Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living

Written by:
Shauna Niequist
Narrated by:
Shauna Niequist

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
194
Narrator
25
Release Date
August 2016
Duration
4 hours 44 minutes
Summary
OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD!

New York Times bestselling author Shauna Niequist invites you to look at the landscape of your own life, consider how it might feel to leave behind the pressure to be perfect, and begin the practice of simply being present in the middle of the mess.

A few years ago, Shauna found herself exhausted and isolated, her soul and body sick. She was tired of being tired and burned out on busy. It seemed like almost everyone she talked to was in the same boat: longing for connection, meaning, and depth, but settling for busy.

But then something changed. She decided to trade the hustle and bustle for grace, love, stillness, and play, and it changed everything. Shauna offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: soaked in rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us.

As you witness Shauna's journey, you'll be inspired to embark on one of your own. She gives you the encouragement you need to:


- Put an end to people-pleasing tendencies
- Embrace moments of simplicity, quiet, and stillness
- Accept that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy

 

Written in Shauna's warm and vulnerable style, this collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in her life, and maybe yours too: leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection.

Join the over one million others who have already started walking this new path away from frantic pushing and proving and toward their true selves.
Reviews
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Diane R.

I REALLY wanted to like this book and was looking forward to hearing about the 'tools' the author, a working mother and wife, found to stay present and balanced but it just didn't deliver for me. The best part of the book was about the priest/congregation story and metaphor about 'taking down chairs' which is one that Ii will continue to ponder and take forward. Aside from that story, which was told in the first part of the book, I found listening to Shauna's issues and stress expressed in the narration both exhausting and stressful. She kept referencing the 'restart' that she looks forward to doing each July, but instead walking through what this process is or looks like, she says that it begins with and is centered around her annual retreat to the Lake House. That instead in of sleeping in her jeans, buying pajamas is a way to make you feel more balanced and centered (what?). Unfortunately I couldn't relate to her strife. Finding balance by going less vacations, having less parties, less video shoots at her beautiful house and turning down career-making, high paying jobs wasn't a life I that I could find relate. On a positive note, for me her book reinforces and outlines that it comes down to the basics: Being grateful, taking time for yourself (meditate, work out...whatever), knowing your boundaries and living within your means both with time and money, and not stressing over the small stuff. Thank you for the reminder.

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Anonymous

Loved this book! Will be reading again soon!

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Noelle S.

This book is a must read for all women!!! I have such a hard time saying no, and feeling such guilt saying no unless I have another engagement. This book helped me realize that I am enough right where I am and how to make space for me and my family. I would give it ten stars if I could!!

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Kristina L.

Loved it! I could relate to so much of it.

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Kimberley G.

I really liked this book. It was so moving and inspiring for me on the act of “slower living” which is just where we are at the moment

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Anonymous

Very well read book!! I appreciated the serious voice tone, as this is also a very serious book.

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Suzana A.

Great book and very insightful to a working mom of 2 boys with the same personally. I never know when to stop, and I continue to sacrifice my time with family, my body and health because of work or the thousand tasks/activities that surround me. I've been so frustrated and broken. This book came at the perfect time for me!

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Claire C

Great insight. I will read it again and again to reset my heart and mind to what's most important

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Marie I

Great book..I love her insight.

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Danielle Sevilla

I LOVED this book! It brought such insight into my life. I'm only 23 yrs old but I've already feel the pressure of trying to live perfectly and the hustle. Learning now to make room to rest and prioritize those I love= a great wisdom.

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