The Art of the Possible: The Path from Perfectionism to Balanace and Freedom

by Alexandra Stoddard

As a speaker, author, and world-famous interior designer, Alexandra Stoddard was the first to show millions of of people how to turn the place they live in into an oasis of tranquility, beauty, and joy.  Beginning with her bestselling Living A Beautiful Life , and followed by other highly successful books, she demonstrates the magic that transforms living space, from cottages to mansions, not into showrooms, but into homes that reflect the comfort and joy of those who live there. Now in    The Art of the Possible she adds wise words to the dream of creating a perfectly beautiful home, reminding all those who seek beauty to overcome the confines of perfectionism in favor of freedom that allows creativity to flourish.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Art, Lifestyle

251 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

ALEXANDRA STODDARD is a philosopher of contemporary living and author of many best selling books, including the classic Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life, Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life, Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life, and You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life. Alexandra's newest book Happiness For Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together, published in January 2008, is now in its second printing.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading any of Alexandra Stoddard's books is like peeking into the life and home of this interesting woman, her husband, Peter Megargee Brown, her daughters, Alexandra and Brooke, and her stepdaughters and grandchildren. There are always stories of her own mother and siblings, her early work with decorating legend Eleanor McMIllen Brown, and tales of life in Manhattan and Stonington, Connecticut, where Peter and Alexandra make their homes. All her books are laced with sweet advice and inspiration for everything from decorating your house to managing your work schedule, but never in a preachy way, and always in the context of a vignette, which I love! The Art of the Possible centers on living a balanced life, and, in particular, not letting the quest for perfection ruin your enjoyment of living a real life in the here and now. I always enjoy her books so much.

[Kathleen Langton-Kiyak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with continued relevance. It made me stop and think about the life I live and the one I want to live.

[Mycala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like everything Alexandra does, but after reading one or two of her books I find that a lot of stuff is repeated. Her books read more like a letter from a friend. She has some great ideas and I love the quotes peppered throughout the book, although the way they are formatted it's easy to either get distracted by them (usually 2-4 quotes per two-page spread in the margins) or get involved in the main reading and ignore them.

The main message in any of her books is to enjoy life and who can't use that reminder from time to time?

[JoAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish it, I just want board with her writting, she talked way to much about her project and other books and all that she had done. I kind of got sick of hearing about her all the time.

maybe it was just by bad attitude. but I am not loving it. Although there is another book of hers that I think I might read, we will see

[Jean Carlton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh. Not for me. Haven't read a self-help book in a long time but found this on my shelf and nearly two years into Covid I thought maybe I could use a little balance and freedom.
I am not a 'skimmer' but I had to skim this one. Too many platitudes, references to her own personal stories especially the death of her brothers, the mention of her family's favorite city (Paris) the promotion of her other books, her status as nationally rated tennis champion as well the "Zen table" in her backyard. On top of that, every single page contained boxed-in inspirational quotes - very distracting. Oh, and the section on love mentions pouring a favorite "French gel" into her husband's bath. Enough.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this earlier in life it was very meaningful to me. Now, with covid, a new era in civil rights struggles, and our political climate, it's not as relevant to me. I love Stoddard, but her privilege is glaring in the light of challenges we currently face. That said, it is helpful to remember to share some focus on things that bring us joy while we are working towards change.

[Doris O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book as usual!

[Jackie Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the "Letter to my Readers" at the front of this book in my quiet time early in the morning of October 25, 1995, after I found out my grandfather, Joe Robert Thomason had died at the age of 83. I finished reading it 2 days after he would have turned 84. I wrote to the author that day, and we have been pen pals and then friends ever since. My brother Ken met her before I did, because he was working at a restaurant she and her husband frequented. The first we met was during a garden tour in 1998, I believe. We've sunce run into each many times in thr borough, and visited with her and Peter, met Brooke her daughter, sjarrd joys and grief, and am forever grateful for all of the synchronicity that has occurred between us.
https://lunawings.blogspot.com/2022/0...

[Evaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love her writing voice, it reminds me of a loving parent or grandparent. I wouldn't say that I'm a perfectionist in that I try to do it all, but I am a perfectionist because I feel guilty for not trying to do it all! I apppreciated her advice on the importance of solitude and how to let go of the the guilt when you are not checking stuff off your to-do list.

[StacyM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the same stuff in The Artist's Way, but certainly that book is more practical in its applications. This book is more like a collection of encouraging words and quotes instead of a way to get to where you want to go.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Stoddard's style, but this book was a bit uneven. I gave it so many stars because the chapters on work and play were particularly strong, I thought. Really lovely reminders on how to make both of those things work for us.

[Cws]

155.2

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a lot out of this book, but it was time to let it go. I mailed it to Ideasmith.