A Review by Rebecca Moll, A Year by the Sea, Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman, by Joan Anderson
I enjoyed this non-fiction narrative, the rough an tumble of Joan Anderson's journey of self-discovery, much like the very setting of Cape Cod, sea and sand. With roots in Nova Scotia and New England, I love her use of metaphors and symbolism, the aligning of her life experiences to the sometimes harsh, sometimes compassionate natural world around her. It doesn't get more real than this. The truth is, often, too hard to handle.
My take away is, if you are searching for happiness, don't look too far. As a matter of fact, you may need a magnifying glass. Pleasure and peace can be found in the little things and you don't have to shave your head, wear a sheet, and climb a mountain. Not too long ago, I would have responded to such statements of being present with, "yeah, sure, take another toke, hold hands and sing kumbaya.." Yet, as a soon-to-be empty-nester, I find myself reaching less, looking more closely at what I already have. The glass is half-full. Keep it simple, stupid.
For most, happiness, peace, and self-satisfaction can be found in the present. Open your eyes, open your ears, close your mouth, and just experience where you are -- right now. Focus on one thing you appreciate. I can last about 30 seconds. I am a work in progress, that's for sure. A little more than half-way to a hundred, I do have the time.
Joan learns in her journey that relationship expectations, while warranted at times, in the long run, create prison walls, stunts growth, separates souls. By tearing herself away, risking all she has on this journey of self discovery, Joan learns to drop expectations of herself and others, relish the freedom of just being, and ultimately learns to love herself. This new found acceptance and love of herself works wonders not only for her, but those around her, as well.
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror," Michael Jackson said it well.
If you like contemplative reading, have the ability to hold social judgments at bay, and look for new avenues through others' life experiences, I highly recommend this beautiful and soul satisfying book.
Great book club book. Bring an extra bottle of wine, though. There will be some heated discussions. That's for sure. Life can be a hard pill to swallow.
My take away is, if you are searching for happiness, don't look too far. As a matter of fact, you may need a magnifying glass. Pleasure and peace can be found in the little things and you don't have to shave your head, wear a sheet, and climb a mountain. Not too long ago, I would have responded to such statements of being present with, "yeah, sure, take another toke, hold hands and sing kumbaya.." Yet, as a soon-to-be empty-nester, I find myself reaching less, looking more closely at what I already have. The glass is half-full. Keep it simple, stupid.
For most, happiness, peace, and self-satisfaction can be found in the present. Open your eyes, open your ears, close your mouth, and just experience where you are -- right now. Focus on one thing you appreciate. I can last about 30 seconds. I am a work in progress, that's for sure. A little more than half-way to a hundred, I do have the time.
Joan learns in her journey that relationship expectations, while warranted at times, in the long run, create prison walls, stunts growth, separates souls. By tearing herself away, risking all she has on this journey of self discovery, Joan learns to drop expectations of herself and others, relish the freedom of just being, and ultimately learns to love herself. This new found acceptance and love of herself works wonders not only for her, but those around her, as well.
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror," Michael Jackson said it well.
If you like contemplative reading, have the ability to hold social judgments at bay, and look for new avenues through others' life experiences, I highly recommend this beautiful and soul satisfying book.
Great book club book. Bring an extra bottle of wine, though. There will be some heated discussions. That's for sure. Life can be a hard pill to swallow.
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