I've Been Thinking . . .: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life

I really needed a book like this after too many weeks of terrible news on the internet, tv and at work (too many talented colleagues laid off from a local, big IT company in the last month). The last month, on top of a lot of grief-issues my husband and I have been dealing with for so many years, has helped me take refuge in a terrible "mental funk." My inner-voice keeps telling me, "Don't give up! Things will get better. Hang on!" While I could relate to nearly all of the chapters/meditations in this book, I know I have family/friends I'd like to share this book with who will very likely be offended in some of the thoughts shared because they view their world through a very different lens than Maria and my immediate family do. I have a lot of relatives and old friends who love the ability to engage in a virtual religious and/or political fight-fest, with so much anger and vitriol directed towards issues and posts that they do not take the time to research and respond to in a thoughtful and caring manner. Also, while my heart aches for the loss that Maria has experienced via the death of so many lovely, supportive elders in her life, I was happy to know that she had those people in her life--because so many people have never experienced the family devotion she did. If I had the chance to connect with her when she's getting teary about the loss of one of her children moving to another state, and too far away for her liking, I would ask her to remember that all four of her children are alive and pursuing their dreams while too many loving mothers and fathers are trying to live day-to-day--trying to accept the reality that they'll never have the joy of seeing their child(ren) during holidays or special visits because they are no longer alive, for whatever important reason. The reason I'm drawn to Maria's writing and her special segments on the media is because I truly believe she is very caring and open to other people's opinions. I wish I knew someone like her who could help me tell my family's story! In spite of the few chapters that made me think, "She's been hurt, but doesn't understand 'rock bottom' because she hasn't lived it, yet, and hope she never does"...I would truly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to take control of the optimism and action we all are responsible for cultivating in our personal life.

Such a dynamic read for fellowship, inspiration and guidance especially from phenomenal journalist Maria Shriver! She shares daily life obstacles that lets one know that we’re all in this challenging life together! No one is excluded. Regardless of being rich, poor, young, old, black, white, mother, sister, aunt or daughter. Her voice gave me hope and grace especially right now!

I love this book. The title is perfect because Maria tells what she's been thinking and it is so relatable to what many other women are thinking, too. I'm currently doing a bible study to answer the big questions also found in this book - who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? At a time when the world is creating havoc with actions, words, misguided thinking, thoughts being directed by those with selfish agendas, and friends/family acting in aggressive ways, it is getting harder to have peace. When I am affected by outside influences and those in my circles are also impacted by negative influences, it is no wonder we are troubled and find ourselves in conflict. To counter the negative influences, it is easy to become busy trying to help right the wrongs. In doing that, we sometimes become aggressive ourselves and things can get all tangled. This book has guided my thinking and allowed me to go to quiet more than noise. Maria was able to empathize with us as humans trying to be ourselves in tandem with our faith and yet, recognizing our own shortcomings. I have read the entire book and marked sections that spoke to me with a date. I will read again and again to stay on the path God intended me to walk to fulfill His purposes through me. I will stumble, but hopefully revisiting this book and re-evaluating my situation will help me stay on course. Thank you, Maria for this gift to me and so many others.

Very personal feel like as if she were talking with you. Lots of things to think about and use in your everyday life. Helpful and an enjoyable read. Her forthrightness and honesty rings throughout.

Each reflection is something that touches my heart, some more than others. Am absolutely enjoying this book!

Favorite book. Living a clean kind intelligent life.

I loved this book - her honesty and vulnerability was so much what I needed - as well as her faith and joy in life, in spite of life’s tests and difficulties.

I have always admired Maria Shriver. She has 4 adult children and talks about topics that matter in this book. She provides a good perspective on many of life’s experiences and healthy ways to handle your feelings. Each chapter is 3-4 pages and is an interesting/short read! It would make a great Mother’s Day or Ladies Day Book for May 12th! I got it for myself and may buy more for family members!

Most inspirational!

Thoroughly enjoyable.

It is a good book and help to introspect one's emotions and feelings

Das Buch ist praktisch ihr in der Vergangenheit versendeter Newsletter, aneinandergereiht. Hätte man sich diesen damals rechtzeitig abonniert, hätte man sich das Geld (& Zeit) für das Buch sparen können.

I thought it was a book to read but I found out that it is rather a book with small chapters and small lessons that you can pick up on whenever you need to. I’ve come back to it every once in s while and it’s cute. Not what I expected though but still nice!