I am a member of the launch team for The Fringe Hours. I was given an advanced copy of the book for my review. The opinions presented below are 100% mine and 100% honest. #FringeHours

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You guys, if you’ve been following along with me for awhile, you know that I struggle a lot with my depression and a big part of that is making time to take care of myself. I’m good at the basics – showering, eating (most of the time), brushing my teeth, etc, but actually taking time to nurture my brain and my spirit? Um, not so much. I can’t express to you how important downtime and “me time” is to someone with mental illness. When life feels like you’re constantly trudging through the mud, you need to recharge. It’s just hard to justify it when sometimes you live in a perpetual state of being behind on life. (Ah guilt!)

When I heard about Jessica Turner’s new book The Fringe Hours, I knew it was for me. I always find a few minutes to check out her blog The Mom Creative and I figured that anyone who was a working outside the home mama to three littles, a blogger, and a writer had to know what she was talking about when it came to making time for yourself. And I was right!

Girls, this book is life changing.

Since I’m on the launch team for the book, I received a copy back in December. Y’all – I devoured it. I even loved it so much that I ordered a copy for my sweet friend Eva.

I think as women we so often put ourselves and our needs last that we just get used to it. We might even feel a little pious for being so dedicated to everyone else? Maybe? (Spoiler alert: I did!) Take it from me. You can only burn the candle at both ends for so long before you break down.

Since reading The Fringe Hours, I’ve been able to let go of the guilt and make some changes in my life to help release some of the pressure that builds up. I’ve even recommended it to my therapist!

Here are some ways I’ve found my fringe and taken advantage of it:

Sunday naps with hubby count as fringe hours right? #FringeHours A photo posted by Christina L (@christinaplainandsimple) on

Enjoying some fringe while waiting on the doctor. #fringehours

A photo posted by Christina L (@christinaplainandsimple) on

It may only be a few minutes here or there (or even asking for a night out downtown with my hubby!), but those minutes add up fast. Learning to relax has always been a challenge for me, but I feel like Jessica gave me permission to just do it already!

I’ve even enlisted the help of others to keep me accountable. I’ve become more vocal in asking for some time to myself; Adam even suggests it (and for once I actually listen and take him up on it!)

Eva and I both love scrapbooking and I’ve asked her to help me make time for it. We don’t even live in the same state, but we have virtual scrap nights where we chat online and work on our layouts. Quick photos fly back and forth to share our progress.

I can’t tell you how much this book has impacted my life. I honestly believe Jessica wrote it just for me. It just resonated that much. I’m just better when I have time to do what I love – even if it’s only for five minutes here or there – like reading a chapter of a book while cooking dinner.

If you’re looking for ways to find more time for yourself and actually use it, I can’t recommend it more.

The book is available TODAY! Seriously, run, don’t walk.

Order where books are sold, including:

AmazonBarnes & NobleBooks-A-Million and DaySpring

Learn more and access resources at www.FringeHours.com

This book is so encouraging, so transforming, so everything a woman needs to hear. I promise you that. Even if you aren’t a mama (I’m not!) or don’t work outside the home (I don’t!) you should read this book. I promise it will resonate with you.

Author

13 Comments

  1. This is an area I need to work on (big time). Why in the world do we feel guilty for taking care of ourselves? I’ll have to look for the Fringe Hours and treat myself to a copy.

  2. I can’t wait to read it myself. I have ALWAYS struggled with taking time for myself. When my little ones were really little and napped, sometimes I needed a nap too but never took it because I felt guilty since there was lots to do around the house. And I felt lazy taking time for myself. Now that I work and my me time is even that more limited, I do try and take nights where I scrapbook (with you!) and catch up on tv shows. I try not to feel guilty about it but it does still creep up sometimes.

  3. I have been seeing this book around the internet everywhere including instagram! I love to hear everyone’s input on this book. It sounds so amazing! This book was already on my must read list but now I think I am going to start it sooner than I thought! Time to jump on the band wagon! Thanks for sharing!

    • Christina Reply

      You won’t regret it Christine! It’s amazing.

  4. I have been wanting to read this, and your review has reinforced that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    • Christina Reply

      Oh hi Emily! I remember you from the group. I’m going to have to pop over and check your blog out. 🙂

  5. Christina, I really do want to get this book to read. I trust your recommendations, for sure. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party at Organized 31.

  6. Making time for me is definitely something I struggle with. There’s always something else on my to-do list. Sounds like I need to get this book!

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