“There comes a time in all of our lives when it’s time to take stock of what was, what is, and what can be. Don’t hold on to stuff that prevents you from becoming who you can be.” Maria Shriver
Last year I downloaded an e-copy of Maria Shriver’s book, “I’ve Been Thinking,” on my Kindle, but ended up acquiring a hard copy, too. It’s my kind of book filled with reflections, prayers, meditations – and lots of inspirational quotes. (Faithful readers of Roses in the Rubble know that Virginia likes quotes, and shares them often!)
If you’re at a place of transition in your life, or just keeping on keeping on, this book has nuggets of wisdom and inspiration for everyone. It’s a book you can pick up and savor a few pages at a time. Each meditation begins with a quote, followed by a short personal reflection, and ends with a prayer.
“You never know how your story might inspire another. Share what you wish, save some just for you, and always remember to keep adding new chapters as you go along.” Maria Shriver
Pulling this book out again this week, Maria Shriver’s words and stories continue to inspire me (must confess when I read it last year, most of the quotes she shared went straight in my journal!)
This quote in particular has been a mantra this week:
“Don’t be afraid to be afraid. Courageous people are often afraid. In fact, that’s why they need courage in the first place! Have the courage to go beyond your fears. Have the courage to go beyond other’s rules and expectations.
Have the courage to go beyond shoulda-coulda-woulda.” Maria Shriver
Thought sharing it today might encourage you, me, everybody – to have a bit more courage. Even if we’re afraid of being afraid, we can let God’s love (for us, in us, around us) help us swallow our fears and strengthen our courage grooves.
To stand tall and grow beyond our fears.
grace, peace & courage grooves
Virginia : )
p.s. I’ve also given many graduates and friends Maria Shriver’s “Ten Things I Wish I’d Known – Before I Went Out into the Real World,” a collection of life lessons she shared at a college commencement address I found completely relevant many (many) years after my graduation!
Roses in the Rubble 
That’s such a good way of seeing things … I remember you sharing about her perspective before. A great outlook to have!
Cin, Maria Shriver has certainly faced myriad challenges in her life that required courage (she knows what’s she’s talking about!) Her book is filled with lots of wisdom & piles of quotes from kindred spirits. Hugs!!! 🌟🦋🌟
Thank you for sharing this! I’m going to have to get this book. 🙂
Michelle, it’s a great book that can be taken a few pages at a time (with your quote & prayer journal handy!) Hope you can read it! Blessings! 🌟🎶🌟🦋🌟
I read a lot of blogs, I get a lot of ideas through ‘thought sharing’ and like the interaction too, yours is thoughtful and intelligent. Would be happy if you visited mine too. http://www.authorjoannereed.net
Thank you for visiting Roses in the Rubble – I’ll be sure to check our your blog, too! 🌟🦋🌟
Good good stuff, Virginia. Will have to check it out. I was just working on ‘adding another chapter’ when I checked out this latest ‘Roses’ post.
Tim, sounds like you are staying on target writing (and now you can be more courageous about it?) 🦋 🎯🦋
I like quotes, too, Virginia, so I’m going to have to get my hands on a copy of this book!
Oh Debbie, this book is filled with LOTS of amazing quotes from LOTS of inspiring people. Be sure to have your quote journal handy!🦋🌟📚🌟🦋
Thank you for this piece Virginia! Much love and God’s blessings always! 🙏💛🌹
This is a book, Patty, methinks you would enjoy. Maria Shriver starts it out with a prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila (!!!) Many blessings & much love to you! 🌟💞🙏💞🌟
Thank you Virginia! I’ll look for the book 🙂 Much love and abundant blessings! ❤
Thanks for the recommendation, Virginia.I keep a collection of insightful, inspirational, and pithy quotations I come across. I even keep categories such as: grief, marriage, books, etc. The quotations not only inspire reflection but enhance my essays and fiction. Here’s one of my favorites:”Even if you never see the person again, a significant former love remains with you. That woman or man is woven into the tapestry of your life – maybe as a subtle shading here and there, maybe as a vibrant pattern smack in the middle. Without those threads, the weaving would be something else. You would be someone else.”
-From If Only I Could Tell You, Our Past Loves
Evelyn, what a powerful quote! Thank you for sharing. I miss several people precious to my heart who have passed the past few years, yet the legacies of their love & influence in my life will never pass. Like vibrant threads & patterns in the tapestry! This really touched my heart, again, thank you for sharing!!!! 💞🌟💞
So enjoy reading the quotes and book recommendations you write – you are inspiring thank you – blessings Lois
Thank you, Lois. This small book by Maria Shriver packs an inspirational punch with quotes she’s gathered from far and wide. Blessings to you, too! VA 🌟📚🌟