There is no shame in any woman admitting that she has neglected her personal needs, and deciding to commit herself to a more fulfilling life. Her attention to her own needs only benefits those whose life she touches. Much like exercising creates more physical energy, renewing oneself creates more energy for giving to others. What the other reviewers neglect to observe is that it is only by attending to one's own need for renewal--whether one hour, one day or one year--that we can give well and fully to others. Joan was in the fortunate position to allow a year for her reflection.
Why do flight attendants tell caregivers to put on their OWN OXYGEN mask first before placing the mask on a child or elderly person? Because you can not help someone else if you're passed out from smoke inhalation or lack of oxygen. Apparently, some other reviewers do not understand this concept.
This book is about ONE WOMAN'S time of renewal. She does not suggest that you follow her path. It's a memoir. Her story. However, I would suggest that reading her story can help open up a reader's thoughts about her own renewal--a path only she can find for herself. Another GREAT book about renewal for women is Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Timelessly pertinent.
