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The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living: A Book Review by Sarah Benoit

Sheville Staff

In today’s modern world reading has become a luxury for many of us. Radios, TV’s, computers, iPods and DVD’s demand so much of our time and attention. For me reading has to be done quickly and with my busy work schedule in mind. The content must be valuable and useful to my every day life, but also thought provoking and heartfelt. This is what I uncovered when I picked up The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living-Practical Steps for Living a Big, Bold, Beautiful Life, the first in a series of books from Corrie Woods.

Corrie Woods, is an author, motivational speaker, retreat leader and self-care coach specializing in work with women. Her experience in these roles is what fuels her first book’s inspirational power and broad appeal. Whether you have walked an intentional journey of self-discovery for years or are just starting out The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living offers easily executed ideas for shifting out of old patterns and bad habits into a healthier, more joyful experience.

One of the best things about The Woman’s Field Guide is its perfect size. Large enough to write notes and thoughts in, but small enough to effortlessly slip into your purse or lap top bag. Each chapter starts with a valuable quote to peek the reader’s interest. At the end of each chapter one finds blank space for “Field Notes” so as you read the words and exercises Woods has carefully crafted to gently nudge you outside of your comfort zone you can record your thoughts, feelings and attitudes.

Elizabeth Barbour, a life and business coach based in Tallahassee, Florida recently wrote to me about the book after taking some time to review and use it. “I recently started a new book club and I am going to suggest to the group that the next book we read is Corrie’s,” Barbour says, “It’s filled with gems of wisdom, inspiring stories, provocative questions and tangible action steps. What I like about this book is that it gives you ideas and then creates space for you to expand on these and find what’s right for you!” “I like the size of Corrie’s book too. It’s small and compact so I can carry it with me wherever I go and if I am waiting for an appointment, I can pull it out and be inspired by one of her vignettes in less than 5 minutes,” she continues.

Woven into the questions and exercises are personal stories for Wood’s own life told honestly and poetically. Woods is able to create a deep sense of connection between herself and the reader while simultaneously holding space for the reader to continue as the main focus of the book. The connection is so well intentioned and articulated by Woods, you feel both nurtured and accepted for who you are while still being held accountable for your choices and challenged to imagine all the possibilities of who you can be. This is what Woods refers to as “Setting Your Inner Compass to Yes” and “Trailblazing the Experience”.

Speaker, writer, teacher and founder of Clarity Works, Inc. Peggy Tabor Millin calls Woods, “someone who gives priority to walking her talk and who does the inner work necessary to follow her vision.” “Corrie's quiet loving presence holds the space for those around her to learn and heal,” Millin continues, “The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living is a reflection of Corrie's style, inviting us into a supportive environment and trusting us to take responsibility for creating our own exceptional and meaningful lives.”

All in all The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living is an excellent tool for women of any age or background as long as they are interested in growing, changing and becoming the very best, authentic version of themselves. It walks you through the importance of loving yourself, experiencing passion, expressing gratitude, healing the past, being fully present every day of your life and living life without regret. In conjunction with the release of this first book Woods also provides online resources such as inspirational articles, motivational videos, The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living blog and of course information on her special self care and personal growth retreats. For more information visit www.WomansFieldGuide.com or contact Corrie directly at corrie@womansfieldguide.com.