Kuykendall - Loving my actual life: an experiment in relishing whats right in front of me

If you ever get the chance to read anything written by Alexandra Kuykendall, take it. She is a gentle, trustworthy storyteller who lives the words she writes. In a noisy world, I deeply appreciate her thoughtful, grounded voice.

Emily P. Freeman , author of Simply Tuesday

We can spend our lives wishing for tomorrow or decide to enjoy Gods goodness today. In Loving My Actual Life , Alex shares how we can cherish each season and find the gold already there. Grab a friend, or ten, to share in this experiment to love your actual life.

Rebekah Lyons , author of Freefall to Fly

Most of us struggle to like our lives, let alone love them. We look around and want what she has or to be like her . And so we miss our livesour actual lives. There are lots of books about home organization, self-improvement, and workout routines. This book is different. Starting off with a call to quiet, Alexandra Kuykendall dares herself to invest intentionally in her daily life and discovers not just how to survive but how to love her life. Loving My Actual Life is entertaining and insightful, honest and winsome, challenging and comforting. Here is the journal of a woman who found contentment by choosing it and shares with us how we can as well.

Elisa Morgan , speaker; author of The Beauty of Broken and Hello , Beauty Full ; cohost, Discover the Word radio show; president emerita, MOPS International

In this book Alex does what I think most of us secretly wish we couldshe makes time and space for that list of things we all have, the things we want to do but never have time for. Over nine months she deliberately changes her life so that it starts to work for her, instead of her maniacally trying to work to keep up with her life. Hands up if you can relate? If youre tired of putting off all those things you keep wanting to do differently in your family, Alex will be the friend who keeps you company when you decide to start. Preferably tomorrow.

Lisa- Jo Baker , author of Surprised by Motherhood ; community manager for (in)courage

Alexandra Kuykendalls heart shines brightly in this gently written experiment of discovering Gods gifts in the midst of the grind. Alex doesnt gloss over the painful realities and hardships of our daily lives. Rather, she invites us to savor the goodness that is right in front of usthe goodness that we are prone to miss when were always longing for how life should be rather than appreciating what actually is.

Jeannie Cunnion , author of Parenting the Wholehearted Child

How many times have I looked at other peoples lives and wished for some aspect of what they have? By providing us a window into her own life with all of its ups and downs, joys and challenges, Alexandra Kuykendall convincingly reminds me to embrace and cherish what I have. Her nine-month experiment touches on the topics and areas that are accessible and relatable to every woman who is juggling work-life-family and striving to flourish in the fullness of her vocational calling. Reading this book is like the gift of deeply connecting with a dear friend, one who will not judge me because she gets me. My challenges are her challenges, and she lives them every day. Yet she is filled with immense hope and knowledge that neither of us is stuck. With practical and insightful tips, tools, and lessons learned, along with some experimentation, she encourages me along the journey of living fully and loving my actual life.

Cindy Chang Mahlberg , cofounder, Women in the Mix; chief exploration officer, The Law Venture

As moms we cant help but compare: ourselves, our homes, our kids. Yet as we do we miss our actual life. We allow our unrealistic ideals to darken our days. Enough! Within these pages Alex shares her heartand her journeyto prioritize her life. She shares her goals, her struggles, and lessons learned. Alex shows us that life isnt about a point to be reached but rather ways to make the most of the life you already have. Wonderful!

Tricia Goyer , author of Balanced: Finding Center as a Work- at- Home Mom

There is a constant tension between the way we imagined life would be and the way life actually is . We find ourselves continually wanting more, but we just arent sure where or how to get it. In her signature poignant, clever, insightful, and nonjudgmental writing style, Alexandra Kuykendall helps us see that the more we desire is not only within our grasp but right in front of us. Rarely is there a book where practical tips intersect with personal story in such an engaging, interesting, and life-changing way. What I may love the most about Loving My Actual Life , however, is that Alexandra lives what she writes. Out of her real-life experiences and authenticity comes a guide to help us trade the illusion of a perfect life for one that holds more. More depth, more love, and more joy.

Krista Gilbert , author of Reclaiming Home ; blogger at kristagilbert.com

Along with her daughters in Loving My Actual Life , I raise a champagne flute of chocolate milk to Alex for taking us along on her experiment of living intentionally. She shows us its possible to embrace our real lives and enjoy the moments along the way. We have one life and this book calls us to love it, even in the mundane, messes, and meal planning. Read it! Youll love the book. Come to find out, you might love your actual life.

Sarah Harmeyer , founder and chief people gatherer, Neighbors Table