The All-Important Disclaimer: In exchange for a blog post review, I received a free copy of the book, “Safe Haven: A Pocketbook of Peace & Well-being for Uncertain Times.” If you purchase a copy, I will not earn any monies, as I do not have an affiliate link with S.K. Reid.
S.K. Reid, fellow childless warrior, is the founder of the Perinatal Loss & Involuntary Childlessness Alliance (PLICA) and an author. In March 2021, I wrote a review of her book, A Year of Medical Thinking. (You can read that here.) Almost a year later, I am now reviewing her latest book, Safe Haven: A Pocketbook of Peace & Well-being for Uncertain Times.
Wobble Warning…
Before sharing my thoughts on Safe Haven, I must tell you that this book is not written specifically for childless. Because of this, there are potential triggers throughout the book. These triggers include a mention of parents, brief talk of kids, a couple photos of children, and use of phrases such as “baby steps.” None of these possible triggers caused me, personally, to wobble. In fact, I scrutinized the book in search of potential triggers, as I knew I was writing this review for the Not So Mommy… community—a community of fabulous ones trying to accept, embrace, and redefine childlessness. That being said, if you are feeling particularly vulnerable about your childlessness, I wanted you to know what might cause a wobble.
Thoughts on Safe Haven . . .
Now that the “Wobble Warning” has been handled, let’s discuss this 75-page little pocketbook…
Safe Haven discusses Covid and the toll the pandemic has taken on our overall well-being. Personally, I think “Covid” could be replaced with any stress or trauma. In other words, I believe this book can help whether struggling through the stress of the pandemic, the grief of childlessness, or any other life difficulty.
Themes…
Structured around four themes—mind, body, soul, and connection—Safe Haven is an easy read. In fact, it only took me about an hour to peruse it cover-to-cover. Honestly, the point of this book is not simply to browse, but to implement.
Suggestions, Quotes, Reflections…
Throughout Safe Haven, S.K. gives straight forward, easy to apply suggestions to help the reader reduce stress and find peace. She reminds us of things we already know but may not put as a priority, such as rest. Quotes are included throughout, as well as photos and imagery. At the end of each section, she includes “staying at home” suggestions, as well as prompts for further reflection.
Read and Apply…
As I stated above, the point of this book is not simply to read, but to apply. In other words, to really take advantage of Safe Haven, you need to use it as a resource guide. In fact, I believe it would take days, even weeks or months, to properly consider the reflections and fully put the suggestions into practice. The beauty of this pocketbook, however, is that you can start simply–reading a few pages and trying to put one suggestion into action. You don’t even have to start with the first suggestion S.K. gives. You could browse the book and find an activity that you feel comfortable doing.
Wellness Collection…
In addition to the pocketbook, S.K. has created a full “Wellness Collection.” These additional for-purchase resources include a dated planner, guided meditation, and reflections journal. There is also a free email list where you can subscribe to get curated recipes sent straight to your inbox!
My Thoughts on the Author, S.K. Reid…
I adore the way S.K. expresses her message via the written word. She has a gentle way of writing. Her words calm. Perhaps this is because she is not only an author, but also has a degree in paramedicine, with training as a paramedic, grief counselor, and fitness instructor. S.K. is an impressive woman with a heart for helping others.
Want to learn even more about S.K. Reid and how you can purchase your own copy of Safe Haven? Just click here…
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Featured Photo: Provided by S.K. Reid & Used With Permission; Edited by me, using Canva
