Hands Free Life: Nine Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better, and Loving More

Loved this book! Wish I had read it when my children were younger! I need to send a copy to my daughter!

This book.Rachel Macy Stafford has a particular gift when it comes to writing about parenting struggles, some of which are age old, and some of which are peculiar to our technologically obsessed times. It feels as though your best girlfriend- the one who LOVES you and you know will tell you the truth- is pointing out what in your heart you already know to be true. We need to slow down. We need to unplug. We need to allow more time for wonder. We need to be less schedule driven. She never lectures, and she is vulnerable about her own struggles raising her girls. I seldom read parenting books because I find myself saying, "I KNOW, I KNOW!!!!" This book made me say, "I know. Oh, me too."I find myself perpetually on the verge of tears, marking pages I want to revisit, making notes- and most importantly, I have stopped several times, put the book down, and sought out one of the kids to hug, or hatch a plan, or NOTICE.This book is a gift.

In a world full of distractions, this book is a breath of fresh air. It’s practical, relatable, real, and raw. It’s a quick and easy read that motivated me to find some grace, let go of my worries and anxieties and never ending to-do list, and simply find ways to enjoy the moment. Enjoy the now.This book motivated me to become more present with those around me and less focused on all the things that don’t matter. My relationships with others, especially loved ones, should always come first. I’ve read this book TWICE (because the reminder is one that I can never get enough of) and have also recommended it to friends. It deserves all five stars (and more!). I’ve included a couple sample pages that really spoke to me.

When you read this book, you feel like you're listening to a friend talk to you about her life experiences. She has time to share with you what she has learned. Without judgment, she is an encourager and helps you reflect on your life. She was a friend who gives advice to help you live a better life. I can't wait to dive into her next book!

I am at "that" mom. The Mom that feels that I give all of me away and that somehow even though I give so much I can not meet all expectations and be "all" to everyone. I fell in love with Rachel Macy Stafford's works following her blogs. At the end of a weary tear stained day, she offered hope at the end of the tunnel - with a simple, yet powerful approach to mindful present living. I have this book in paperbook and Kindle version because I wanted to have it with me in those times when I needed a pick me up and to focus on to be in the moment. She reminds you to give of yourself - to others and most importantly to the YOU that really needs tenderness and understanding. This book is the second book in my collection of Hands Free books and it will not disappoint you. It is a breath of air when you need it the most...

Before getting married and having kids, I strived to live my life being an active listener and genuinely present with the people in my life. Maybe it was the busyness of a husband and three kids, but in the past few years I was no longer living my life and interacting with the important people the way I wanted too. I was(am) distracted, snappy, overwhelmed and most days just getting by with the daily activities of a busy life. I knew deep inside something needed to change, but just not sure how.Recently, I had the privilege of receiving a pre-released copy of Rachel's new book, "Hands Free Life"......and this page turner is ah-inspiring!! If you follow The Hands Free Revolution on Facebook, then you know just what true-to-life words and full-of-grace revelations Rachel shares. As I read this book, I can hear Rachel's voice in every expression and real life story she shares. This book has shown me new and better ways to interact and live my life.

Rachel Stafford's newest book, Hands Free Life, and her first book, Hands Free Mama, are two books that everyone who owns any electronic device (smart phone, tablet, etc) should own. Rachel provides simple strategies for each of us to put down the technology so that we can enjoy life with those close to us even more. Her books are also especially helpful to all parents and families -- regardless of age -- to help focus on and enjoy the moments more without distraction. It is difficult to find anyone who is not able to resonate with Rachel's writing. Her messages and strategies are clear, concise and completely on point....not to mention they can easily be put into practice by anyone who would like to live a more meaningful life. Rachel's writing is truly a gift to us all.

Rachel is an incredible writer. I was waiting excitedly for the release of Hands Free Life, her 2nd book. After reading Hands Free Mama a few years ago, I needed some new reminders and ideas and perspective on letting go of the unimportant stuff in life. Rachel recognizes how hard this can be, and shares her experiences, failures and lessons learned in a non condescending way. Each chapter in the book has a "daily declaration" - framed like a prayer or mantra, as well as a "habit builder" written as a bulleted list of challenges or aspirations on a specific theme. My favorite chapter was, Habit 8 - Leave a Legacy. This would make a great holiday gift for any busy, frazzled, exhausted, trying to be the best-they-can-be working parent.

Everyone kept talking about this book. I have one of the other books and its good but this one is not that great.

Fabulous. Nuff said. Read it. Embrace . It. Live it. Just like Jesus did. I'm gonna read it again and again

I don't follow Rachel Macy Stafford's blog but I have read her previous book Hands Free Mama. I think that that one was a better book, and that this is an unnecessary follow up. This book more or less restates a lot of what she wrote in Hands Free Mama, and pads it out with stories about her own life and a lot of her own poetry. The stories are helpful and insightful, but I really would have loved it if she had increased her scope and included stories about how other women has overcome their struggles and learned to live a more hands free life. What works for one person doesn't work for everyone, so books like this need to focus on the life of more than one person.The habits discussed in the book more or less boil down to 1) get off your phone and the Internet and engage in real life instead, 2) take time to really listen to your children, 3) establish some solid boundaries.A lot of bloggers have been releasing these sorts of books over the past couple of years and I have read several. This one in solidly in the middle of the pack.

"Don't be completely neurotic and take a moment to look at your kids" is basically what this book says.I wasn't really expecting anything when I picked this one up, but the way the author delivers the content is just so messy, making one detour after another, failing to make a point with most of them...The content of the book could've been summarized in a bullet point list, and the remaining 99.5% of the book is just personal anecdotes and feel-good stories about noticing the clouds or listening to the heartbeat of your child.One thing is for sure, I was NOT this book's target audience.

I loved listening to this on my kindle too and from work.This book was filled with good ideas to live an, in the moment life. To stop and smell the roses so to say. Switch off distractions and listen.Some of the things she does I have tried to add into my life. Being in the moment isn't easy and this book needs to be read more than once to implement it into you day to day life