Soul Shift

I've been eagerly keeping an eye out for examples of my favourite non-fiction writers reflecting on their experiences and growth during quarantine and the COVID pandemic. Rachel Macy Stafford writes from the perspective of a loving mother grappling with distraction and overwhelm, and I always find her work intensely relatable because she has such high aspirations, while always remaining humble enough to recognise her own mistakes and stumbling blocks. While sharing her vulnerabilities so openly, she writes with beautiful ease and poetic charm. Like the best children's stories, her work is easy to read yet the simple format disguises the rich, complex life lessons on the page. The author uses the extended metaphor of a garden to explore the Soul Shift universe, and in much the same way as a garden through the seasons, I felt the bloom of life and the encouragement to rest.

If you enjoyed any of the author's previous work, you will love Soul Shift. If you enjoy reflective self-help that feels like a conversation with a loving friend or a kind teacher, this is the book for you. If you don't enjoy examples driven by the author's own family life, or religious overtones, this probably isn't the book for you.

disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from Sounds True Publishing via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

As a long time reader and fan of Rachel Macy Stafford I really enjoyed this upcoming release. Stafford has a way of relating to people in a very raw and real way, her vulnerability inspires ones own deep contemplation about life and all the contrasting and competing goals taking place in our days. Stafford doesn't claim to have all the answers, she offers her own hard won experience has a guiding insight to your own life. Thanks so much for an advanced copy of this book!

I heard about Soul Shift and Rachel Macy Stafford from the On Purpose podcast earlier this month. The subtitle “The weary human’s guide to getting unstuck and reclaiming your pathway to joy” was very intriguing. Soul Shift did not disappoint. It was a very honest and practical guide through a symbolic garden. Focusing on eight areas towards finding joy: presence, worthiness, letting go of perfectionism, self kindness, authenticity, forgiveness, self care, and cultivating your gifts.

Thank you Sounds True publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Soul Shift is a must read for people looking for support in slowing down, self reflection, living with perfectionism, and trying to enjoy authentic life. I loved this book. It took me a while to get ready to read it, I knew it would ask me to do some real soul searching and get honest with myself. That's where I found motivation to make changes to improve quality of life for myself and loved ones. Highly recommend!

Thank you Sounds True and NetGalley for this ARC.
This is my second reading of this lovely book. It is wonderful to reread this at the end of the year, reminding the reader to shift into another gear, unwind, make connections and feed our souls.

This is a sweet book for women (primarily mothers of young children) who feel overwhelmed. It did feel very personal and perhaps a bit like a memoir or blog posts. Heartfelt and helpful, just not for everyone.