Keep Moving by Maggie Smith
Source: Purchased Audible, 2+ hrs. I am an Amazon Affiliate
Keep Moving by Maggie Smith, read by the author, is read in that dreaded "poet voice" that's been in a number of articles, and it drove me crazy. I had to look past that cadence to hear Smith's words clearly. So if that cadence bothers you, you'll want to read the book, as opposed to listen to it.
Beyond that, this book offers notes on loss and grief of a recently divorced woman who is continuing her life journey in a way she never expected - without a life partner. It is clear that "keep moving" was a mantra she used to get through the loss of her marriage and the deaths of others. She speaks about living in the present each day and not dwelling in the past that can pull you deep into sadness and make you immobile. Her notes and stories can help those facing similar losses move forward, but in many ways it is like Smith is speaking to herself. We're getting a sneak peak into her diary.
I love that she focuses on post-traumatic growth in one section of this memoir. This helps us to see beyond the darkness to see the positives in our trials and losses. I liked this the most about the book. Focus on that beginning, push past our fears and explore new avenues for growth. You can even think about professional growth as a way to fill the emptiness left behind.
There is, however, very little about being creative during this time. This is more of an emotional journey and there are snippets of some creative pursuits and nods to the literary community, but no advice on that front, which is what I wanted when I decided to check this out.
Keep Moving by Maggie Smith is about moving forward after irrevocable change, and we need to learn to move beyond our expectations and sadness to see the good, the moments for growth, and how small steps can lead to great, gratifying changes. She also speaks about how you can snowball that movement into helping others. Moving toward living, not just coping.
RATING: Tercet