
Je pa obenem tudi zelo realna kar se tiče skrbi za svoje duševno zdravje in to tudi vedno poudari. Čisto zmeraj pač ne moreš rešiti težave sam.
Če mi je bila zelo všeč ta njena balkanska prvina, pa mi je bila pri knjigi morda najmanj všeč lastnost, ki pa je tipično ameriška. Namreč ponavljanje enakih nasvetov in enakih spoznanj. Skoraj v vsakem poglavju so se določene stvari ponovile, a vseeno mi to bralne izkušnje ni pokvarilo.
Še ena stvar, ki bi jo morda jaz zasnovala drugače je to, da si dogajanje ne sledi v kronološkem zaporedju njenih življenjskih dogodkov. A vseeno je knjiga smiselno izpeljana in bralca to ne bi smelo preveč motiti. Glede na to, da nisem mama in tako naj ne bi bila ciljna publika za tole knjigo, sem ob njej vsekakor uživala. Priporočam jo vsem staršem, še posebej pa tistim, ki imajo težave s primerjanjem s "popolnimi" življenji ostalih. Kristina jasno pove, da je življenje pač sestavljeno iz vzponov in padcev. Iz popolnih doma skuhanih obrokov in ribjih palčk iz zamrzovalnika. Tako pač je. In to je čisto v redu!
February 21, 2020
If you like Kristina Kuzmic’s videos, you will love this book. I went to her book discussion, and she said this book was like a “reply-all” to the many comments and DMs she gets that she can’t respond to. It really does feel like that. She is candid and open about many topics, including parenting, self-respect, and relationships. Read this one.
July 6, 2021
Funny, sweet, but not a lot to leave with. If you are new to her stuff, you’ll love it! If you’ve been following her already, there’s not much new here. Not mad that I read it but I’m happy to stick to her hilariously encouraging videos on social media.
March 19, 2020
I appreciated this book. At times, I felt like the author was trying to be funny, but I do think that is her personality. A lot of what she said resonated with me as a parent.
May 29, 2020
This book was only so so. Wasn’t profound or really worth the read.
July 1, 2020
This was such a great read! So much of it felt like she was talking about my life. I definitely related to this and felt validated by a lot of her words. ❤️
January 1, 2021
Kristina Kuzmic is one of my favorite people. (Yes, I've never met her in person, but she's still awesome.) I've been a fan of her videos for the longest time, so I was super excited to read her book. If you're looking for a book that's written in a linear fashion, then this book will annoy you, but I actually enjoyed that it wasn't. Reading this book is like sitting with a good friend and talking over lunch.
Kristina talks about her life and family, but she doesn't ever talk badly about people, even though she may not like them. I was able to relate to her talks about parenting (especially teenagers!) and her resolve to always try to be a better version of herself. Reading about her family, you got to feel like you knew them personally. I loved hearing about her grandmother.
There were a lot of laughs for me in this book, but also parts that just made my heart hurt. Even the not-so-good parts were relatable. There were also times when I found myself just nodding my head because I knew exactly what she was talking about.
I wouldn't really call this a parenting book, but she does make some good points about things like how to defuse an argument (again - teenagers!) and basically how not to traumatize your kids. She also reminds you that it's okay to not be perfect and (as my friends and husband like to remind me) that it's not only okay, but NECESSARY to take time for yourself. She does it all without sounding preachy, judgy, or annoying.
I'd say that this was a fun read and much needed for the end of 2020. It was a good start to the new year.
Kristina talks about her life and family, but she doesn't ever talk badly about people, even though she may not like them. I was able to relate to her talks about parenting (especially teenagers!) and her resolve to always try to be a better version of herself. Reading about her family, you got to feel like you knew them personally. I loved hearing about her grandmother.
There were a lot of laughs for me in this book, but also parts that just made my heart hurt. Even the not-so-good parts were relatable. There were also times when I found myself just nodding my head because I knew exactly what she was talking about.
I wouldn't really call this a parenting book, but she does make some good points about things like how to defuse an argument (again - teenagers!) and basically how not to traumatize your kids. She also reminds you that it's okay to not be perfect and (as my friends and husband like to remind me) that it's not only okay, but NECESSARY to take time for yourself. She does it all without sounding preachy, judgy, or annoying.
I'd say that this was a fun read and much needed for the end of 2020. It was a good start to the new year.
June 7, 2021
This book surprised me. I have watched some of Kristina's videos and posts and was a bit concerned this book would be a weak try to buy a wider circle of new audiance. I was wrong. And i am glad of it! The book is surprisingly real and Kristina's life story is truly inspiring. I was also surprised to read some really good insights and thoughts about life, parenting and relationships in general. Would definately read another book of hers!
February 22, 2022
Wow, this book covers so much I don't even know where to start. Kristina's down to earth way of sharing her wisdom and life lessons learned is seriously one the best "self help" type of books I've ever read. I had to buy it after listening to it on audible because I wanted a copy to read and reread. Never has a book spoken so much to me as a woman, a mother, and human being. This book had me laughing, crying, feeling seen and motivated in a way I didn't even know I needed to be seen and heard. This is hands down one of those books that I will continue to read and reread.
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