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Preview
  • Present over Perfect

  • Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
  • By: Shauna Niequist
  • Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
  • Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (109 ratings)

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Present over Perfect

By: Shauna Niequist
Narrated by: Shauna Niequist
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Summary

OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD!

New York Times bestselling author Shauna Niequist invites you to look at the landscape of your own life, consider how it might feel to leave behind the pressure to be perfect, and begin the practice of simply being present in the middle of the mess.

A few years ago, Shauna found herself exhausted and isolated, her soul and body sick. She was tired of being tired and burned out on busy. It seemed like almost everyone she talked to was in the same boat: longing for connection, meaning, and depth, but settling for busy.

But then something changed. She decided to trade the hustle and bustle for grace, love, stillness, and play, and it changed everything. Shauna offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: soaked in rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people who matter most to us.

As you witness Shauna's journey, you'll be inspired to embark on one of your own. She gives you the encouragement you need to:

  • Put an end to people-pleasing tendencies
  • Embrace moments of simplicity, quiet, and stillness
  • Accept that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy

Written in Shauna's warm and vulnerable style, this collection of essays focuses on the most important transformation in her life, and maybe yours too: leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. Present Over Perfect is a hand reaching out, pulling you free from the constant pressure to perform faster, push harder, and produce more while maintaining an exhausting image of perfection.

Join the over one million others who have already started walking this new path away from frantic pushing and proving and toward their true selves.

©2016 Shauna Niequist (P)2016 Zondervan
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What listeners say about Present over Perfect

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excellent

excellent read particularly for mums working hard as Superwoman. transparency of this story is inspiring

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Great lessons to be learned but too religious

This book was great in regards to the overall message. It was beautiful written too. Unfortunately i started to disconnect when it started being too God-centric. As an atheist i found it off putting to have everything referred back to God. Rather than a chapter, it's a theme that is persistent throughout which stopped me really enjoying the book.

It reminds me of R Brown's Power of Vulnerability - which i LOVED!

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4 people found this helpful

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Playing over and over

So loved this book I've been playing it over and over in my car letting it's powerful yet gentle message wash over my weary soul. Thank you Shauna for penning such a honest and personal journey to a different life. I am grateful and forever changed.

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3 people found this helpful

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A must-read

I adored this book. I think it should be compulsory reading for Christians!
I love that she is honest but without being preachy - she is just sharing her story and what she has learnt.
There were so many ‘Yes!! You are so right!’ moments.
I have been recommending this to everyone.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Genuinely life changing

For most of this listen, I felt that Shauna had jumped in my mind and read it; and in the same vein I know that it is to be the key that unlocks the battles that I face.
I have purchased the paperback copy so that I can spend more time with its contents and also researched other resources to support my personal development.

I cannot recommend highly enough.

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Life changing

This book I believe was Beautifully written. Such poetic but truthful words that Shauna uses. It was food for my soul and I'm inspired by it!

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2 people found this helpful

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Loved it

Absolutely loved it, from start to finish!
Honest and thought provoking. Can't wait to readmore from Shauna.

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life changing

Want a slower paced but more meaningful life? This book is a must-read. It has changed so much of how I see things.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Personal & Extremely Expressive

A little flowery with words. She has a very expressive way of explaining things and the language is beautiful, however my personal taste leans more towards deep meaning rather than pretty words.

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Simply beautiful.

My favourite quote: I'm creating a soul, and a family. Loved listening to this book!

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