Soul Shift: The Weary Human's Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy

Reading “Soul Shift, The Weary Human’s Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy” feels like Rachel Macy Stafford is taking me by the shoulders, looking deep into my eyes, and saying, “Today matters more than yesterday. Your story is still being written.”Through simple, relatable anecdotes, poetry, easy to follow “lessons”, and opportunities to journal, sometimes using thought-provoking illustrations, Rachel leads us through a literal Soul Shift, teaching us how to be our most authentic selves, because, after all, “I am most available to love and be loved when I show up as my most authentic self.”We are taught that we aren’t always kind to ourselves, and that that can spill over into our kindness to others. We are helped to stop the shame and judgement, first of ourselves, and then we are shown how it in turn falls away in our relationships.I heard someone say that this is a “living book”; it is more than a “self-help” book, it is a caring hug given to you by someone who cares deeply for you, and who wants the best for you and your loved ones. I will go back to this book over and over again, as I need reminders of these practices regularly.There are eight practices that Rachel lovingly leads us through, starting with the Practice of Presence, moving through so many important points like Being Kind to Ourselves, to my favorite, Being Your Authentic Self, to Looking After Yourself, to Offering Your Gifts to the World, to just name a few.I will open this book time and time again, and I am sure I will learn something new each and every time, and I will experience the process with compassion and grace, from Rachel Macy Stafford and from myself.For me, in my life, and with my people, connection is what really matters; it’s what life is about. Here I have learned, “When we let go of perfection, we see what really matters, which eventually translates to living what matters out loud so we—and others around us—can experience the kind of connection that offers true acceptance and healing.“ It’s a gift I’ve been offered by this book, and by reading it, and shifting, I am able to offer it to my most precious ones.

I have followed Rachel Macy Stafford and her work for quite awhile now, but her latest book, Soul Shift: The Weary Human's Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy, is her best book yet!In Soul Shift, Stafford guides the reader on a personal exploration of self-discovery through eight different life areas, including, in part, letting go of perfection, self-kindness, forgiveness, and cultivating one's gifts. Stafford introduces the reader to beautiful, intimate stories of her own and proposes heartfelt exercises in which the reader is invited to dive deeper, exploring hidden terrain, all in an effort to discover that which delights our hearts and makes us come alive with unbridled joy.As always, Stafford's writing is crisp, clear, and beautifully poetic, but this book feels more personal than her others, which is saying something since Stafford has openly and publicly shared in the past about her journey of being more present with her family, as well as others who are important to her, and less connected to technology and related distractions. However, it is this intimate, personal touch that makes Soul Shift so deserving of a space on every reader's shelf.At the beginning of the book, Stafford writes, "When we show up as our most authentic self, we give permission for others to reveal their true selves. It is in those vulnerable moments of authentic connection that true belonging is felt." Stafford leads the way here -- showing up as her most authentic self and asking, through pertinent exercises, that the reader finds him or her true self in this book, with the message that, in the end, we all belong and we are all deserving of joy.

For about seven years, I’ve been on a self-reflective journey to be more aware of my thought patterns, inner voice and improving my relationships within my family, friends and myself. I have read numerous self-help books with these themes in mind along with setting healthy boundaries, and the courage to be vulnerable with others to have deeper connections. Honestly, when I skimmed the titles of the eight practices that are the essence of Rachel’s book, I felt like it might be a repetitive review for me. However, I was proven wrong with my initial doubts.I have very few authors that I will pre-order a book, but I’ve always had Rachel Macy Stafford’s books in my hands the day they are released. I always love her voice, words and style of writing as it feels so genuine, authentic and heartfelt.This book turned out to be an exceptional read for me as each practice either gave me a perspective shift or a very thoughtful idea to implement (or further reflect on) in my own personal journey. The reflections and experiences that she eloquently writes about with her own personal struggles and growth feel so relatable to me. Not only did I gain greater insight for my inner self and relationships by drawing parallels from my life to hers, but it also has given me some very impactful ways to better connect and parent my teenage kids.This book has given me hope and courage for restoring my joy, feeling peace and confidence within myself, and tools for having deeper meaningful relationships with others. We all need to have a sense of belonging and connection with others by feeling like we can be real (not perfect) and authentically ourselves. This will be a book that I will reread and share with my closest friends. Readers will build stronger skills for being more aware of their inner narratives so they can feel peace within their soul and courage to take the steps to create a joy-filled life that everyone wants and deserves.I loved it so much that I ordered from another site and plan to purchase another soon to gift to a few of my friends. This will be a book that I come back to and reread again.

"Even though it looks unbecoming from where Istand right now, there is a miraculous growthprocess happening within me. With time,nourishment, and nurturing, there will beblossoms.” I absolutely love this imagery. Sobeautifully reassuring. Rachel often says"my hand in yours" and she truly means it. It feels like she is really there holding your hand, and helping you re-grasp the hand of your owninner child along the way. Your Dreamer Girl.Rachel so lovingly uses her own story with truthand vulnerability to help readers, one steppingstone at a time, find their way back to their owninner joy, even if they've forgotten what thatmeans for them. This is truly a Soul changingbook. Rachel's honesty about her own journeyand willingness to show us her scars and how,little by little, she implemented these changesin her own life, fosters such a deep connectionand trust. This gentle and compassionate guidewill speak to every weary soul and show them they are not alone in their weariness.

I had hoped for ideas to help me feel more satisfaction (aka joy) in my general everyday life. What I got was much more. The stories woven through the guide help the reader to not feel alone and give extra clarity to how the practises, these small things we can become aware of and incorporate, can shift us in really positive, and yes, joyful, ways. I love that it's easy to pick up and start using immediately. It's relatable and a guide that you can come back to anytime when you feel a little weary and in need of a little nudge, a little shift.

Rachel’s book has arrived at a perfect time for so many. It is both reaffirming (we are not alone) and uplifting (a guide for hope). Practical and inspirational, gentle and motivating, Soul Shift is a soft place to land. Never has a book shown up in my life exactly when I needed it like Soul Shift.