Hands Free Life: A Book Review

One of Rachel Macy Stafford's viral blog posts about distraction caught my attention about a year ago, and I found myself clicking onto post after post on her blog, Hands Free Mama.  It didn't take long to discover that she was on a similar pursuit as myself, the pursuit of living a more intentional life.  That less distracted, more eye contact and moment-making kind of life. 

Then, in November, I found myself teary eyed and moved as I listened to her speak at Allume.   As she spoke about fighting her way out of the grumpy manager mama mode in order to reconnect with her daughters, I realized it was time to take in the print version of her wisdom and encouragement.

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Stafford's book, Hands Free Life: Nine Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better and Loving More, was just as grace and inspiration filled as she was in person.  I highlighted, starred, and exclamation pointed my way through to the last chapter. 

"I was born with the ability to spot tasks that need attention every second of every day."

Sigh.  She gets me.  I read this line in the first chapter and new Lucy Stafford was my people. 

"Today I will resist the urge to get 'one more thing' accomplished-instead I will engage in one activity that brings me peace and renewal."

These concepts are never ending struggles for me.  I see myself distracted, more disconnected from my family than I want to be, and addicted to productivity, and its just not who I want to be.  This book gives practical tips and a heavy dose of inspiration on how to move closer to living intentionally moment by moment.  It encourages me to surrender control, establish boundaries, see the good, leave a legacy, and give back.  All the best parts of living. 

"If I want my kids to value experiences rather than things, I must celebrate a spontaneous run through the sprinkler, good conversation, snowball fights, and crickets that lull us to sleep."

There is so much beauty around me and I just don't want to miss it.  I want to see it, hold it, share it and tell others about it.  This book reminds me to look up and into the eyes of my people.  It reminds me to breath deeply, seek joy and be gentle with myself.

"Now, more than ever, we must speak of remarkable things.  Now, when undivided attention is a rare and priceless commodity...now, when we too often choose glowing screens over shining sunlight...now, when digital notifications take precedence over soul-to-soul connection. Now more than ever, we must speak of the remarkable that make our heart sing..."

The type of life Rachel Macy Stafford describes is the kind of life I want to pursue and the kind of legacy I want to leave with my kids.  I usually give most of my books away, but this one I'll be keeping on my shelf just in case the future calls for another recalibration.  I recommend this one, friends. 

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.