I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home

Absolutely beautifully written. I do not like poetry and was told to read it regardless. I could not put it down. Enjoyed every word. It’s a book and story that will stay with you forever. And so relatable, although “royalty”. Maria Shriver is a brave soul and showed a vulnerability that is to be admired.

I admire this woman. She looked deep within and exposed her innermost thoughts and feelings. She had the courage to show how vulnerable she was, how she struggled to come to terms with a distant mother and an unfaithful husband. Her triumph was overcoming her anger, her resentment, and not only accepting their human frailties, but her own as well. Being able to love and forgive, especially herself, for trying to live up to an image others had of her, instead of being who she was, freed her from the torment she was putting herself through, and brought her peace, so she could at last say, 'I am Maria, and that is enough.' These honest, emotional and insightful poems are an inspiration, especially to those who have struggled with their own identity.

What can I say to express my gratitude for this book! Your poetry is beautiful, and your journey is inspiring me to craft a different way, not sure what that way is. These poems are speaking to the universal and to my individual journey. Your Open Field is beautiful. I love how by being authentic you have spoken to women everywhere. We are so scared to be exposed but in exposure we speak to the humanity in all of us.

"I Am Maria* is more than a book—it’s a companion for anyone walking through heartbreak, healing, and the search for your authentic self. Maria Shriver’s poems are raw, honest, and breathtakingly vulnerable. She doesn’t just invite you into her story—she opens the door for you to enter your own life experiences with greater compassion.Maria exemplifies the **Survivalista mindset**—not just surviving life’s hardest hits, but doing so with intention, soul, and grace. She didn’t just power through the pain—she paused, reflected, and did the work. She dared to get still, meet herself honestly, and gently dismantle the old narratives that kept her from her truest identity. That’s what being a Survivalista is all about.Through her unflinching exploration of childhood wounds, public betrayal, and generational patterns, Maria gently guides you toward your own emotional truth. Her willingness to ask the deeper questions—*Who am I without my titles? Where did this loneliness begin? Can I forgive myself, too?*—is incredibly moving.I’ve found myself quoting this book 3 times in my *Survivalista* Substack posts in the past week, because Maria’s journey mirrors what so many of us are struggling with in our own journey to the true self. She reminds us we are not alone, and that the "open field"—where we are loved just for being—is not only possible, but waiting for you to find it.If you’ve ever struggled with not feeling "enough," or wondered how to rise from personal ruin into radiant selfhood, this book is a wonderful guide. If you're really struggling right now, Maria’s words might be like a light shining into the dark night of your soul. Knowing she's been there and found her way back will help you find your own courage.

I love this book. Inspirational and authentic.

I have been a fan of Maria Shrivers for a long time and love her books. This book exceeded my expectations and made me emotional and made me think about my own journey. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I have admired Maria Shriver, but have not read any of her prior books. I was listening to her interview on the Rich Roll podcast and I was intrigued with her sharing how she began writing poetry, so I purchased the book and I really love it. Her poems are so beautiful and relatable.And what I find really special about this book is that I can open the book to a random poem and have something to reflect on that day, to help me dig deeper in my day-to day.It’s not a book to read cover to cover but a companion to your journaling. I am grateful to have it.

Maria has opened her heart, and is sharing it with the world! You will find yourself in so many of these poems! And if you don't, then you have been very blessed with a perfect life! It's a must read!