Kristine Carlson - Dont Sweat the Small Stuff for Women: Simple and Practical Ways to Do What Matters Most and Find Time for You

For the most part, women have never had it so good. Thanks to our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, weve achieved equality with men (even if some men dont think so). Weve made incredible strides in white-and blue-collar professional arenas, and we have broken strict gender barriers in nearly all industries. More than ever, were respected by others and we respect ourselves. And we deserve it! We have more independence, options, and conveniences than ever, as well as the capacity to live rich, full lives.

Along with the many options we have created for ourselves, however, comes some very real confusion accompanied by a sense of being overwhelmed. Unlike the women who came in generations before us, we are lacking a concrete paradigm to live by. Instead, we are expected to do it allall the time. We have taken our ability to multi-task, and to accomplish a tremendous amount, to new levels. We are super women with much to celebrateyet we are exhausted!

One thing that hasnt changed very much is that many of us have a tendency to sweat the small stuff! Women are incredibly strong and, ironically, we do really well when the stakes are high. If theres a crisis, were on top of it. If a friend is in need, well be there. If theres a sick child, turn to a woman for strength. If a sacrifice needs to be made, chances are, we will rise to the occasion and find a way to do what needs to be done.

On the other hand, were the first to lose it over fairly small stuff! We can be nitpicky, petty, uptight, and tense. Many of us are perfectionists, overly controlling, and easily offended. We take things personally, and can be very reactive and dramatic. Were often quick to get bothered, irritated, and frustrated.

I had a great experience as Richards co-author for Dont Sweat the Small Stuff in Love. I have to admit, however, that when Richard asked me to write solo for the first time for this book, a part of me wanted to hightail it as fast as I could in the other direction! However, I knew, after some contemplation, that this would be a challenge and a part of my own spiritual journey that I simply could not refuse. It gave me a chance to reflect upon and put into words those things that I had been attempting to practice for a lifetime.

Id like you to know that the advice in this book is not coming from a woman who has any sort of superiority complex or any illusion that she has it all together. Far from it: Im a normal everyday person who has either dealt with, or is currently dealing with, most of the issues and challenges in this book. To one degree or another, most of us have struggled with body image, family choices, budgets, men, friends, lifestyle, time management, communication issues, parenting, and balance. I certainly have. This is the stuff life is made of, and from which none of us are exempt!

I suppose that my greatest asset is that, like Richard, Im a genuinely happy person most of the time. I tend to see the glass half full instead of half empty. Ive always felt grateful to be a woman and to be alive. Happiness and peace of mind have always been a priority. Because of my basic nature and the efforts Ive taken in this direction, Ive come to see that its not necessary (most of the time) to sweat the small stuff. My goal in writing this book is to point you in that general direction. Ive found that the less bothered I become, the more Im able to celebrate being female.

Like so many other women, I find all sorts of reasons (albeit some very superficial, but enjoyable nonetheless) to relish being a woman. I love T-shirts with a bit of lace, French country prints, and cinnamonspice scents. I love taking aromatherapy baths and playing with makeup. To me, there is nothing greater than being mommy, and I adore doing my girls hair and nails. I also love being Richards wife. I cherish my girlfriends and the sensitivity, understanding, and compassion we offer each other day-to-day. I love expressing myself passionately through art, creating a haven out of my home, exercising, practicing yoga, and meditationand I admit, I also love to shop!