Year of Yes
I needed Shonda, my dear reader. “My dear reader,” that is what Shonda called me as I listened to her novel in the car and boy, did I listen to her. I listen to her so much that, I couldn’t bring myself to take back the CD’s when they were due so I renewed the novel. I have relistened to my favorite CD’s over and over again, and now, I’ve physically bought a hardcopy of the novel. This physical copy will not be like having the CD’s and hearing her actual voice but I’ll take my post-its and mark my favorite passages so I can come back to them when I need them. I know I will need them as this novel has enlightened me, uplifted me and given me lots to laugh about.
I got in the car after a rough day and popped in CD four and listened to her on my way home. I have listened to this particular CD many times so I knew what I was in for. I popped out of my car smiling and laughing. Shonda has a way of talking about swagger, badassery and life in general.
In this novel, Shonda talks about not being perfect, about doing what works for you (as long as it’s legal and acceptable) and that individuals need to change their views in life. She is empowering in her statements and comments. The speeches that she reflects back to are comical and motivational. It is not all about her and her accomplishments, she wants everyone to shine, she wants everyone to learn that they are their own worse critic.
Shonda talks about a variety of issues, ones that are important to most of us. I enjoyed her examples and opinions. When she talked about weight, I liked this example and I feel it can apply to many other areas of life. If I want to eat an entire cake, I have that choice. But if I choose that path, I shouldn’t be complaining about what that cake does to my body as I chose to eat the cake. I made a choice, I need to live with the results. It’s about choices, living and accepting the choices your make.
I feel that her comments on motherhood were wonderful and I could relate to a lot of what she said. Motherhood is not a job, according to Shonda, it is not work, it is something that happens no matter what transpires, it’s who some individuals are. You can quit work but you cannot quit being a mother (I love this!)
I have talked this book up with everyone I have met. I have to take the novel back on Friday as I promised a woman, I would hand it off so she could listen to it. I’m sad but also excited as I feel I am enabling others. Empowering them with Shonda. What a terrific novel, one that every woman should read.
