Shauna, who was lonely and worn out, made the decision to embrace play, serenity, love, and grace in order to transform her life. She talks about her experience and her vision for a new way of living that emphasises communication with people who are most important, rest, quiet, simplicity, and prayer.
Present Over Perfect, a collection of articles, urges readers to stop pleasing others, value silence, serenity, and simplicity, and acknowledge their deservingness of happiness, love, and belonging.
The book exhorts readers to abandon hectic lives and hectic schedules in order to find their true selves, joining the millions of others who have already embarked on this new journey.
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About the Author
Shauna Niequist is the author of seven best-selling books in the New York Times, including Present Over Perfect and I Guess I Haven’t Learnt That Yet. New York City is home to Shauna, her husband Aaron, and their two boys, Henry and William. Shauna is a keen socialiser, particularly at the table, and an enthusiastic reader and traveller.
Review
A year ago, when this work was still in its infancy, I pleaded with Shauna for it. I got down at my laptop and sent four emails apologising for obligations that no longer suited my schedule, made two harsh phone calls, and gave two additional commitments an expiration date after reading it from cover to cover in one sitting.
I had been waiting for permission, bravery, and honesty, and Present Over Perfect gave it to me. I’ll be grateful for this message when I die. It has altered my life. — For the Love and Seven author Jennifer Hatmaker
As I inhaled Present Over Perfect, I shed a few tears of relief. I sobbed because I had totally forgotten that I don’t need to prove myself, work for affection, or struggle to fit in. Shauna reminded me that my worthiness, belonging, and belovedness are birthrights in her remarks, which were equally eloquent and compelling.
There isn’t a more significant or urgent invitation that comes to mind. — Glennon Doyle Melton, creator of Momastery and Together Rising, author of Love Warrior, and author of the New York Times bestseller Carry On, Warrior
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I’ve read this book seven times already. Despite the fact that it is about prioritising the now above the ideal, the book is almost flawless. Shauna’s description of my problem is spot on. — Lauren Winner, author of Still, Wearing God, and Girl Meets God
As a friend, I’ve been proud of Shauna, as she has walked this path away from proving and toward connection and grace. I appreciate that these pages serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for me as a reader.
Her remarks are the encouragement we’ve been waiting for for those of us who long for fulfilling, connected lives but occasionally settle for busy. — Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Scary Close, New York Times bestseller
The majority of my professors believed they were only buddies with me and didn’t think they were teaching me anything. This book is that type of book, and Shauna is that kind of friend.
You’ll be reminded of the things you’ve loved, the places you’ve found happiness, and maybe the things you’ve lost along the road as you flip through these pages. Most importantly, you’ll be led into an open discussion about your faith and its future. — Love Does author Bob Goff
Resuming the topic of simplifying daily life and focusing on what matters most, Niequist (Savour) interweaves a number of writings on her own experiences overcoming a life that was dominated by stress, busyness, and feelings of inadequacy.
After years of hectic living, Niequist has realised that she is losing out on the beauty of her daily life with her husband and kids. She knows that if she doesn’t simplify and slow down, learn to say no to demands on her time, and stop worrying about what other people think of her, it will all pass her by.
Present over ideal living means genuine over image, connecting over comparing, meaning over obsession, depth over artifice,’ she says, adding that she’s discovered a new’strength’ in spending time alone and appreciating peaceful surroundings.
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She sometimes and purposefully uses Scripture to support her arguments; most of the time, her allusions to her faith serve solely to support her personal experiences of attentive living. Because of her conversational, approachable, welcoming, and never overbearing manner, readers of all religions may enjoy this book.
The suggestion will resonate more strongly with women. Niequist’s most recent book, which offers readers the blueprint for living in the real rather than the ideal, is her most fulfilling fusion of self-help, scripture, and mindfulness yet. Publishers Weekly
Shauna makes us want to live our lives to the fullest. We require motivation that goes beyond rules and discipline since pursuing that goal costs us our distracting habits. To truly appreciate this gift of life that God has given us, we must desire to live and be among our people.
Her words here will make you not want to miss your life, just as Shauna’s life makes me not want to miss mine. — Jennie Allen, author of Anything and Restless, creator and visionary of IF:Gathering
If we’re not cautious, the culture we live in might easily send us in circles. And as a result, we may find ourselves doing a lot of things in life that we never really planned to do. Shauna assists us in stepping back and resetting our spirits and thoughts.
You will find insight and inspiration in these pages to go beyond material achievements and honours to discover the richer, more fulfilling, and more joyful life. After all, the ability to connect with people is what enables us to flourish in every way. — Boundaries and The Power of the Other by Dr. Henry Cloud, New York Times bestselling author
Shauna has written a narrative of her heart—a racing, broken heart that is evolving into a happy, cherished, and present heart—through elegant disclosure. I felt more optimistic about her, her family, her religion, and her generation after reading this book.
Shauna calls on everyone of us to find a better way—the way of presence, the way of saying no—instead of succumbing to the hurried haste of saying yes. This rejection, however, is a yes to something far better. — Scot McKnight, author of The Blue Parakeet and A Fellowship of Differents
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Summary
Shauna Niequist, a lady who felt unconnected and busy all the time, saw that she needed to change. After years of saying yes to everything, which resulted in a frenetic and superficial existence, she discovered the power of saying no.
She gained honesty and independence as a result of her newly discovered capacity for boundary-setting, and she also attracted encouraging friends who encouraged her to keep going in this new direction.
She discovered that solitude and introspection were crucial to her metamorphosis when she was at the lake. She was able to refocus her priorities and discover beauty in a more straightforward, purposeful way of life by slowing down and enjoying the peaceful moments provided by the lake’s natural cycles.
Because she learnt to listen to her wants and desires and understand that her well-being is equally as essential as her productivity, this transformation made her feel happy and connected.