Eat, Pray, Love
I read this book when I was 19, a time when I was half way through college, comfortable in a 3 year relationship, and had had only a brief glance of the world outside of my Connecticut home.
Reading that book changed my life–forcing me to look outside my comfort zone and seek life: wanting to be challenged.
As a kid, I had always had intense separation anxiety where sleep-away camp turned traumatizing. After that, I stayed put and comfortable at home. I found myself a really loving, comfortable relationship and got cozy.
Eat, Pray, Love came around and showed me that staying comfortably put without broadening your horizons can leave you in a dangerous spot. Not allowing time to be single, travel the world, develop a skill, and challenge your beliefs could leave you waking up at 34 not knowing how to live alone and be happy.
I knew after reading this book that I didn’t want to end up scared at 34. I wanted to be independent, confident, strong, and respectable. I wanted to challenge myself and become someone.
Over the next 3 years I ended my comfortable relationship, left home to live abroad for 5 months, and changed my belief in food, spirituality, and love.
So in the next two weeks I’m going to take a post to explain my thoughts on each one of these areas and share recipes coordinating with the countries Elizabeth Gilbert
I’m sure we’ve all had experiences that have changed our lives–and I’m interested in hearing in your experiences too!
Have you read the book? Did you like it? I have friends that have read it AFTER traveling, being single, etc and didn’t like the book
ALSO! Check out my guest post on Samantha’s blog: Bikini Birthday! We’re chatting about being confident regardless of your bikini bod.
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I read part of the book before it got completely popular. I don't know what it was about the book at the time but I found it boring. I feel bad for thinking that, especially with all the hype now, so I think I should give it another try. We shall see! I do think the movie looks great, so that's why I wonder why I thought the book was boring.
Wow-that's pretty cool! I've read the book and thought it was okay.
I have never read that book, but I've heard so much about it – maybe because of the upcoming movie. Perhaps it's one I really should think about getting.
I never wanted to read it because, like you said, the reviews from my friends were that it was a bit whine-y and annoying. But now that you mention it, the people I heard that from WERE people that had experienced independence and travel. So I guess it makes sense.
Where did you live abroad for 5 months?
I read the book and it had the same affect on me as it did you. It was inspiring to know that other woman feel the same way I did and had the same struggles and didn't know how to change it. It's so easy to get comfortable with life and not go out and change it but when you grab hold of the wheel you just have to stay in control! That's what the book taught me to do, stay behind the driver seat of my life and know that I am the one who controls my path. If I put it on cruise control it's going going straight and that's not what I want.
isn't it great when a BOOK can do this to you??! Do you have a blog? I'd love to check it out!
i was in Copenhagen, Denmark from Jan 2009-May 2009. I did some traveling while I was there. Maybe I'll post some pictured of my travels with this mini-series.
I read this book when it first came out, before all the hype. I think that's one reason I really enjoyed reading it. I generally stay away from overly hyped books, so had I read it after the hype I prob wouldn't have liked it.
As someone who is 34 at this very moment, I'd like to say that it is never ever too late to branch out, challenge yourself and discover. Isn't that what life is all about… constantly challenging, discovering and finding new paths?
first off i LOVED your post on on samantha's blog!!!!! and secondly i loved eat, pray, love. can't wait to read your posts. have a great day kenzie!
I read this book a few years ago and loved it, but I think I should reread it and get a different perspective. Being single, traveling and developing passions is a great part of life, but there's also a lot to be said for learning to be happy where you are. Some people thirst for more; some don't. My brother is the happiest person I know, and he met the love of his life at 15, has lived in our town his whole life, and loves nothing more than watching football with a beer. To each their own, right?
Interesting post. Look forward to following your series.
I LOVED the Eat, got a bit bored with Pray and stopped reading at Love. I think different parts appeal to different people. I really enjoyed the whole of her next book, Committed and I think it's likely because a lot of her love/life questions are things I wonder about too
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- Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
I have yet to read it, but I'm also afraid that I'm going to wake up old and feel like I missed out on so many experiences. I'm only 22, but I'm trying to squeeze in as much as I can before I have to be "sensible".
I don't think it's ever too late. Ever.
I totally agree. And part of my "love" post will write about how after living abroad for 5 months, I realized that it isn't where you are, but who you're with and what you're doing. To each their own.
I'm 22 too! I dont think that will happen if you read it. She's 34 and just now realizing she shouldn't be dependent on others for happiness. We never have to be "sensible" lol.
thank you!! writing about confidence is always tricky. love your support
i completely agree. the moment you stop challenging yourself, life gets boring. I just think she was a bit naive when it came to her relationship and divorce… and a little self-absorbed and entitiled now that I look back on it. But yeah, great book!! lol.