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I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection & Christ
“If a book could be your best friend, this is it. Wherever you are on your perfectly imperfect journey, Brooke Romney lovingly designed this book to make a difference in your daily life. Relatable real-life stories on every page will remind you of your worth, your power, and the overflowing grace you can access right now. Simple exercises at the end of each chapter give practical ideas for increasing your personal peace. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, underprepared, or out of your league in life, I can’t recommend this book enough.” –Emily Orton, Author of Seven at Sea
218 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2020
80 people are currently reading
1441 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
December 14, 2020
Ideas are not new but well presented. The overall theme besides loving yourself is loving others anyway. No matter what. Accepting all people in our culture - the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe this is getting better in our church but we still have a long way to go - to forget the checklists and the should be’s and accept the one. Every one. No matter where they are at in the journey. I felt that was the big takeaway from this book.
July 25, 2021
Have you ever felt like you were enough? Or struggled with every tough emotion under the sun?🙋🏼♀️ This book had relatable and powerful points for me. It is a down to earth, quick read. I liked the exercises at the end of each chapter. I bought a copy of the book so I can spend more time on the exercises and have a hard copy of all the great quotes and thoughts.🙌🏼
December 27, 2020
This was EXCELLENT. I don't read a lot of religious books, but I thoroughly enjoyed adding this to my morning scripture routine.
December 29, 2020
I’ve been reading / following Brooke Romney for years. I love how down-to-earth and relatable her articles and essays are. And even though I don’t have teens (yet), I especially look forward to her “teen talk Tuesday” questions that she posts on Instagram for opening up a dialogue with your teenage kids based on current events.
I enjoyed this book a lot. If you’ve read her website regularly as I have, you will notice some familiar anecdotes and stories. She does expand upon them here. I felt the themes were uplifting and portrayed a realistic view of other people’s struggles (particularly members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with its unique and pervasive...at least in the US...church culture). Something I really appreciate about Brooke is how she writes about her own weaknesses and how she learns from them. Many people wouldn’t want to be so vulnerable in a public way. Each chapter is a stand alone essay, although there are some connecting themes / threads. My personal favorites were “Does God Care” (Chapter 2), “let’s be stonecatchers” (ch 7), “it’s not about the numbers” (ch 12), “ditch the perfect” (ch 13), “give them some grace” (ch 14), “be still” (ch 15) and “we all have a story” (ch 17).
I also absorb every single anecdote about being a mom to four boys, as I am also a mom of four boys who are several years younger and I need all the advice and insight I can get, haha. I listened to the audiobook and her narration was good. I’d definitely recommend this to others as an approachable, uplifting read that will bring you closer to Christ.
I enjoyed this book a lot. If you’ve read her website regularly as I have, you will notice some familiar anecdotes and stories. She does expand upon them here. I felt the themes were uplifting and portrayed a realistic view of other people’s struggles (particularly members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with its unique and pervasive...at least in the US...church culture). Something I really appreciate about Brooke is how she writes about her own weaknesses and how she learns from them. Many people wouldn’t want to be so vulnerable in a public way. Each chapter is a stand alone essay, although there are some connecting themes / threads. My personal favorites were “Does God Care” (Chapter 2), “let’s be stonecatchers” (ch 7), “it’s not about the numbers” (ch 12), “ditch the perfect” (ch 13), “give them some grace” (ch 14), “be still” (ch 15) and “we all have a story” (ch 17).
I also absorb every single anecdote about being a mom to four boys, as I am also a mom of four boys who are several years younger and I need all the advice and insight I can get, haha. I listened to the audiobook and her narration was good. I’d definitely recommend this to others as an approachable, uplifting read that will bring you closer to Christ.
March 22, 2021
I love how down to earth and relatable Brooke is. I really enjoyed this book.
September 21, 2021
This book really resonated with me. I marked it all up and need to read it regularly. It was fun because our book club was able to have the author join us on zoom. She's really amazing!
April 24, 2021
Felt like I had a great girls trip with uplifting personal experiences and left with the feeling of a fantastic pep talk. I want to be better and do better and help more, be my best self and help others find and be their best self. If you are looking for a quick uplifting read this is it!
December 19, 2021
Wonderful book! So enlightening and encouraging.
November 3, 2020
I loved this book. No reservations in giving it 5 stars! Brooke is so authentic and expresses herself beautifully. Reading it is like taking a long walk with a good friend, talking through life experiences and pulling the meaning from them. She is wise and direct, but loving and accepting at the same time. So, while I feel inspired to live better, I don’t feel judged for where I’m at right now.
Some self-help books spend too much making the case for the “problem” in our lives, but this skips all that. Some religious books feel impersonal or self righteous, this does not. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect or make excuses for her mistakes. You can’t help but want to be her friend. In fact, she feels like your friend as you read.
I also loved the challenges at the end of each chapter, but didn’t have the patience to put the book down to do them quite yet. I think going back through chapter by chapter and working on those challenges would really take her message to the next level, but they aren’t hard invitations! They are the things you mean to do. The combo of readability with invitations to act really make this a worthwhile read. Highly recommend. 👌🏻👌🏻
Some self-help books spend too much making the case for the “problem” in our lives, but this skips all that. Some religious books feel impersonal or self righteous, this does not. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect or make excuses for her mistakes. You can’t help but want to be her friend. In fact, she feels like your friend as you read.
I also loved the challenges at the end of each chapter, but didn’t have the patience to put the book down to do them quite yet. I think going back through chapter by chapter and working on those challenges would really take her message to the next level, but they aren’t hard invitations! They are the things you mean to do. The combo of readability with invitations to act really make this a worthwhile read. Highly recommend. 👌🏻👌🏻
October 28, 2020
I loved this book. It was so good and so true to life. She did not sugarcoat things she told of real life experience and she told the gospel truth. I loved that she told of her own experience and also of the woman with the issues of blood. This was a new way to look at that parable. I would recommend the book to everyone I meet. I loved the exercises at the end of each chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
This is a good, uplifting read. I could relate to a lot of the author's experiences. She included Lori in her book and I have nothing but the best memories of Lori from when I was little and lived across the street. Made me love it even more.
July 30, 2021
Oh, how I loved this wonderful book. It reminded me a lot of The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. Many of the ideas are the same, but Brooke adds her fun, down-to-earth self into it's pages with personal stories, vulnerability and humor. I love how she ties each chapter into the gospel of Jesus Christ and highlights how accepting ourselves and others with all our imperfections leads us closer to Him. I especially loved the chapter on seeing our own personal worth as separate from our children. Something I'm working on currently ;). The struggle is real for this gal walking ever closer to the empty nest stage. A great read, wonderful for women everywhere.
January 21, 2023
4.5 stars. Overall, I enjoyed Brooke’s refreshing and authentic take. This book has something to offer for anyone who reads it. The truths she shared were something I needed to be reminded of in this season. She has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are talking to a friend.
———————————————————————————
NOTES/QUOTES:
The wolf you feed is the one that wins (p. 12).
He never took away my agency or forced me to believe, but He did fight for me (p. 14).
Moments are not coincidences. That is your Heavenly Father trying to help you understand how much you mean to Him - that you are worth fighting for (p. 15).
Cultivating goodness and a testimony takes work, time, and sacrifice, and the outcome, though slow, is life changing (p. 16).
Know you matter to God makes everything bearable… He wants you anyways. He will take you as you are, and start you on a path to something better…reach for Him and He will take care of the rest (p. 16).
Real worth cannot come from the approval of others, accolades or awards; true worth comes from knowing that you are known and loved by God (p. 27).
A woman who never defined herself by what she looks like, but by what she gives. What defines me is how I love, who I serve, and what I create with this body and time I am given (p. 33).
You were out here because you have something divine to contribute to this world…talents, gifts, and ways of reaching people that no one else has (p. 35).
He gives us our weaknesses, they are a gift from him…they don’t diminish worth, they are part of it…my weaknesses give me the opportunity to invite God into my life (p. 41).
Just be yourself. That is why they asked you to be here (p. 43).
Our Michigan friends taught me that you don’t need a certain amount of square footage to invite someone into your life, goodness has nothing to do with the size of your house or bank balance and everything to do with your heart (p. 51). People take precedence over things (p. 54).
I know who they can become, and I will wait and watch and love until they get there…because this is the example He set for us…to walk arm in arm together (p. 60).
People who live in glass houses don’t throw stones (p. 62).
My purpose during that season was different and just as necessary (p. 74).
What happens in a world where each person is so focused on themselves, their outputs, and their worldly personal fulfillments that there is no room for the unplanned or unproductive? No time to stop and talk, volunteer, be quiet, introspective, or look out for one another? Are we missing out on moments that solidify who we really are? (p. 76).
Did she know I was her friend? …Being friendly is not enough. Being a real friend is what matters. We need to know each other, to care, to love. Sometimes we wish someone would realize how lonely we really are (p.84).
Real friends do what is inconvenient, make time for you, cry with you, and want the best for you (p. 85).
I wonder how we can be expected to bear one another’s burdens if no one will share them or how we can mourn with those who mourn if everyone is too guarded to show their sadness (p. 94).
Divine discontent - gap between where you are vs where you want to be
God can do so much more with me than I can do with myself. Who we become is an accumulation of small changes and our willingness to hear Him (p. 102).
She would pray to see herself as God saw her (p. 106).
Jesus didn’t avoid those who were different from Him or only associate in circles that cheered his every word. He discussed important issues with people who passionately opposed His way, made many uncomfortable with his desire for change, and challenged the status quo…peculiar to many but determined to create a better world and society than what currently existed (p. 122).
Trying is beautiful, successful, amazing, bold, and enough. Trying is everything (p. 146).
What great eternal truths might we be trading for mind-numbing busyness? We need to stop glorifying multitasking and start praising true undistracted presence…what might we discover if we allow ourselves to just be? (p. 162).
God loves variety (p. 184).
Jesus likes us all and this is His church. We will wait with you and love you as you are. This is the gospel (p. 184).
The minute we feel that we are undeserving of His love is the exact second we need it the most (p. 189).
Your worth, in the eyes of God, does not change because of your choices. You matter to Him just the same (p. 190).
———————————————————————————
NOTES/QUOTES:
The wolf you feed is the one that wins (p. 12).
He never took away my agency or forced me to believe, but He did fight for me (p. 14).
Moments are not coincidences. That is your Heavenly Father trying to help you understand how much you mean to Him - that you are worth fighting for (p. 15).
Cultivating goodness and a testimony takes work, time, and sacrifice, and the outcome, though slow, is life changing (p. 16).
Know you matter to God makes everything bearable… He wants you anyways. He will take you as you are, and start you on a path to something better…reach for Him and He will take care of the rest (p. 16).
Real worth cannot come from the approval of others, accolades or awards; true worth comes from knowing that you are known and loved by God (p. 27).
A woman who never defined herself by what she looks like, but by what she gives. What defines me is how I love, who I serve, and what I create with this body and time I am given (p. 33).
You were out here because you have something divine to contribute to this world…talents, gifts, and ways of reaching people that no one else has (p. 35).
He gives us our weaknesses, they are a gift from him…they don’t diminish worth, they are part of it…my weaknesses give me the opportunity to invite God into my life (p. 41).
Just be yourself. That is why they asked you to be here (p. 43).
Our Michigan friends taught me that you don’t need a certain amount of square footage to invite someone into your life, goodness has nothing to do with the size of your house or bank balance and everything to do with your heart (p. 51). People take precedence over things (p. 54).
I know who they can become, and I will wait and watch and love until they get there…because this is the example He set for us…to walk arm in arm together (p. 60).
People who live in glass houses don’t throw stones (p. 62).
My purpose during that season was different and just as necessary (p. 74).
What happens in a world where each person is so focused on themselves, their outputs, and their worldly personal fulfillments that there is no room for the unplanned or unproductive? No time to stop and talk, volunteer, be quiet, introspective, or look out for one another? Are we missing out on moments that solidify who we really are? (p. 76).
Did she know I was her friend? …Being friendly is not enough. Being a real friend is what matters. We need to know each other, to care, to love. Sometimes we wish someone would realize how lonely we really are (p.84).
Real friends do what is inconvenient, make time for you, cry with you, and want the best for you (p. 85).
I wonder how we can be expected to bear one another’s burdens if no one will share them or how we can mourn with those who mourn if everyone is too guarded to show their sadness (p. 94).
Divine discontent - gap between where you are vs where you want to be
God can do so much more with me than I can do with myself. Who we become is an accumulation of small changes and our willingness to hear Him (p. 102).
She would pray to see herself as God saw her (p. 106).
Jesus didn’t avoid those who were different from Him or only associate in circles that cheered his every word. He discussed important issues with people who passionately opposed His way, made many uncomfortable with his desire for change, and challenged the status quo…peculiar to many but determined to create a better world and society than what currently existed (p. 122).
Trying is beautiful, successful, amazing, bold, and enough. Trying is everything (p. 146).
What great eternal truths might we be trading for mind-numbing busyness? We need to stop glorifying multitasking and start praising true undistracted presence…what might we discover if we allow ourselves to just be? (p. 162).
God loves variety (p. 184).
Jesus likes us all and this is His church. We will wait with you and love you as you are. This is the gospel (p. 184).
The minute we feel that we are undeserving of His love is the exact second we need it the most (p. 189).
Your worth, in the eyes of God, does not change because of your choices. You matter to Him just the same (p. 190).
February 26, 2021
I loved the way stories were woven in to emphasize the lessons and reminders. This book gave me lots to think about and some distinct areas to work on while not making me feel discouraged by my weaknesses at all. I absolutely loved the chapter on being a stone catcher. I think about that one a lot. I also appreciated that each chapter had a small reflection section and something to act on. I have gifted this book to several friends and will return to it again because it is full of wisdom and it is relatable.
Read
March 10, 2022A series of short essays written for LDS women, reminding us of beautiful gospel truths: that God will use our unique gifts and talents, that God knows our messy lives and loves us anyway, that we are enough through Christ. Brooke reminds us to refrain from judgment of others and of ourselves.
This was an easy and quick read (the formatting of this self-published book features large-print type and some white space between chapters) and was a good reminder of God's love for me. I could see this resonating with many, many Christian women.
This was an easy and quick read (the formatting of this self-published book features large-print type and some white space between chapters) and was a good reminder of God's love for me. I could see this resonating with many, many Christian women.
February 5, 2021
Every woman needs to read this. So often we compare ourselves to everyone around us, and we forget who we are and why we are here. I love Brooke's way of writing that helps me feel as though she's been in my shoes and then gives me insights in how I can learn and improve. I love her messages of loving everyone as they are and being true disciples of Christ. I'm inspired to be a better wife, mother, friend and neighbor!
July 7, 2022
While this book has many stories about motherhood, I found myself relating to and being touched by Brooke’s insights about life, the gospel, and perfectionism. I felt so validated by her experiences and wrote down a lot of key phrases. Loved it and will definitely read again!
May 24, 2025
I always make my way so slowly through these kinds of books, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy them. I loved the vulnerability of the stories here and how relatable Brooke is. I enjoy thinking and reflecting about the stories and the lessons, which I guess is why I went through it slower.
November 11, 2021
Great content with practical challenges, didn’t love the audio version though.
February 22, 2022
Simple but beautiful.
December 11, 2020
I LOVED this book. The stories were so relatable. I cried. I felt empowered. And I felt motivated to be a better person.
February 14, 2022
Sorry, KJK. Can’t wait to discuss it at book club, however. So maybe that means I should’ve given it 5 stars since I have so many thoughts on it? Ha ha ha.
September 11, 2021
This was a nice book, full of positive reminders about the importance of being ourselves and remembering the power and help we can receive from our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we focus on Him and following the Spirit, They can help us grow, help others, and find hope when we may feel inadequate. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"We rise when we focus on what we can give (p. 0)."
"Maybe I wasn't good at everything, but I had gifts to share (p. 5)."
"So, what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What do you want to learn more about? How can you grow and share the talents you currently have? Pray for guidance and listen for answers (p. 6)."
"Make a list of your talents and gifts. Decide on one you would like to work on this week. Notice how it brings you joy (p. 9)."
"Is there someone you feel jealous or envious of? What could you learn from her (p. 9)?"
"What we seek, we find. And as the Cherokee legend goes, the wolf you feed is the one that wins, and my doubts and fears had a steady diet while my faith was starving (p. 12)."
"God DID want me. He had been quietly, consistently fighting for me all along (p. 14)."
"Just reach for Him, and He will take care of the rest (p. 16)."
"Lehi didn't sit and beat himself up because two of his sons were stubborn and unwilling to follow the Lord's commandments, but he also didn't pat himself on the back about what a great job he had done with Nephi (p. 23)."
"'Parenting is not a social matter.' We must remember that parenting is a personal, spiritual, and emotional matter (p. 24)."
"Each of your children has a unique purpose in God's grand plan, and surprisingly enough, we can't always see the outcome while battling in the trenches (p. 24)."
"Trying seeing them (and yourself) through God's eyes. It changes everything (p. 25)."
"We are all here as brothers and sisters, not as parents and children. And we have a Heavenly Father that desperately wants each of us to return to Him (p. 25)."
"'I am working things out with the Lord. This is between the two of us. If anyone else has a problem with me, they can work it out with Him, too (p. 27).'"
"Real worth cannot come from the approval of others, from accolades or awards; true worth comes from knowing, with certainty, that you are known and loved by God (p. 27)."
"Real beauty is having a life purpose that allows you to brush aside the unimportant, and... being anxiously engaged in fulfilling causes keeps me from searching for happiness in places it doesn't exist (p. 33)."
"It is so easy to focus on the trivial, the things that don't really matter, at the expense of what really does (p. 35)."
"By focusing on only the strengths of others, I had completely forgotten about what the Lord had blessed me with (p. 40)."
"'Just be yourself. That is why they asked you to be here (p. 43).'"
"Even when I doubt my own worth, God doesn't (p. 43)."
"Be yourself. Be the best version of it as often as you can. This is exactly who God needs you to be, nothing more, nothing less. He has placed inside you all of the goodness and inspiration you need to share with the world, so be brave, take that step into the dark, and bask in His light (p. 45)."
"You don't need a certain amount of square footage to invite someone into your life and... goodness has nothing to do with the size of your house or the balance of your bank account and everything to do with your heart (p. 51)."
"I wondered why parents didn't require respect from their teenagers... Then, I had my own teenagers, and I started to understand the value of picking your battles and preserving relationships (p. 59)."
"When we put aside judgment and instead walk arm in arm together, everything changes (p. 60)."
"How often I want things the quick and easy way! I want the muscles without the lifting; I want the humility without the heartache; I want the empathy without the suffering. But that is not the plan (p. 61)."
"My grandfather asked my cousin to help him put up a welcome-home sign on the gate... 'He is coming home from prison, and I want him to know that we are happy he is back with us (p. 64).'"
"Stone-catching happens constantly in my own ward, where people leave judgment behind and instead focus on love. It happens during sacrament meeting when an early returned missionary is greeted with happy hugs and hellos instead of embarrassed avoided. It happens in Relief Society as sisters share struggles openly... Stone catching happens when racism is discussed openly and neighbors and friends are willing to learn instead of get defensive... It is incredible what happens when we choose to see the worth of others through God's eyes (p. 64)."
"Maybe we could try... to be his stone-catcher. What might our world be like if we all committed to this cause? Can we smile at that teenager with wild friends and loud music and get to know him instead of rolling our eyes? Can we talk less about the schoolyard bully and invite her to play? Can we listen to people who are marginalized... ? Can we personally discuss differing ideas with each other instead of publically calling people out? Can we rescue the mother who is barely holding on? Can we hold back our words of contempt (p. 67)?"
"The next time you have the urge to judge someone, visualize yourself as their stone-catcher (p. 68)."
"Nothing was perfect. Everything was old and handed down. The house was clean but cluttered with life and food and children... She wasn't embarrassed or apologetic. She loved who she was and who her boys were. As she moved a stack of books for us to sit down, she really got to know us. No pretense. Just love... Her influence changed me. She changed the way I mothered, what I expected of myself and others, and she showed me the joys that come from just being (p. 72)."
"We cannot lose sight of why we are here: to help others feel God's love (p. 76)."
"She didn't offer a solution or mitigate my feelings. She didn't share something harder she had been through, but she did assure me that, eventually, everything would be okay. And for the first time in a while, I believed it... She had no intention of being at the meeting, but had an overwhelming feeling that she needed to go... Our time and our lives are not our own. We might have to take a detour in our perfectly-planned day if we want to fulfill a bigger, more meaningful purpose (p. 77)."
"We have to follow up. Following up shows investment, trust, and true Christlike charity. We can never forget that WE are all the Lord has to fulfill His work of succoring, comforting, and loving (p. 80)."
"How can we lighten on another's loads if we never know they exist (p. 80)?"
"If we want to be truly fulfilled, we must leave open spaces in our day and in our hearts. Our lives cannot be so full that the most important work, the truly worthwhile moments, are lost in the clutter of the unimportant (p. 80)."
"We need real, personal, honest connection (p. 83)."
"Did she know I was her friend (p. 84)?"
"Being friendly is just not enough. Being a real friend is what matters... Real friends do what is inconvenient, make time for you, cry with you, and want the best for you (p. 84)."
"We all want to belong, but so many men and women still feel lonely much of the time (p. 87)."
"Godlike friends should have no screening processes or prerequisites, it's just about who needs us most (p. 89)."
"I believe that connection only comes through vulnerability and honesty (p. 90)."
"What if you told your extended family that you were having a hard time paying the bills or were really struggling with your faith? What if you admitted to your teen that you made a parenting mistake...? What if you simply admitted to not knowing everything or sincerely asked others for advice and then listened (p. 91)?"
"If you give the truth a try, I think people will surprise you. There is strength, not shame, in struggle (p. 93)."
"I don't think God sent us here in families, extended families, communities, and congregations so we could walk our most difficult roads alone... He is counting on us to intertwine our lives and become united in Him. It's time to let each other in (p. 94)."
"Figure out what makes me feel successful and joyful in motherhood, and do more of it (p. 98)."
"Sitting back and feeling satisfied with our progress is crucial to our growth, but there are also times when we need to troubleshoot, experiment, and dig into uncomfortable change (p. 99)."
"We should welcome feelings of divine discontent that call us to a higher way (p. 100)."
"Eight second hugs became mandatory after prayers. I was surprised by how these small, intentional efforts started changing me, making me more aware of how crucial physical affection can be (p. 101)."
"God can do so much more with me than I can do with myself... who we become is an accumulation of small changes and our willingness to hear Him (p. 102)."
"'When any of us conclue--'That's just the way I am,' we give up our ability to change (Donald L. Hallstrom, p. 103).'"
"I don't want people to dial things down so I can feel secure. My friends don't need to hide their talents so I can feel better about myself (p. 117)."
"There is a seat for everyone at the table, and we all benefit when everyone gives their best to make things work (p. 118)."
"'I gave you these boys because they need YOU to be their mother.' It was a beautiful, spiritual experience as I realized who I WAS instead of who I wasn't (p. 118)."
"When we take the time to really get to know and understand each other, all that is left between us is love (p. 121)."
"Jesus didn't avoid those who were different from Him or only associate in circles that would cheer his every word. No. He discussed important issues with people who were passionately opposed to His way (p. 122)."
"There were times when Christ ministered to 5,000, but more often we find Him reaching out to the one (p. 127)."
"'The same God that placed that start in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 128).'"
"God is orchestrating a divine purpose and plan through you. You are crucial to what He has in store, so don't stop or give up just because everything doesn't go according to your plan (p. 129)."
"Instead of worrying about the vastness of your influence, about how many people you can reach, how many likes or comments you get, or how many verbal thank-yous you receive, think about how hearing and acting on the Spirit might affect your one, or even someone else's one. Hearing and following our Savior's voice is ALWAYS worth it (p. 130)."
"There is a good chance [Jesus] would be with me, right there in the foyer (p. 131)."
"He taught me to forget about myself for a minute and really see the people in the foyer (p. 132)."
"'Do you think I visit you because I have to or because I am assigned to you? I visit you because I love you. You will never shake me (p. 133).'"
"I want to live a life... where the noise of the world becomes quiet and the voice of the Spirit so familiar, it is impossible to ignore (p. 134)."
"In your morning prayers, ask to be led to one person who needs you, then act on any promptings you receive (p. 135)."
"Exact obedience has nothing to do with our earthly idea of perfection and everything to do with being perfected in Christ (p. 139)."
"Please tell us when you are struggling and need help. We will still think you are phenomenal (p. 141)."
"Letting go of unrealistic expectations for ourselves and our children brings about a healthy openness and allows everyone the freedom to become something more (p. 142)."
"If your heart is too heavy for you to bear, your head is barely above water, and nothing is like you hoped it would be, I send you all my love. This isn't easy, but the world needs your light, so keep going. Look up. Reach out. Hold on. He's got you (p. 145)."
"I was short of every expectation I had for myself and I felt like I was disappointing God. I grasped for a word that would honestly finish that 'I AM' sentence, but only one world would come: TRYING... I was TRYING. I was trying to be better. I was trying to love and learn and grow and forgive. I was trying to see people the way God sees them, and I needed to see myself with those same generous eyes... Trying is beautiful, successful, amazing, bold, and enough. Trying is everything (p. 145)."
"We made sure he knew that our love for him had nothing to do with his daily spiritual habits (p. 150)."
"I felt the impression on Monday that she needed me. But I really don't like to babysit, so I decided I would wait until Thursday... Julie came to the rescue to give her a little time to refresh and regroup. Julie was an answer to Laurrie's prayer and reminded her that Heavenly Father really does listen and care... I was devastated that I had missed an opportunity to be there for someone who needed me. I decided to tell Laurrie that I, too, had felt like she needed me that week, but I had ignored the prompting, and I was sorrythat I had missed a chance to love and serve her. She was kind, forgiving, and loving in return. She was grateful to know that Heavenly Father really was looking out for her in multiple ways... This instance taught me... Heavenly Father will take care of His children, and He will move His work along with or without us. We are the ones who miss out when we choose not to hear Him (p. 154)."
"Nature made God feel close and allowed me to feel big, important, and alive for all the right reasons (p. 161)."
"What great, eternal truths might we be trading for mind-numbing busyness? We have to stop glorifying multi-tasking and start praising true, undistracted presence (p. 162)."
"For the last 20 years, my dad has used swimming as his form of Exercise. He is in the water for 90 minutes every morning, swimming lap after lap... 'This is my time to talk to my Heavenly Father. We converse every morning, and I love it.'... His willingness to vocally thank God for every little thing, every memory, every person is inspiring and worth emulating. We could all use more morning swims with God (p. 163)."
"Challenge yourself to be still. Take time to pray, to study, to read, to meditate, and to let yourself FEEL the glorious feeling of being seen, heard, and loved by God (p. 164)."
"Get outside for a minimum of 10 minutes each day without being tethered to any technology. Notice the world around you. Breathe. See if this changes your mood and heart (p. 165)."
"Forgiveness has always been fairly simple in my mind. I have found it easy to give others the benefit of the doubt and assume the best. Then, I had kids, and my inner mama bear came out fiercely (p. 167)."
"Apologizing often can build relationships (p. 171)."
"God has taken care of me and my family, and I am certain that things really can work for our good, eventually, if we will turn to Him. I am grateful to a Savior who made this possible. Only He can make what was wrong, right and what was unfair, fair (p. 172)."
"Sometimes we forget His power. Sometimes we think our story is too different to find a place with Him or with others who seem to fit in so easily. This is a falsehood told to us by the great deceiver (p. 178)."
"Once you know the Lord's will, you can them move forward in faith to fulfill your individual purpose (p. 179)."
"What's right for one woman may not be right for another. That's why it is so important that we should not question each other's choices or the inspiration behind them (p. 179)."
"'Thank you for being there and being available. I have a vision of those two sisters progressing together. What a glorious work we are a part of. Thank you for being a woman of light in my life.'... 'I learned that God needed me and would use me in my imperfect state to accomplish His work... Don't walk away and miss out on the pivotal role you will play for others and in the grand plan of goodness, just because someone might dismiss your way of doing or thinking (p. 181)."
"The gospel is the best way for me to get to Him (p. 183)."
"Give each person the room, space, and love they need to progress on their own spiritual path and still feel like part of the fold... You might never know of the men and women who are holding onto your light (p. 183)."
"Own and love your story, and look to Christ when you are unsure of where you belong. He will remind you that you are His (p. 185)."
"The minute we feel that we are undeserving of His love is the exact second we need it the most (p. 189)."
"''Come as you are,' a loving Father says to each of us, but He adds, 'Don't plan to stay as you are (Jeffrey R. Holland, p. 190).''"
"'Is it possible to over-celebrate redemption stories?'... 'No. If you believe in Jesus, redemption is the only story (p. 191).'"
"Redemption... doesn't erase the heartache, the embarrassment, the difficult lessons... There comes a time when we all will need a fresh start, a do-over, a Savior (p. 192)."
"Jesus is always ready and waiting for you (p. 193)."
"We rise when we focus on what we can give (p. 0)."
"Maybe I wasn't good at everything, but I had gifts to share (p. 5)."
"So, what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What do you want to learn more about? How can you grow and share the talents you currently have? Pray for guidance and listen for answers (p. 6)."
"Make a list of your talents and gifts. Decide on one you would like to work on this week. Notice how it brings you joy (p. 9)."
"Is there someone you feel jealous or envious of? What could you learn from her (p. 9)?"
"What we seek, we find. And as the Cherokee legend goes, the wolf you feed is the one that wins, and my doubts and fears had a steady diet while my faith was starving (p. 12)."
"God DID want me. He had been quietly, consistently fighting for me all along (p. 14)."
"Just reach for Him, and He will take care of the rest (p. 16)."
"Lehi didn't sit and beat himself up because two of his sons were stubborn and unwilling to follow the Lord's commandments, but he also didn't pat himself on the back about what a great job he had done with Nephi (p. 23)."
"'Parenting is not a social matter.' We must remember that parenting is a personal, spiritual, and emotional matter (p. 24)."
"Each of your children has a unique purpose in God's grand plan, and surprisingly enough, we can't always see the outcome while battling in the trenches (p. 24)."
"Trying seeing them (and yourself) through God's eyes. It changes everything (p. 25)."
"We are all here as brothers and sisters, not as parents and children. And we have a Heavenly Father that desperately wants each of us to return to Him (p. 25)."
"'I am working things out with the Lord. This is between the two of us. If anyone else has a problem with me, they can work it out with Him, too (p. 27).'"
"Real worth cannot come from the approval of others, from accolades or awards; true worth comes from knowing, with certainty, that you are known and loved by God (p. 27)."
"Real beauty is having a life purpose that allows you to brush aside the unimportant, and... being anxiously engaged in fulfilling causes keeps me from searching for happiness in places it doesn't exist (p. 33)."
"It is so easy to focus on the trivial, the things that don't really matter, at the expense of what really does (p. 35)."
"By focusing on only the strengths of others, I had completely forgotten about what the Lord had blessed me with (p. 40)."
"'Just be yourself. That is why they asked you to be here (p. 43).'"
"Even when I doubt my own worth, God doesn't (p. 43)."
"Be yourself. Be the best version of it as often as you can. This is exactly who God needs you to be, nothing more, nothing less. He has placed inside you all of the goodness and inspiration you need to share with the world, so be brave, take that step into the dark, and bask in His light (p. 45)."
"You don't need a certain amount of square footage to invite someone into your life and... goodness has nothing to do with the size of your house or the balance of your bank account and everything to do with your heart (p. 51)."
"I wondered why parents didn't require respect from their teenagers... Then, I had my own teenagers, and I started to understand the value of picking your battles and preserving relationships (p. 59)."
"When we put aside judgment and instead walk arm in arm together, everything changes (p. 60)."
"How often I want things the quick and easy way! I want the muscles without the lifting; I want the humility without the heartache; I want the empathy without the suffering. But that is not the plan (p. 61)."
"My grandfather asked my cousin to help him put up a welcome-home sign on the gate... 'He is coming home from prison, and I want him to know that we are happy he is back with us (p. 64).'"
"Stone-catching happens constantly in my own ward, where people leave judgment behind and instead focus on love. It happens during sacrament meeting when an early returned missionary is greeted with happy hugs and hellos instead of embarrassed avoided. It happens in Relief Society as sisters share struggles openly... Stone catching happens when racism is discussed openly and neighbors and friends are willing to learn instead of get defensive... It is incredible what happens when we choose to see the worth of others through God's eyes (p. 64)."
"Maybe we could try... to be his stone-catcher. What might our world be like if we all committed to this cause? Can we smile at that teenager with wild friends and loud music and get to know him instead of rolling our eyes? Can we talk less about the schoolyard bully and invite her to play? Can we listen to people who are marginalized... ? Can we personally discuss differing ideas with each other instead of publically calling people out? Can we rescue the mother who is barely holding on? Can we hold back our words of contempt (p. 67)?"
"The next time you have the urge to judge someone, visualize yourself as their stone-catcher (p. 68)."
"Nothing was perfect. Everything was old and handed down. The house was clean but cluttered with life and food and children... She wasn't embarrassed or apologetic. She loved who she was and who her boys were. As she moved a stack of books for us to sit down, she really got to know us. No pretense. Just love... Her influence changed me. She changed the way I mothered, what I expected of myself and others, and she showed me the joys that come from just being (p. 72)."
"We cannot lose sight of why we are here: to help others feel God's love (p. 76)."
"She didn't offer a solution or mitigate my feelings. She didn't share something harder she had been through, but she did assure me that, eventually, everything would be okay. And for the first time in a while, I believed it... She had no intention of being at the meeting, but had an overwhelming feeling that she needed to go... Our time and our lives are not our own. We might have to take a detour in our perfectly-planned day if we want to fulfill a bigger, more meaningful purpose (p. 77)."
"We have to follow up. Following up shows investment, trust, and true Christlike charity. We can never forget that WE are all the Lord has to fulfill His work of succoring, comforting, and loving (p. 80)."
"How can we lighten on another's loads if we never know they exist (p. 80)?"
"If we want to be truly fulfilled, we must leave open spaces in our day and in our hearts. Our lives cannot be so full that the most important work, the truly worthwhile moments, are lost in the clutter of the unimportant (p. 80)."
"We need real, personal, honest connection (p. 83)."
"Did she know I was her friend (p. 84)?"
"Being friendly is just not enough. Being a real friend is what matters... Real friends do what is inconvenient, make time for you, cry with you, and want the best for you (p. 84)."
"We all want to belong, but so many men and women still feel lonely much of the time (p. 87)."
"Godlike friends should have no screening processes or prerequisites, it's just about who needs us most (p. 89)."
"I believe that connection only comes through vulnerability and honesty (p. 90)."
"What if you told your extended family that you were having a hard time paying the bills or were really struggling with your faith? What if you admitted to your teen that you made a parenting mistake...? What if you simply admitted to not knowing everything or sincerely asked others for advice and then listened (p. 91)?"
"If you give the truth a try, I think people will surprise you. There is strength, not shame, in struggle (p. 93)."
"I don't think God sent us here in families, extended families, communities, and congregations so we could walk our most difficult roads alone... He is counting on us to intertwine our lives and become united in Him. It's time to let each other in (p. 94)."
"Figure out what makes me feel successful and joyful in motherhood, and do more of it (p. 98)."
"Sitting back and feeling satisfied with our progress is crucial to our growth, but there are also times when we need to troubleshoot, experiment, and dig into uncomfortable change (p. 99)."
"We should welcome feelings of divine discontent that call us to a higher way (p. 100)."
"Eight second hugs became mandatory after prayers. I was surprised by how these small, intentional efforts started changing me, making me more aware of how crucial physical affection can be (p. 101)."
"God can do so much more with me than I can do with myself... who we become is an accumulation of small changes and our willingness to hear Him (p. 102)."
"'When any of us conclue--'That's just the way I am,' we give up our ability to change (Donald L. Hallstrom, p. 103).'"
"I don't want people to dial things down so I can feel secure. My friends don't need to hide their talents so I can feel better about myself (p. 117)."
"There is a seat for everyone at the table, and we all benefit when everyone gives their best to make things work (p. 118)."
"'I gave you these boys because they need YOU to be their mother.' It was a beautiful, spiritual experience as I realized who I WAS instead of who I wasn't (p. 118)."
"When we take the time to really get to know and understand each other, all that is left between us is love (p. 121)."
"Jesus didn't avoid those who were different from Him or only associate in circles that would cheer his every word. No. He discussed important issues with people who were passionately opposed to His way (p. 122)."
"There were times when Christ ministered to 5,000, but more often we find Him reaching out to the one (p. 127)."
"'The same God that placed that start in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 128).'"
"God is orchestrating a divine purpose and plan through you. You are crucial to what He has in store, so don't stop or give up just because everything doesn't go according to your plan (p. 129)."
"Instead of worrying about the vastness of your influence, about how many people you can reach, how many likes or comments you get, or how many verbal thank-yous you receive, think about how hearing and acting on the Spirit might affect your one, or even someone else's one. Hearing and following our Savior's voice is ALWAYS worth it (p. 130)."
"There is a good chance [Jesus] would be with me, right there in the foyer (p. 131)."
"He taught me to forget about myself for a minute and really see the people in the foyer (p. 132)."
"'Do you think I visit you because I have to or because I am assigned to you? I visit you because I love you. You will never shake me (p. 133).'"
"I want to live a life... where the noise of the world becomes quiet and the voice of the Spirit so familiar, it is impossible to ignore (p. 134)."
"In your morning prayers, ask to be led to one person who needs you, then act on any promptings you receive (p. 135)."
"Exact obedience has nothing to do with our earthly idea of perfection and everything to do with being perfected in Christ (p. 139)."
"Please tell us when you are struggling and need help. We will still think you are phenomenal (p. 141)."
"Letting go of unrealistic expectations for ourselves and our children brings about a healthy openness and allows everyone the freedom to become something more (p. 142)."
"If your heart is too heavy for you to bear, your head is barely above water, and nothing is like you hoped it would be, I send you all my love. This isn't easy, but the world needs your light, so keep going. Look up. Reach out. Hold on. He's got you (p. 145)."
"I was short of every expectation I had for myself and I felt like I was disappointing God. I grasped for a word that would honestly finish that 'I AM' sentence, but only one world would come: TRYING... I was TRYING. I was trying to be better. I was trying to love and learn and grow and forgive. I was trying to see people the way God sees them, and I needed to see myself with those same generous eyes... Trying is beautiful, successful, amazing, bold, and enough. Trying is everything (p. 145)."
"We made sure he knew that our love for him had nothing to do with his daily spiritual habits (p. 150)."
"I felt the impression on Monday that she needed me. But I really don't like to babysit, so I decided I would wait until Thursday... Julie came to the rescue to give her a little time to refresh and regroup. Julie was an answer to Laurrie's prayer and reminded her that Heavenly Father really does listen and care... I was devastated that I had missed an opportunity to be there for someone who needed me. I decided to tell Laurrie that I, too, had felt like she needed me that week, but I had ignored the prompting, and I was sorrythat I had missed a chance to love and serve her. She was kind, forgiving, and loving in return. She was grateful to know that Heavenly Father really was looking out for her in multiple ways... This instance taught me... Heavenly Father will take care of His children, and He will move His work along with or without us. We are the ones who miss out when we choose not to hear Him (p. 154)."
"Nature made God feel close and allowed me to feel big, important, and alive for all the right reasons (p. 161)."
"What great, eternal truths might we be trading for mind-numbing busyness? We have to stop glorifying multi-tasking and start praising true, undistracted presence (p. 162)."
"For the last 20 years, my dad has used swimming as his form of Exercise. He is in the water for 90 minutes every morning, swimming lap after lap... 'This is my time to talk to my Heavenly Father. We converse every morning, and I love it.'... His willingness to vocally thank God for every little thing, every memory, every person is inspiring and worth emulating. We could all use more morning swims with God (p. 163)."
"Challenge yourself to be still. Take time to pray, to study, to read, to meditate, and to let yourself FEEL the glorious feeling of being seen, heard, and loved by God (p. 164)."
"Get outside for a minimum of 10 minutes each day without being tethered to any technology. Notice the world around you. Breathe. See if this changes your mood and heart (p. 165)."
"Forgiveness has always been fairly simple in my mind. I have found it easy to give others the benefit of the doubt and assume the best. Then, I had kids, and my inner mama bear came out fiercely (p. 167)."
"Apologizing often can build relationships (p. 171)."
"God has taken care of me and my family, and I am certain that things really can work for our good, eventually, if we will turn to Him. I am grateful to a Savior who made this possible. Only He can make what was wrong, right and what was unfair, fair (p. 172)."
"Sometimes we forget His power. Sometimes we think our story is too different to find a place with Him or with others who seem to fit in so easily. This is a falsehood told to us by the great deceiver (p. 178)."
"Once you know the Lord's will, you can them move forward in faith to fulfill your individual purpose (p. 179)."
"What's right for one woman may not be right for another. That's why it is so important that we should not question each other's choices or the inspiration behind them (p. 179)."
"'Thank you for being there and being available. I have a vision of those two sisters progressing together. What a glorious work we are a part of. Thank you for being a woman of light in my life.'... 'I learned that God needed me and would use me in my imperfect state to accomplish His work... Don't walk away and miss out on the pivotal role you will play for others and in the grand plan of goodness, just because someone might dismiss your way of doing or thinking (p. 181)."
"The gospel is the best way for me to get to Him (p. 183)."
"Give each person the room, space, and love they need to progress on their own spiritual path and still feel like part of the fold... You might never know of the men and women who are holding onto your light (p. 183)."
"Own and love your story, and look to Christ when you are unsure of where you belong. He will remind you that you are His (p. 185)."
"The minute we feel that we are undeserving of His love is the exact second we need it the most (p. 189)."
"''Come as you are,' a loving Father says to each of us, but He adds, 'Don't plan to stay as you are (Jeffrey R. Holland, p. 190).''"
"'Is it possible to over-celebrate redemption stories?'... 'No. If you believe in Jesus, redemption is the only story (p. 191).'"
"Redemption... doesn't erase the heartache, the embarrassment, the difficult lessons... There comes a time when we all will need a fresh start, a do-over, a Savior (p. 192)."
"Jesus is always ready and waiting for you (p. 193)."
October 9, 2022
This is just what I needed! Easy read that makes you feel good and inspired. I really felt like reading something my best friend would write. I loved it!
December 3, 2020
I loved how the ideas addressed in this book, although familiar, took on a new meaning for me as Brooke paired them with her uniquely personal stories and experiences. Her words are genuine and real; ones to live by. My kind of self-help book!
April 30, 2021
There are so many things about my life that I constantly want to be doing better— but this book gave me the inspiration for how to be a better person & how to give myself grace at the same time. I was reminded of the spiritual nature of mortal life (& parenting) as well as the comparison struggles, that make relationships tough sometimes.
While it is a self-help book, Brooke is phenomenal at making it seem like she’s a good friend in the same room, talking with you & not at you.
While it is a self-help book, Brooke is phenomenal at making it seem like she’s a good friend in the same room, talking with you & not at you.
July 15, 2021
I love the title of this book! This was a quick read for me and I enjoyed Brooke's earnest and authentic voice. For the first half I would have said that the book was simplistic and I intended on a three star review but toward the second half there were some concepts that really grabbed me and I found myself reflecting on them after I finished reading. Well done Brooke!
November 19, 2020
“I Like Me Anyway” is like unlocking all of your superpowers. Brooke knows the insecurities of a women’s heart. She illuminates them by masterfully telling raw and relatable real life stories, then offers truths for the reader to ponder and simple, organic ideas to overcome what is holding us back. I loved this writing style as it allowed my own ideas to spark, while leaving guilt and shame out of the picture. It felt like I was on a walk with a dear friend, the kind of friend that makes you feel amazing!
July 6, 2021
Many nuggets of wisdom, but was hoping for something different.
November 14, 2020
I really appreciate how real Brooke is in this book. How freaking refreshing!! Especially in LDS culture. I get so sick of the facade of perfection. It’s the worst.
In this book, she was genuinely vulnerable and shared many stories that weren’t just a humble-brag (Unlike so many other similar books). These were stories that genuinely required change.
I loved that. I have made many of the same mistakes and have some very similar stories.
I could really relate. And so I was able to see her words as advice from a good friend as opposed to someone who just thinks she has it all figured out.
I hope to see more from Brooke in the future!!
In this book, she was genuinely vulnerable and shared many stories that weren’t just a humble-brag (Unlike so many other similar books). These were stories that genuinely required change.
I loved that. I have made many of the same mistakes and have some very similar stories.
I could really relate. And so I was able to see her words as advice from a good friend as opposed to someone who just thinks she has it all figured out.
I hope to see more from Brooke in the future!!
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