Thank you to Net Galley and Orange Sky Audio for an ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This book is a collection of musings, thoughts and advice divided into short chapters, first separated into months of the year (the author lives in the Southern Hemisphere, e.g. July is winter time) and then into various topics. It was a lovely reminder of what is important in life and how to stay present in an attempt towards gratitude, happiness and fulfillment.

<3 There were some great reminders for those who identify as an ACODF. Its one of those books I need to pick up for reminders and validation. There are some serious topics relating to addiction and dissociation through the hobby of shopping--just buying crap not needed to fill a void that needs needs a mental health professional. I found some essays quite relevant and I would recommend it.
#AYearofLovingKindnesstoMyself #NetGalley.

This was a great listen for me, someone who struggles to show myself kindness & grace. I loved the tone of the book, and listening to it really helped to drive the points home to me.

I did not really connect with the story nor with the characters, so this book wasn't my favourite, but I'm sure some other person will love it! It's very intimate, quiet and moving.

I listened to the audiobook version, thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher. The essay style of this book in audiobook version was hard to digest in chunks, and listening to a little bit of day was enlightening and enjoyable.

Beautifully written, powerful messages. This was the exact book i needed at this time. I could see myself returning to this multiple times in my life.

So grateful for the timing of when this came into my awareness.

The author discusses her spiritual practice and Buddhist philosophy with regard to a number of topics, such as acceptance, anxiety, and solitude. It's a nice selection of essays to dip in and out of for anyone with a mindfulness practice.

This book piqued my interest because it dealt with the Spanish Flu Pandemic, which certainly has relevance in today's time. It's a tale of two sisters, one a nurse, and provides a good snapshot of an era, including medical knowledge and tools, historical context (World War I), views of women, and everyday life and hardships. The story had elements of romance and suspense and flowed easily, but perhaps too easily. I would have rated it higher, but too many of the plot elements were telegraphed in advance and I could have predicted how much of the story would turn out. Still, there was enough to keep me interested and I will likely try more books by this author.

I've given a few books on essays a go now, and I've come to realize that they honestly just aren't my thing. But this was written pretty well, give it a shot.

The narration was warm and crisp, but this was not the book for me. The lead essay felt at the same time too mystical and too general, which made me feel like it wasn't genuine. I'm sure this book will interest and help some, but it was not the book for me right now.

This review was hard for me to write because sometimes I loved this audiobook—the commentary was insightful and spot-on—but other times the sections were meh. The author addresses important issues with thoughtfulness, illustrating her ideas with excellent examples. She asks helpful questions that make the listener consider new ways to deal with everyday challenges. Between the brilliant bits there were discussions of daily life that didn’t interest me. Those sections seemed slow. But I think the problem with those sections was ME, not the text. My own focus on checking things off my to-do list, on continuous hard data, and on my nonstop need to ‘be useful’ kept me from appreciating some sections. Listening to the audio was helpful and relaxing (yay audiobooks!), yet I would have liked to also read a print copy so I could easily revisit ideas and so I could stop at the parts that I was most interested in at that moment — I would have liked to be able to just contemplate a particular sentence or idea longer (yes, I know the audio can be paused, but a listener doesn’t know how long the particular idea will be addressed . . . .). The narrator, who has an Australian accent, provides a soothing, heartfelt reading; it seemed as if the author herself were talking to me. I’m going to be listening to this book again, because this may be what I need to help ease stress and stop my frantic attempt to accomplish everything right now.

As the title suggests, this audiobook by Brigid Lowry is about ways to be a kindler, gentler soul. If you're going through a tough time and have negative self-talk, this will serve as a wonderful reminder to be more gentle with yourself and others.

There's practical advice on how to go about doing so. That said, there's nothing earth shattering mentioned. So if you read self help books on the regular, this may likely feel like a repeat of advice you've heard before.

I'm grateful to Orange Sky for the advanced listener copy via the NetGalley app. The narration was perfect for the text. Very easy, relaxing listening! And the cover art is gorgeous.

It's always interesting to learn from others how they experience life and its obstacles. The author drew me into her life with her story.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this audio book but the short essays and main section were truly enjoyable and well composed. The narrated did a fabulous job and only added to the context. This is my first reading of Brigid Lowry and found myself in a rollercoaster of emotion while reading.... It's an interesting idea to follow a year and understand what ones life can cover in that long or rather short period of time.

This is a lovely collection of essays about living mindfully through all of life's twists and turns. It felt good to the soul to listen this as I puttered around my house, cleaning and organizing, and walking the dog. It was a gentle reminder to be kind to myself and take time to notice the small moments and practice self-care. This book encourages the reader to accept and process all of the things that life throws at us., helping us more forward in the most proactive and positive way forward. The author did a great job with the audio recording, it was very peaceful to listen to.

Quick and easy read! If you want to reduce and take things off your list then this book has great examples. If you prefer to have a book that does not delve into other philosophical thoughts then this would not be a great choice. It’s light and to the point like sitting down with someone telling their story.

Listened to this as an audiobook, which was provided by NetGalley in advance of its release. My preference would have been to access this as a physical/ebook as it felt like quite a ramble as an audiobook (but a comforting, soothing, and somewhat helpful exposé). The timing for me was good in receiving the messages she shares. Otherwise, I think it would be a bit of “more of the same” as expressed in many memoirs and self-kindness currently in release.

#AYearofLovingKindnesstoMyself #NetGalley

I found this book hard to stay interested in and connect with. I appreciate the topic but this bad ok just fell short for me.

Feel good book. It gives you reminders subtle and not so subtle to keep going and other things that can be lost in the day to day.

“Prajna

All your pretty dresses won’t save you.
You can’t wriggle out of it.
The suffering of this floating world
will continue to present itself.
Just keep on being the Buddha,
white flowers in your open arms.”

If you’re struggling to maintain grace and good humour amidst daily potholes and pitfalls, Brigid Lowry may be just the warm, wise and witty companion you need. She’s inspiring in an unassuming way. Rather than essays, I believe much of this collection of Lowry’s writings could be called vignettes and prose poems.

At a time when mental health is more important than ever, Lowry offers ways of living simply, practising acceptance, and learning new ways of enjoying creativity and contentment in all kinds of emotional and political weather.

The author shares her own struggles and insights in her book through which she hopes to offer the reader strategies and wisdom for finding ease and grace.

Informed by contemporary psychology and Zen Buddhism, Lowry’s vignettes offer reflections on everything from friendship to grief, and from gratitude to self-care. At just over two and a half hours, “A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself” is perfect for anyone requiring a reminder to add a little extra love and compassion to their lives. Vanessa Rhodes, the narrator, has a warm, confident voice, too.

Sally Gillespie, the author of “Climate Crisis and Consciousness”, describes the book as “A must-read for cultivating a tender and loving approach to ourselves, others and our world”.

I thoroughly enjoyed this creative, soothing read. “A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself” is an audiobook I would like to listen to again and again.

“It is wise to remember that everyone has their own unfolding, and that the way we see things is only one way of seeing things.”

A huge thank you to @NetGalley and @orangeskyaudio for this audiobook.