I read, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, by Crystal Paine last spring and it really impacted my life! I have followed Crystal's blog, Moneysavingmom.com for years. I really admire Crystal as a woman who stands for her faith and shares her life experiences with others. I was anxious to read her book when it came out. I have definitely been a mother who has lived in survival mode off and on during the last 16 years!
There are 10 chapters in this book. It is a quick and easy read. I am going to give you my thoughts on several of the chapters that really hit home for me.
Chapter 1: Stop Trying to Do it All
Ok…the title says it all. I think a lot of moms try to do it ALL! I know that I have tried to do it all and failed….continuously! It usually only makes me feel badly…I am the one feeling the guilt of not being supermom and superwife and superemployee all the time. This chapter talks about learning to say no, creating a personal priorities list and counting the costs. I felt that Crystal's advice was heartfelt. It isn't easy to say no to people. It isn't easy to sit down and really look at where our priorities lie…based on where we spend our time and effort. What are the costs for me being frazzled and stressed out all the time. This chapter made me look at my life and really evaluate how I was living it.
Chapter 2: Say Yes to the Best
If I was asked to list out the most important things in my life it would be easy for me to tell you….God first and my family second. This chapter helped me look at my priorities…do I really mean it when I say God first and my family second… Who is getting the best of me? How am I spending my time? There are so many “good” things we can do with our time…but what are the best things we can do? I was able to reevaluate some of my priorities so that I could be putting more time on the BEST things in my life!
Chapter 4: Discipline is Not a Bad Word
I struggle with being disciplined. My husband and I are both fairly easy going….we let a lot slide. Sometimes this can be a good thing…other times not so much. This chapter showed me that there were definitely areas in my life that could use more discipline and more structure. Crystal gives very concrete ways to get more disciplined. Her advice is practical and easy to put into motion.
Chapter 7: When You Feel Like a Failure
I have felt like a failure too many times to count. When I start to get down on myself I usually slide into a place of depression and I end up getting nothing accomplished! I love how this chapter goes straight to the heart of an issue so many woman have! This chapter has really helped me to stop comparing myself to others. It has shown me how to give myself grace. It has helped me see that God doesn't see me as a failure and I shouldn't see myself that way either!!
There are other wonderful chapters that I didn't directly touch on….all chapters were worth reading! I highly recommend this book to women everywhere. Crystal does come at some issues from a faith viewpoint, but even if you don't agree with her spiritual views, I believe you will get a lot of practical information out of this book! Say Goodbye to Survival Mode may be just what you need to make some major improvements in your life!
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