Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me

I've ordered a hard copy to have to loan, and ordered another copy to be sent to a friend. Yes, it's that important of a book.Alexandra is a busy, BUSY mom. But don't let that stop you from reading her book! :) Even if you've NEVER been a mom, you'll get something from this one - I was convicted several times, and it's already changed my thinking about some things I do or don't do.This is a very readable book. I really like Alexandra's writing style - I feel like she's sitting on the sun porch with me, just sharing her life. And each chapter (you can read the synopsis HERE!) she ends with "What I Learned" and "Practices I'll Continue", and then "Questions for Reflection", for you to answer. I *really* appreciate life application steps! :D

I'm giving this 4 stars now because I kinda wanted more book. I think it will be a 5 star book after implementing some of it.I felt like last year was so rushed and not enjoyable. I was hoping this year would be different and enter said book along with MOPS meeting topic on it. I've spent some time reading and rereading the book now as well as answering the questions. Already I feel a sense of relief that Christmas doesn't have to keep being the same as in years past and that I don't have to feel guilty for wanting to make a change.I found her recap of the weeks and days to be refreshing and honest. Some days are harder then others and the author doesn't hide that, but gives herself some grace. I also think all her tips and things she found helpful to be very easy to adapt to my life. I could easily do some of the things she did to find out what is important to me and my family.As someone who isn't all that well versed in the Bible, I liked that she made sure to include more about the Christmas story and verses that are helpful. I also loved her explanation of the Christmas story. It made it easy for me to understand the bigger picture.

This book was so timely for me and just the encouragement I needed to slow things down and relish the season I'm in. I appreciated the practical nature of the experiment as well as the honesty of the author in areas where her results differed from her expectations. This is in the nature/format of Jen Hatmaker's "7," but a lot more do-able. Sometimes instead of an entire lifestyle overhaul, what we need is to spend a month just focusing on mastering the morning routine or getting dinner in the table. I am planning to do my own version of the experiment as soon as my book comes back from the third friend I've loaned it to since reading it myself. But even without a full commitment to the experiment, just doing a few of the suggestions and clearing my schedule has given me precious moments with my children and fired my brain creatively for ministry that I'm actually passionate about (not just doing because I think no one else will).I recommend this for anyone who feels a bit overwhelmed in schedule/activity and underwhelmed by passion/life/community. If you feel like you wake up every morning exhausted and behind, please read this book. If you loved 7 by Jen Hatmaker or The Best Yes by Lisa Terkeurst this book is for you.

A sweet, quick read about how Alexandra has learned things about herself so that she can continue to improve as a positive human being. Some good advice to get you thinking about how to enjoy your life as best you can. NOTE: This is not a kick-in-the-pants, get-off-your-ass motivational read that will change your life. More of a relatable, 40-somethings Moms friendship diary - an attempt to seem relatable through the eyes of regular, middle-class motherhood.

After reading Alex Kuykendall's, "Loving My Actual Life" and being encouraged by it to slow down and to enjoy my life right in the thick of it, I knew that "Loving My Actual Christmas" would be a definite read!It didn't disappoint! Alex, talks us through the Advent season and shares personal insights of how she and her family, decided to relish the season rather than be bombarded with all the chaos and stress.Her words made me think hard about the way most of us just zoom right through the season, wishing it was over because there's just to much on the 'to do' list.This Christmas I really want to slow down and enjoy every aspect of the Advent. The waiting and expectation of Jesus' arrival, the celebrating of His birth, the Christmastide and the beginning of a new way of living out this joyous time!I strongly encourage you to lay aside your lists and gather your family and make this an experiment you try with your family as well. You just might be surprised by just how much more joy you'll receive just by relishing in the season.Lolo McClure

Cover is beautiful and title is relatable. It was not what I expected but she writes so well, I didn't mind that I was reading a form of her journal. She was like a fabulous friend who keeps it real, which is nice. But one of the first things she cuts out of her life to help with the noise and busy...ness... was work. Well yeah ,my life would be a lot easier to manage if I wasn't at work all the time. But I know few mothers who have that luxury. She has some nice tips throughout the book and I did actually enjoy it but can't help cynically think, "I'll listen to your advice when leave your home, kids, and yoga pants for 50 hours a week and still figure out how to get everything done." All in all though, nice concept.

good read

Loved reading Alex's journey and excited to start my own!

Sweet. Encouraging. A nice read :)

Easy to read as diary style entries with summaries of each chapter.Interesting and gave me ideas about setting goals for myself.

Enjoyable