I've Been Thinking . . .Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life

by Maria Shriver

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“[I've Been Thinking…] is beautiful...I felt your soul on these pages.” –Oprah Winfrey

“If you are feeling stuck, lost, or you just need a pick-me-up, this is the book for you. Shriver’s wisdom will fill you up.” —Hoda Kotb, coanchor, The Today Show

A book of reflections for those seeking wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration on the road to a meaningful life.

As a prominent woman juggling many roles, Maria Shriver knows just how surprising, unpredictable, and stressful everyday life can be.

In this moving and powerful book, she shares inspiring quotes, prayers, and reflections designed to get readers thinking, get them feeling, get them laughing, and help them in their journey to what she calls The Open Field--a place of acceptance, purpose, and passion--a place of joy.

I've Been Thinking . . . is ideal for anyone at any point in her life. Whether you feel like you've got it all together or like it's all falling apart--whether you're taking stock of your life or simply looking to recharge, this is the book you will turn to again and again. Spend the weekend reading it cover to cover, or keep it on your nightstand to flip to the chapter you need most. Like talking with a close friend, it's the perfect daily companion—an exceptional gift for someone looking to move forward in life with hope and grace.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Inspirational, Memoir, Spirituality, Personal Development, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

Maria Owings Shriver is an American journalist, activist, author of six best-selling books, and former First Lady of California.
-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I say I didn’t enjoy listening to this audiobook - was bored and critical - does that make me a negative person? I guess it’s the chance I’m willing to take.

94% of the reviews on Amazon are 5 stars. I’m not one of them.

This was an Audiobook library freebie. I had no idea what I was getting into. Perhaps as a physical book - ‘without’ feeling knocked down and lectured to - I might have at least appreciated the quotes in the book.

I understand it’s a book about Maria Shriver sharing what she’s learned about life -about living a life of gratitude. She quotes many philosophers - poets and other spiritual leaders. She shares with us her own personal prayers. The intention for this book is to be helpful and empower others to live the best life possible - be positive- think positive - and make a positive impact in the world.

I’m not saying that there are not words of wisdom - or even that it’s not honest and authentic- or even that I don’t agree with many of the things she advocates- ( such as I agree it does take some work to see the bright side of shitty situations)....
Maria didn’t use the word ‘shitty’.....
and it does take years of practice to experience living a life of inner peace -
exercising the mind to feel blessed- especially if circumstances are ‘crappy’,
Maria didn’t use the word ‘crappy’ either. —- but I can’t honestly say I enjoyed the delivery of all these wonderful words of inspiration.

Give me Cheryl Strayed.... some swearing- some gritty badass talking - sweetpea & honeybun luvin from *Sugar*.....with a full range of honest- gutless advice .....
but Maria Shriver....as sincere as she is.....makes for DULL LISTENING.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 positive and affirmational stars to I’ve Been Thinking

I’m always looking for books on meditation, hoping I can cement my practice and keep it fresh because I fall out of doing it usually when I need it most. This book is a treasure! It’s full of quotes from Emerson to Buddha, Maya Angelou to Carl Jung. Maria Shriver shares what she prays for every morning. Everything is present-focused, positive, and self-accepting. While there is most definitely a Christian focus, there are many quotes and meditations offered that are secular.

Maria writes from the heart in a deeply personal way. She shares her favorite films she relies on for a good laugh (great choices!). Who knew Maria Shriver enjoyed Bridesmaids?! Me, too! 😂 One of my favorite sections was “We are in need of a social kindness movement.” Another was “We all have mental health issues. Here’s why it’s ok,” and there was a quote from Prince Harry, “People are scared to talk about it, but they should be scared about not talking about it.”

There was a quote Maria found inscribed in a book given to her by her mother. I still have tears when I think about it.

This is a book I’ll refer back to, read a section here and another section there, as reminders. It’s both comforting and uplifting.

Thank you to Maria Shriver, Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin, and Edelweiss for the ARC to review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria’s heart on every page.

Hopeful and optimistic without a Pollyanna attitude. Maria sees the world as it is, aspires to do better and challenges us to be our better selves. I’ve long been a fan of her journalistic integrity, something that is sadly missing these days, and her commitment to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. Her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was one of the most admirable women of the 20th century and Maria has taken up the mantle beautifully.

As a daily devotional or as a friend laying some truth on you, I highly recommend Maria’s thoughts on far ranging subjects and each of the chapters ends with a prayer. She’s not shy about putting her faith out there and even though I'm going through a a bit of a crisis of faith right now, I still admire her ability to transcend the religious and inspire us to lead a more meaningful life.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and inspiring book to help ignite reflection and clarity.

SUMMARY
I’VE BEEN THINKING is a book of reflections and meditations on how to live a life full of meaning. It is written by MARIA SHRIVER who grew up in a family where people did meaningful things, like run for President, or started programs that changed peoples lives. As a prominent woman that juggles many roles, Shriver knows just how hectic and stressful everyday life can be. In this heartfelt book, Shriver offers up the lessons she learned along the way of what’s important.

“I complain about such stupid stuff. My kids do, too. I’ve been thinking about how really unattractive it is—at least to me—how utterly negative it is, and how I can choose to change it. Like right now.”

REVIEW
This book is indeed a rare gem. It’s a book that must be consumed very slowly and then reread frequently. It would make a great gift book for any woman struggling with the twists and turns on the rollercoaster of life. I received this delightful book as a gift from my dear friend, Dale, and I will certainly be passing it on to others.

We all struggle with who we are, or what we think and how we can make a difference. This book offers over sixty different reflections, quotes and prayers to help stimulate your own thought process. Some of my favorites were reflections titled Chasing the Illusion of Perfection, I’m Giving Up Complaining, and Why We Should Stop Trying to “Go It Alone.” Shriver’s writing is thoughtful, honest and highly relatable. It’s full of her own heartfelt personal stories and she soulfully explores each reflection with a fresh and modern perspective. This is one of my favorite books of 2018.

MARIA SHRIVER is the mother of four, a Peabody Award winning and Emmy Award winning journalist and producer. She is the author of six bestselling books, a NBC News Special Anchor, and the founder of the Women Alzheimer’s Movement. This book evolved from her I’ve Been Thinking column in her digital newsletter, The Sunday Paper.
Publisher Pamela Dorman Books/Viking
Publication February 27, 2018
www.bluestockingreviews.com

“Perfection doesn’t make you feel perfect. It makes you feel inadequate.”

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to rain on all the 5-star ratings of this book. And, let me say, I admire Maria Shriver a great deal. That said, this is almost as superficial as a Hallmark card. Perhaps it was my expectation that there would be a deep dive, and draw from her life story. It does, barely. The forty (?) 'chapters' are brief blurbs of 'inspiration'. Each ends with a 'Dear God' prayer. I have no problem with a reverential appeal to god (who she advises in the prefix, can be any higher power than yourself. But it becomes 'eye rolling' excessive.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you!

This book is a series of short essays on varied topics pertaining to living a good life filled with love, kindness and purpose, followed by a short prayer. Part of me wonders how it would come across to a nonbeliever or a reader whose beliefs are not Catholic Christian. But, generally these are heart-felt thoughts, honestly expressed.

The essays are short and thought-provoking, easy to read in short spurts. The book is a good way to take a few moments and contemplate your life and how you think about it.

[Quiltyknitwit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointingly repetitious, full of platitudes, and poorly edited.

[Kathy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria is one of those go to authors for inspiration, insight and clear minded thinking. She writes with complete honesty and from her soul. This book is one I will read over and over again when I am looking for reminders for how to stay on the path of moving forward with courage, love and positivity.
Beautiful, calming, inspiring. I have never met this woman but feel I know her as a friend through her writings.

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Shriver is totally correct in saying we are now living in times where more is needed. Men, women and children across this nation and world are tired of the prevailing negativity, yearning for that which makes life “good.” No, this is not a self-help book for Pollyanna-type persons but one in which one finds inner peace, purpose, love, and even joy.
Before each meditation in this book are quotations from notable people, those who’ve made a difference in the world but not been satisfied by external accolades. Instead they’re centered on the inner world that fuels their thoughts, words and deeds. For example, “Who you become as a person is up to you – up to your imagination, your will, your determination, your choices…” or “What you think you become” shared by the Buddha. Then there are sections that we have heard before like pieces on love, honesty, forgiveness, and so on. But what about the power within each of us for “empathy,” “losing faith,” “not caring too much for what others think,” living in a “complaint-free zone” periodically, “a culture of care,” “the process of discernment,” “grieving,” and so many more topics will catch your attention and invite you to ponder each one.
One is to consider meditating on it with prayer or just letting it be in one’s consciousness until one is ready to move on to the next one. This is not a book to be read cover to cover quickly; it’s full of wisdom and points of view that are right at different moments in life. It has thoughts and advice that one will want to repeat reading and contemplating as well as passages that will provoke and inspire at different times. There’s no one result or goal. The process is to just “be” with each section or passage.
Maria Shriver comes from a family of doers but this is a book about the fire and fuel behind the doing and being! Highly recommended, inspirational nonfiction. It could just be the best book you read right now!

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

One may think Maria Shriver lives a privileged existence. While she may have been born into wealth, she has devoted her life in service of others.

She shares little stories and anecdotes picked up throughout her 60 years on this earth.

There's plenty here that we should already know (such as: don't care what others think, dealing with grief happens on your own timeline) but it's a fresh reminder that even those who are well-off financially such as herself still have all the same normal insecurities and pain that everyone else does. Just because you have that privilege doesn't make life a cakewalk.

I found her unwavering strength in hope and the universe to be inspiring. I can throw in the towel when things turn south and not look on the bright side. It can be difficult to keep your energy up when things seem so bad.

I enjoyed how she references all the bad things going on in the world... how can anyone find happiness with so much pain? I often wonder the same question. There's light and darkness in all of us and we have to choose to focus on the light.

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I started a new year, I decided to seek out a peaceful and reflective life outlook. This book called out to my soul when I put it into the circulation system at my public library. This is not your average quick read; unless you are just reading and not reflecting on what the author is saying. Parts of the book were more meaningful for me then the book as a who;e. Some of the meaningful themes were: Life Is Yous to Create...and to Re-Create; The Power of Women; The Power of Thank You; Why We Need Time to Think and Reflect; and Faith Keepers. The author suggests that we listen to the voice or soul inside us and do what it is directing. The book is going to be most useful for the middle age career woman to the retired person. At almost 50 years of age I did daily reflections on this book and my life. There are more themes for women, but men are not excluded. at least 2/5 of the book was geared towards all people. I suggest you seek out this book if you are in a "finding myself" time of life.

[Chattynatty Van Waning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book fell into my lap at a perfect time. My Lent “focus” (not giving up, adding in) is working on praying more.
This book really is a great way to look at reconnecting with your faith, your God (whoever or whatever that may be) by evaluating your life (past, present,future), and talking daily to God through prayer.

Quick and easy read. Each chapter starts with a quote, from a famous person, than Maria reflects on a topic, experience, or feeling through reflection and ends each chapter with a prayer.

It’s not Christian rhetoric- it’s honest communication and looks to make changes either in how one is in the world, the community, or in your own being.
One of the many prayers that spoke to me ...Pg 13
Dear God, help me speak from a place of calm, loving strength. Help me speak with positive intention, not intention to demean or diminish others. Help me to find the right words to do that, the right thoughts, the right tone. Help me to speak without fear. Help me to speak truth with grace and loving kindness. Amen

[Anna Arató · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thankfully I found this book in an open bookshelf on the street and didn’t pay for it (I would not have bought it anyway). Seriously how many more people will make money out of writing very ordinarily about how to live life in the most cliche way possible? The author is lucky enough to be born in a family that had connections for her to be able to publish this “book”. Technically the book tells you to do nothing but believe and have faith and fortune will come.goes on about manners and the importance of social support. On how to behave in social situations such as fancy cocktail parties and private school meetings. Oh but she absolutely understands that not everyone is fortunate enough to live like this and she wants to understand others. Then goes back to telling another story on how the manager recognized her in the drug store because she went there shopping so often for her Kids. Aggh.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book. It's a series of "reflections, prayers, and meditations on a meaningful life" that Maria has written that seem to be directed toward the challenges with which I'm facing at this stage of my life. It's also an easy read as each section is just a few pages, so you can dip in and out of it at any time. Wish I'd bought this one instead of borrowing it from the library as I would have enjoyed having it as part of my personal library.

[Natalie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, thought-provoking, compelling, captivating, relatable, spiritually inviting, and applicable are words that easily come to mind while reading this book.

Dear God, I’ve been thinking: “Thank You for Maria.”

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read a chapter every morning before work and I will miss it. I think I will start again :)

[BookOfCinz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I absolutely love this book. I loved how Shriver was able to write in a beautiful way about hard topics. I felt my faith being renewed and I loved all the prayers at the end.

This is definitely a book I want to re-read in the future.

[Robert Yokoyama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will try to embrace some of the ideas that Maria Shriver writes about in this book. She writes about protecting the brain. I learned that 2/3 of Alzheimers patients are women. It is just as important for a man to take care of his brain. Maria Shriver's father died from the disease. There are other simple insights in this book like writing down all things I am grateful for every day. I will try to do this. Another thing she talks about is keeping in touch with siblings and try to collaborate with them as much as possible. I find it interesting that she has four brothers who all help out with the Special Olympics. Shriver also writes about taking a pause in life when things get overwhelming. This will help me to alleviate the stress in my life. There is a prayer to God after every chapter in this book. What I like about these prayers is the respect she has for people of different religions. Even though she is Catholic, these simple prayers of forgiveness, peace and gratitude is relevant to anyone no matter what religion they practice. I like the idea of letting go of old relationships and old ways of thinking. This is very hard for me to do, but I will strive to do this. I've Been Thinking is a easy to read insightful book on how to live the best life I can.

[Doreena Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an awesome awe inspiring & inspirational book which will find a place with my bible!
I had to highlight & tab so many pages to refer back to at times when I meditate and pray.
I was lucky enough to attend a book event that Ms. Shriver spoke at about the book, so I was really looking forward to reading it. It is a book you can either read all at once or read in bits to absorb and relish it

[Susanchitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly read the book which gives short essays on different aspects of everyday life and the different journeys we all face at some time. Now that it is read I am going back chapter by chapter and apply it to my life. Reading it causes reflections of my own life and the prayers are heartfelt. It seems like a perfect book to pick up for the new year.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Planning on reading it again in the new year.

[Mariaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. So much respect for his woman. So sad how many people still only think of her as Arnold's wife. Beautifully written raw reflections. Go girl!! Shine on in yout 60's.

[nickofd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my BREATHER. The quotes just strike too close to home. It is breathtaking, beautiful, and powerful. A book you can find yourself rereading every now and then. Amazing!

[Lisa Burgos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meditations-Quotes
Positive-Inspiration
Uplifting way to start the New Year off.

[Connie N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really a collection of articles that Maria Shriver has published in her weekly (?) newspaper column. They cover all sorts of thoughts, from belief in God to politics, from family to personal growth. Although I believe this book was written from a place of caring and consideration, I kept thinking that Shriver is actually quite removed from the "regular folk." She grew up in a wealthy and famous family, and she moved into a public and political marriage. I appreciate the fact that she's non-judgmental and thinks a lot about her life and her beliefs, but I still got the impression that she's more focused on things that are totally different from my life. She's lived in a political world, of course, and sees things through that lens. And she's active and has a very public voice. All good things, or at least not bad things, but just not "regular." I'm sorry to place her in a category like that, but I'm trying to explain why I felt much of her advice and her thoughts were so far away from my reality. She seems like a truly caring person and I appreciated many of the things she said (witness the fact that I wrote down many quotes from her book that meant something to me or that made me think). But most of her thoughts weren't relevant. Maybe that's the way of all self-help books, and I should just take the nuggets that I can from it and not worry about the rest. And that I'll do. But that's the reason I'm giving it a middle-of-the-road 3 stars--I only found a handful of bits that work for me. But I particularly liked the hopeful nature of her narration and will probably look for more from her in the future.

Quotes I liked:

"Be open to help, be willing to ask for it, be brave enough to be grateful for it, and be generous enough to give it."

"What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it." - Maya Angelou

"Forgiveness is letting go of the need to feel like a victim."

"You are the hero of your own story. Stop making other people responsible for every twist and turn in your life. You made the decisions that got you from Point A to Point B. You worked hard. You navigated your way to where you are today. Your story is a heroine's journey. Tell it that way."

"So get your joy on. Spark joy in yourself, and before you know it, others will gravitate to you for their own joy shot."

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. "I've Been Thinking" is a glimpse into how Maria Shriver is able to make the most out of life. This book is the literary equivalent to having a huge cup of tea with a really good friend. It is thoroughly comfortable and satisfying.

I think it's always important to keep in mind that books like this about people's ways of finding themselves in the world may not work for everyone. Shriver is up front with this in this book: her way may not be the right way for everyone but it works for her. I saw that a lot of her methods and the things that she thinks about could be molded to my own life.

One of the things that stuck out most to me were her ruminations about mothers. She had an incredibly strong mother and Shriver herself seems to be a pretty strong mother. She mothers sometimes in a different way and sometimes in the same way as her mother. Mothering has been my most difficult job and it seems to carry such a huge responsibility. One day, these little people that I am raising are going to be out in the world. How do I set them up for success? Shriver gives a little insight and a little grace to the conversation.

This book is probably best if read little by little over a period of time. While it was satisfying to read it in one fell-swoop, I am already finding myself wanting to go back and read this book a little slower in order to more thoroughly digest some of the tidbits and great life lessons that this book offers.

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am being nice by giving this three stars...because Maria Shriver is so nice. I can see why this book has spent so long on the bestseller list and why I had to wait two months before it came up on the hold list for me at the library. It’s pure fluff. Dime store fodder for the Lake Forest socialites pushing their jogging strollers and lunching with their besties after yoga. Maybe I didn’t do it justice, reading it as quickly as I did, because this would really be best read as a sort of devotional, reflecting on just one or two passages a day. Maria Shriver knows how it feels to have the rug pulled out from under you, so I don’t deny she is speaking with some depth of emotion and feeling here. Relationships mean a lot to her, and many readers will relate to her platitudes on friends and family. But it felt just too much like I was standing in a Hallmark store, reading greeting cards and surrounded by “Live Laugh Love” coffee cups and wall hangings. But I have to admit, it was a nice uplifting read in places. I thought she was at her best and most passionate, though, when she was writing about Pope Francis, Sister Joan Chittister, time spent on retreats, and her Catholic beliefs. I would love to see a book from Shriver that expounds more on this aspect of her.

[Kimberly Fondaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me my digital review copy to read! Could not come at a better time. So uplifting, and the chapters are short, but at the end of each one I have reflected on how this can make my life more positive and richer. There are 3 chapters that have had a profound effect, “The Power of the Mind”, women and Alzheimer’s have been brought to the forefront by Maria. I have been lucky enough to hear her speak at the Alzheimer’s Forum twice. Wow.
“Power of Motherhood”, tears. I have gone back a reread that chapter several times. So powerful and expresses what as mothers we all want to feel.
But the message in a book her mother signed says it all for me. “Only in Heaven Will I Love You More”.
I recommend this book to everyone. There wasn’t a chapter that didn’t touch on my life. This book will become my go to reference. And I will be sending a copy to both of my daughters.
Thank you Maria Shriver.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lodged somewhat blandly, a few pearls of wisdom can be pried out with a highlighter. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything new here, Maria’s writing feels plain, but soothing to read nonetheless. That said, I don’t think the book was meant to be inhaled in two days like I did. Perhaps small daily doses is the key here. The title does include the words “Refections, Prayers, and Meditations”, so perhaps my hasty pace made the writing style seem a bit stale.

There’s a couple great reminders for anyone whose season of having kids at home is drawing to a close—wise council to enjoy the last bit of time left with them. Also a timely reminder to enjoy this new phase of life that becomes “more unscripted and wide open”. I was also inspired by her ability to take the time in specific and focused ways to be with family members, especially grown siblings.

There’s a few more reflections inside, well worth uncapping the highlighter for, if you decide to give it a read.

[Lisa-Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of inspirational essays on the vagaries of life, such as letting go, the power of thank you, and mental health issues. I was uplifted. Shriver writes in a conversational tone, invoking her various life experiences and insights. There is a healthy dose of spirituality in her approach, as she is devoutly religious although no longer Catholic. She doesn’t wallow in her own problems, but uses them once in a while to make a point. I especially liked her commentaries on current world situations, such as racism and intolerance. “I think our world needs us all to be more present, to be calmer, more reflective, more creative…find your resolve. Focus on the good you can do in your own life. Our communities, our country need the good we have to offer.” Right on, sister. She is not sugar-coating it, but she does give me a glimmer of hope when I desperately need it.