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This Isn't the Life I Ordered: Setting Sail When Your Relationship Fails
Part manual and part memoir, Jenniffer pulls back the curtain of her life and shares how getting a divorce, moving from her dream home and faltering to find her career path actually helped her gain a greater awareness and happiness. Her sense of humor reminds us that even though staying on the spiritual path has its fair share of challenges, you are not alone, and you will laugh again – dammit!
As a journalist, she remains cynical when gurus such as Wayne Dyer tell her to “embrace the Universe”, but whether it’s Caroline Myss, Anita Moorjani, or her six-year-old son, the signs from something bigger keep showing up just in time.
Each chapter delivers a nugget of wisdom that will leave you inspired and entertained. Jenniffer shows the human side of trying to be spiritual, with several laughs and poignant lessons along the way.
Audible Audio
First published June 26, 2013
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97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 28, 2019
"I wondered what my purpose in talking to him was. Then I realized Charlie had daughters."
So, the tagline on this book is "Setting Sail When Your Relationship Fails". I, therefore, imagined this book would be about this woman coping with her divorce and how her life no longer matches what she expected of it.
Nope. Not this book. Weigel does get divorced, but the book is not very concerned with the reasons behind or consequences of her divorce. Inatear, this book follows Weigel as she meets various "spiritual" figures and engages in wishy washy 299-299 new age love medicine.
This book did have a couple of interesting and amusing insights.a couple of chapters delved into Weigel's post-divorce dating life, and the doctor who died suggestion to write down all the coincidence that take place in your life for six months and then examined the connections between the could be an interesting experiment.
For me, though, Weigel lost all credibility when she went on a ten day lemonade with cayenne pepper juice cleanse to "clear her body of toxins". For days into the ridiculous and unhealthy juice cleanse she broke down and had a smoothie, because the juice made her feel as though She was dying. She unfortunately didn't realize it made her feel that way because she was starving her body of calories and nutrients.
The writing was fine but the insights were bullshit.
So, the tagline on this book is "Setting Sail When Your Relationship Fails". I, therefore, imagined this book would be about this woman coping with her divorce and how her life no longer matches what she expected of it.
Nope. Not this book. Weigel does get divorced, but the book is not very concerned with the reasons behind or consequences of her divorce. Inatear, this book follows Weigel as she meets various "spiritual" figures and engages in wishy washy 299-299 new age love medicine.
This book did have a couple of interesting and amusing insights.a couple of chapters delved into Weigel's post-divorce dating life, and the doctor who died suggestion to write down all the coincidence that take place in your life for six months and then examined the connections between the could be an interesting experiment.
For me, though, Weigel lost all credibility when she went on a ten day lemonade with cayenne pepper juice cleanse to "clear her body of toxins". For days into the ridiculous and unhealthy juice cleanse she broke down and had a smoothie, because the juice made her feel as though She was dying. She unfortunately didn't realize it made her feel that way because she was starving her body of calories and nutrients.
The writing was fine but the insights were bullshit.
September 15, 2022
Couldn’t do it. The 4th time she imitated black voices on a talk show, I had to put it down. I was listening on audiobook, so it was doubly bad. Really offensive. Free on audible is still too much to pay for this trash.
June 19, 2022
2.5 stars
The beginning of the book was actually good. Then it became some spiritual things with absolutely no connection to the theme of the book
The beginning of the book was actually good. Then it became some spiritual things with absolutely no connection to the theme of the book
July 16, 2021
The most important thing I have to say is that I only listened to this book completely because it was free on Audible. That being said, I had no idea it was about clairvoyants and "spiritual healers" with an extreme focus on vanity license plates. I don't believe in any of that stuff or have an interest in it at all. A good portion of the book was about a "spiritual healer" who I googled only to find that he was convicted for sexual assault (surprise, surprise). Only about 3 scattered paragraphs seemed to be about her divorce and how she recovered from it. I thought this was going to be a story of strength and resilience and it definitely wasn't that.
January 19, 2024
I finished this book last weekend, and I am torn in regard to how I feel about it. She is a fair writer, nothing really eye-popping, and I think if I met her in person, she might grate on my nerves. For being as spiritual as she claims, she sure seemed pretty wrapped up in herself and felt the need to validate her importance by dropping resume points. Of course, I’ve been told that if someone is bothering you, you should take a look at yourself. Ok…noted.
Personalities aside, the way she presented her connections with God were pretty concrete. Most spirituality-driven books I’ve read have a goal of convincing me that “their way” is the only way and reference Bibles or sacred text and events that occurred thousands of years ago. She shared spiritual practices and described actual recent events in her life to illuminate and reinforce her beliefs. It wasn’t all “woo-woo” to use her words but really practical.
Even though I was not blown away by her writing style, it was a book I needed at this moment. This book knocked on the door of a blockage in my life, and upon opening it, I realized how spiritually vacant I feel lately. I appreciated a tangible take on how God works in someone’s daily life.
Personalities aside, the way she presented her connections with God were pretty concrete. Most spirituality-driven books I’ve read have a goal of convincing me that “their way” is the only way and reference Bibles or sacred text and events that occurred thousands of years ago. She shared spiritual practices and described actual recent events in her life to illuminate and reinforce her beliefs. It wasn’t all “woo-woo” to use her words but really practical.
Even though I was not blown away by her writing style, it was a book I needed at this moment. This book knocked on the door of a blockage in my life, and upon opening it, I realized how spiritually vacant I feel lately. I appreciated a tangible take on how God works in someone’s daily life.
January 8, 2021
Here’s another book that I didn’t have high expectations for but was blown away to not only enjoy, but for the nuggets of insight that made me go 💡 I started reading this book absentmindedly then almost stopped when I realized it was about divorce and relationships ending. Having been divorced for 5+ years and single for nearly 2 and happy about both, I assumed it didn’t apply to me. It did. And I found myself connecting deeply with the author, like why can’t we be best friends. It gets a little “woo woo”, which I love, but I can see deep skeptics not enjoying. Overall, light hearted with a touch of deep spiritual matters meets let me confront my own shit, quick read.
December 21, 2020
I will admit that I couldn't finish this. I had to put it down quite early on as this book made me feel really depressed!
I had to remind myself that I do love my husband and that we are good together, and that we shouldn't give up on our marriage.
I'm hoping that the book, "Sex and the City and Us" will be better than this. Fingers crossed!
I had to remind myself that I do love my husband and that we are good together, and that we shouldn't give up on our marriage.
I'm hoping that the book, "Sex and the City and Us" will be better than this. Fingers crossed!
February 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was like sitting down with a friend and her spilling her last few years of life to you. She exposes the ups and downs, guidance from the universe and the overall theme of, life is not always what we thought it would be, but life is beautiful regardless.
I enjoyed it!
I enjoyed it!
September 17, 2021
Ugh it went on and on through such wispy washy BS making me consider the first punishment “thy desire shall be to thy husband.” And in this case any man to fill the void her hollowness and lack of fortitude will allow. Seriously seeking god but cannot fast for a few days, this kind of constant woman swooning for Dryer makes me vomit that warmth.
April 27, 2023
Format Read: Audio free with Audible membership
Review: This was an okay read about a woman who civil goes through a divorce and does not have any major issues compared to what the majority of couples often face. I felt at times she was naïve to reality, but I still enjoyed her story.
Recommended For: Memoir fans.
Review: This was an okay read about a woman who civil goes through a divorce and does not have any major issues compared to what the majority of couples often face. I felt at times she was naïve to reality, but I still enjoyed her story.
Recommended For: Memoir fans.
March 24, 2024
Very well written memoir of divorcee finding her terre firma in her changing world. Of course, given the author is a professional writer by trade makes this no surprise.
The memoir captures a certain time and place in Chicago Circa de 2012, as well as the milieu of self-help gurus of the time, e.g., Wayne Dyer, Oprah etc.
Easy on the mind read for a rainy afternoon.
The memoir captures a certain time and place in Chicago Circa de 2012, as well as the milieu of self-help gurus of the time, e.g., Wayne Dyer, Oprah etc.
Easy on the mind read for a rainy afternoon.
January 4, 2022
It’s nothing that I haven’t heard before. It was free on Amazon prime ,so I thought I would give it a try. Divorce and relationships are difficult for sure. The only thing I walked away with was to try things differently.
March 20, 2022
Audio book version - her voice and her humor were wonderful. I liked all the explorations of spirituality and healers. Interesting, not pushy and u decide if u believe all the various healers. Also liked her personal story.
September 27, 2020
Interesting author. The book is not about breaks up as much as it’s about the journey towards self wholeness
January 3, 2021
Other 5-star slam dunk from Ms. Weigel. Once you've listened to her entire series you'll be convinced she's just become your bestie and you want to have coffee with her every morning.
January 28, 2021
A good reminder that not everyone is going to handle things the same. Highly recommend it!
January 29, 2021
Mediocre book, really. It started off rather compelling, but lost steam towards the end with all the pseudo spirituality and silly practices. Some funny parts, but not terribly inspiring.
March 3, 2021
I can't get enough of Jenn W. Happy to say I haven't read all her books yet. A few more to go!
August 28, 2021
Excellent
August 28, 2021
Encouraging and interesting. Audio well narrated by author.
November 20, 2022
Great story about someone who married young and didn't grow in the same direction as her husband.
December 14, 2022
The book had promise but took a weird religious turn.
December 19, 2022
This was actually painful 💀
February 13, 2023
audiobook
May 27, 2023
I listened to this on audible. In between the cringe moments, there are some insightful gems scattered across her reflections.
December 30, 2023
Not what I expected
May 29, 2025
I recently discovered Jenniffer Weigel’s podcasts on Hoopla, and I’m so glad I did. “This Isn’t The Life I Ordered…: Setting Sail When Your Relationship Fails” is the first book of hers that I’ve read (well, listened to) and it definitely won’t be the last. I highly recommend the audiobook version, as Jenniffer narrates it herself. Her warm, conversational tone makes the experience even more engaging.
Her writing style is easy to follow, and her sense of humor had me laughing out loud more than once. As someone on my own spiritual journey, I find her insights incredibly relatable and affirming. I’m excited to read more of her books!
Her writing style is easy to follow, and her sense of humor had me laughing out loud more than once. As someone on my own spiritual journey, I find her insights incredibly relatable and affirming. I’m excited to read more of her books!
December 15, 2023
"This Isn't the Life I Ordered" by Jenniffer Weigel feels like a heart-to-heart chat with a wise and comforting friend who's been through it all. With a warm and relatable tone, Weigel shares personal stories and the experiences of others, creating a supportive guide for anyone navigating the stormy seas of a relationship breakup.
It's like having a cup of tea with a friend who understands the rollercoaster of emotions that come with unexpected life changes. Weigel's writing is like a warm hug, offering practical advice and a sprinkle of humor to lighten the journey.
If you find yourself at a crossroads after a relationship ends, this book is like a beacon of understanding and encouragement. It gently reminds you that, despite the storm, there's a whole sea of possibilities ahead.
It's like having a cup of tea with a friend who understands the rollercoaster of emotions that come with unexpected life changes. Weigel's writing is like a warm hug, offering practical advice and a sprinkle of humor to lighten the journey.
If you find yourself at a crossroads after a relationship ends, this book is like a beacon of understanding and encouragement. It gently reminds you that, despite the storm, there's a whole sea of possibilities ahead.
November 7, 2021
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. “Deal in” for things to happen. Ask. Be open to the signs. Say yes. Guides are helping.
2. Grow what you want.
3. Everyone who is mean is one deep breath away from tears. We have to love them all.
4. Healing begins after you let go. Forgiving is setting yourself free.
5. Don’t feed old behaviors so that part of you will die.
6. Let go of the past instead of pushing down resentments into a deep dark tunnel of the subconscious.
7. Empty your heart that is full of anger. Fill it up with love.
Healing: “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.”
8. Love. Forgiveness. Gratitude.
1. “Deal in” for things to happen. Ask. Be open to the signs. Say yes. Guides are helping.
2. Grow what you want.
3. Everyone who is mean is one deep breath away from tears. We have to love them all.
4. Healing begins after you let go. Forgiving is setting yourself free.
5. Don’t feed old behaviors so that part of you will die.
6. Let go of the past instead of pushing down resentments into a deep dark tunnel of the subconscious.
7. Empty your heart that is full of anger. Fill it up with love.
Healing: “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.”
8. Love. Forgiveness. Gratitude.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews