Customer Reviews

The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life

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The message of this book boils down to learning how you can take care of yourself (some call it creating "life balance") so that you can be the mom you want to be (not your mom's, society's, or your mother in law's idea of motherhood). It isn't another parenting book that talks about the "how tos" in terms of taking care of your kids or your husband. The topic may sound touchy-feely, but it's not -- it carries a serious message about self-preservation for mothers that has been ignored for too long!

This book is organized into 12 chapters that cover topics such as the power of self-care, tapping into your creativity, and improving life balance. The list of creative ways to say no (and thus manage your energy) is worth buying this book! As a busy professional and mom, I love the fact that the chapters can all be read quickly, and then returned to when I have time. Each chapter includes thought provoking questions for journaling or group discussion, and concrete suggestions for implementing new ideas. The wisdom and support in this book is an invaluable asset to any mother navigating the myriad challenges of parenting while trying to maintain a healthy sense of herself. This is a book to savor and share. As a licensed psychologist and group psychotherapist, I lead groups that focus on this book and I regularly recommend it to my clients. I read it regularly, and always get something new from it. Buy this wonderful book, you will be grateful you did. [..]

This book validates what many mother's feel. It was refreshing and inspiring. After I read it, I knew immediately I needed to become a facilitator for the Personal Renewal Groups. I wanted to share this book with all the mom's I knew. It's a simple book with guided journaling exercises and great tips. Renee shares her personal stories freely and they are easy to relate to. Renee is able to put into words what I've been trying to explain to my hubby for years--just how wonderful yet challenging it is to be a mom. I had him read it and now he's my biggest supporter in my quest to share this. It's a very empowering book...helping moms realize that we're doing the most important job out there, but that it needn't be all-consuming. When we practice self-care we are happier, stronger and calmer, which makes us better moms, friends, and spouses.

I've been reading this book on and off for the past couple of weeks, and every time I open the pages, I instantly feel transported to a mental vacation. The photographs, questions and anecdotes help me think about something other than laundry, making dinner and trying to toilet train my son. So far, the book has actually helped me to make one major change in my life. After thinking through the things that make me happy, the things that I've missed since having kids, I've returned to taking dance classes. It's been quite a challenge to get back to it after a four year hiatus, but it's fun. It's also helped me keep things in perspective as I spent countless hours working on my book, Mama Knows Breast: A Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding. Thank you, Renee.

Utilizing The Guide, coupled with a supportive circle of women with whom to share the journey is the best thing I've ever done for myself as a mother.

I feel completely different (confident, strong, empowered) than I did at the beginning of my motherhood journey (out-of-control and deafeated). Through Renee's guidance, I've learned to let go of striving for perfection, to enjoy the moment and to feel great about caring for my childrens' mother. It's unlike any other motherhood or parenting book and is a terrific resource for creating a "motherhood community" within your neighborhood, workplace or other groups. Now, as a professional coach, I facilitate Personal Renewal Groups using the Guide and have seen overstressed, underappreciated moms experience transformational change in their lives by putting themselves back on their own priority lists.

THANK YOU, Renee for helping me view motherhood and myself with deep love and respect. I've given myself permission to feel like a whole person again, and in return have so much more to give to those around me.

www.ArriveFullCircle.com

This book is a welcome retreat for women at every stage of motherhood. Whether you have a newborn and are wondering, "Will I ever sleep again?" or you have a teenager heading off to college only to leave you wondering, "Who am I and what do I do now?" The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal provides loving, unique support in reconnecting with who you truly are and creating balance in your life from the inside out.

This book is gorgeous - beautiful design and amazing photography (taken by the author on her travels around the world) are coupled with compelling content around 12 themes of self-care and re-connection. Vignettes from moms whose lives have changed through their work with Renee and her Personal Renewal Groups for mothers punctuate each chapter and give clear voice to the importance of taking time to go deeper than typical playground conversation. Little details like meaningful graphics and the fact that the book can lay flat and open to read while you're feeding your baby complete the magnificent effect of the book and make it truly special and stand out in a sea of bland parenting books.

The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal is also an amazing vehicle to help moms connect through Personal Renewal Groups - where they can explore the book's themes and exercises in a supportive, nurturing community. [..].

This book and the exercises and personal stories have changed the way I parent and - most importantly - the way I treat myself as a mother, wife and woman. Renee's heart-felt exercises have helped me reconnect with who I truly am, and find a way to incorporate my pre-baby self with my new life as a mom. Highly, highly recommended!

Every person I know who has read The Guide loves it and has made positive changes because of it. The chapters are so short and easy to read that even the busiest of moms can easily get through it. The ideas and action steps are so simple to implement that everyone can make quick and lasting change immediately. If you are a busy mom who is ready to have more while doing less then definitely get this book and consider joining a group for additional support and comradarie.

A couple of years ago, I heard Renee Trudeau speak at a conference. What she had to say resonated with me. Both my children had started school and I felt adrift. So, I purchased the book. What I found in this book really helped me to balance my life in a new intentional way. Through these pages, I found the energy to do things that I had put away for years, and to be truly present and engaged in the relationships that matter most. I loved it so much that I took the online training and became a PRG, Personal Renewal Group Leader, and started "Soup Sisters" a group that meets at my home over a bowl of homemade soup, for support and inspiration. The book changed how I look at my life and what I have to offer the world. Together our group has found that this book and being gathered over a nourishing bowl of soup proves that "both the pen and the spoon, the soup spoon that is, are mightier than the sword".

Just opening Renee's book evokes an ahhhhh.... The graphics and colors are peaceful and nurturing, and once you start reading you sink even deeper into your reverie. She has not only managed to convey needed information about how to recharge and take care of yourself as a mother, but she does it in such a gentle, easily digested way. If you're a mom needing some space just for you, then treat yourself to this book.

Like a conversation with a wise and supportive friend, this book picks me up when I'm having a rough day. The author's encouragement to continue pursuing the things that make us feel alive and her "good is good enough" message are positive and powerful. It's a realistic read that reminds me I'm already doing a lot of things right. This book is an oasis in the midst of many "fix-it" self-help and parenting guides.