As a member of the launch team for Say Goodbye To Survival Mode, I received an advance copy of the book. Since that time, I have read the book three times and have come away with something new each time.
Crystal Paine of http://moneysavingmom.com does an excellent job of addressing the stress, fatigue, and never ending overwhelming feeling that permeates our lives and offers practical, hands-on solutions to help the reader get out of survival mode and live a life with purpose and intention.
So many of the books and articles I’ve read on this topic offer the same old things but this book covers the topic from a totally different perspective. It is more than a book; it offers goals and strategies at the beginning of each chapter, worksheets throughout the book and encourages the reader to journal and think things through as they read.
In one of the chapters, Crystal writes about making a difference and the bigger picture.
“A big part of living with intention is to give and do for others. Our lives are not just about us and how we can manage our time, organize our priorities, and live each day with passion and purpose. It’s also about looking for a need and finding a way to fill it.” ~ Crystal Paine
Crystal goes on to write about how we can give even if we have a tight budget and very little time. We can:
- Babysit for a few hours so a single mom can have a much needed break
- Fix a meal for a family going through a crisis
- Volunteer a couple of hours per month at a homeless shelter
- Donate items from the food stash you collected using coupons
- Offer to pray with someone going through a tough time
- Write notes of encouragement
- Send a quick text to a friend going through challenging times
- And most importantly, we can give a smile!
“When we are attuned to the great needs that exist in this world and help make a difference, something happens. It creates in us a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, we begin to appreciate the countless blessings we do have. Instead of complaining, we become thankful. Instead of seeing obstacles in our lives, we recognize opportunities.” ~ Crystal Paine
Other topic areas addressed in the book are learning it’s ok to say no and when to say yes, goal setting and priorities, getting organized, eliminating clutter, self-discipline, financial matters, failure and disappointment and finally making some time for yourself.
To find out more about the book and to order, go to
http://moneysavingmom.com/survival-mode/
The book will be released Jan. 21, 2014 and will be available in both ebook and print.
