📕 Dare to Live Untamed

This week, we're focusing on "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle. The book is a guide to breaking free from the 'cages' of fear, guilt, and shame, leading you towards a more fulfilling and genuine life.

This book encourages introspection, helping you uncover and embrace your true desires and potential. By learning to listen to your inner voice, you'll find the courage to live more authentically and unapologetically.

Principle #1: Embrace Your Inner Knowing

Doyle emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition, or 'knowing,' as a guide to living authentically. This inner voice is often drowned out by societal expectations and fears, but by quieting external noise, you can tap into your true desires and needs. Trusting yourself is the first step to living an untamed life.

Principle #2: Break Free from 'Cages'

Society imposes many 'cages' expectations and norms that limit our true selves. Whether it's gender roles, family expectations, or cultural norms, these constraints often prevent us from living fully. Doyle encourages readers to recognize these cages and have the courage to break free from them, even when it's difficult or unpopular.

Principle #3: The Power of Vulnerability

Being vulnerable is often seen as a weakness, but Doyle reframes it as a strength. Embracing vulnerability means being honest about our feelings and experiences, which can lead to deeper connections and a more authentic life. It's through vulnerability that we find our true power and courage.

1. “This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.”

2. “When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself.”

3. “I will not stay, not ever again, in a room, conversation, relationship, or institution that requires me to abandon myself.”

4. “Blessed are those brave enough to make things awkward, for they wake us up and move us forward.”

1. Listen to Your Inner Voice: Take time each day to sit quietly and listen to your inner thoughts and feelings. Journaling can be a helpful way to capture and explore these insights.
   

2. Challenge Societal Norms: Identify one 'cage' you feel trapped in, whether it's a limiting belief or societal expectation. Take a small step to challenge or break free from it, whether it's speaking up, setting a boundary, or trying something new.
   

3. Embrace Vulnerability: Practice being vulnerable in your relationships. Share your true feelings with someone you trust, and notice how it strengthens your connection and helps you feel more authentic.

This week, identify one area of your life where you feel you're not living authentically (in a ‘cage’ as Doyle would say). Reflect on what's holding you back, is it fear, expectations, or something else? Take one brave step towards being more true to yourself, whether it's setting a boundary, pursuing a passion, or speaking your truth.

One of the most debated aspects of "Untamed" is Glennon Doyle's bold critique of traditional family structures and gender roles. Doyle challenges the widely accepted belief that women should consistently prioritize the needs of others—whether as mothers, partners, or caretakers—above their own desires and aspirations. She argues that the societal glorification of self-sacrifice often leads to personal dissatisfaction and unfulfilled potential. By advocating for self-care and personal fulfillment, Doyle questions the cultural narrative that equates a woman's worth with her willingness to put others first.

This stance, as expected, leads to considerable debate, touching on current societal shifts redefining roles, expectations, and the value of self-care. It invites readers to reconsider deeply ingrained beliefs and explore how embracing individuality and self-worth can coexist with traditional roles and responsibilities, challenging the status quo and promoting a more nuanced understanding of fulfillment in both personal and family life.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about how you can become ‘untamed’. As always, if you have any feedback or questions, just hit reply.

We’re always on the hunt for the next great read, so if you have any book suggestions, send em’ our way 🙂

A Book a Week Team

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