
This is a sponsored post. I received a free copy of the book Oola for Women in return for an honest review of the book. All opinions are mine. Please see my disclosure. There are also affiliate links in this post.
This opportunity came at a time when chaotic didn’t even begin to describe my current state of life. I had family in town, birthday parties and baby showers to plan and throw, a full work schedule between two different jobs, and an adventurous trip to Europe on the horizon.
I found out about the opportunity to receive a free copy of Oola for Women by being tagged in a post on Facebook by a woman who was constantly posting about the #OolaLife. I had never given it much thought and was intrigued when she mentioned in a comment that this looked right up my alley.
The first time I looked at the signup form I took one look at the due date, due before May 2nd, and instantly clicked on the “X” at the top of the browser. It would just be too much while trying to get everything done in my normal life, the social commitments and trying to pick up extra shifts so I had more spending money for my trip. The due date would even fall right during my trip.
Sigh. It would just be another opportunity I’d passed on yet again because of life getting in the way. The timing for such things just never seemed right.
So you can imagine my surprise when the next day I had this feeling of positivity. All I could think was just go for it. I even told myself if I couldn’t finish the post I would mail the OolaGuys a check to reimburse them for the book. I’m serious. I filled out the form and hit enter before I could change my mind.
They’d be picking 40 or so women bloggers out of all the women who entered. Upon hitting enter, I instantly thought to myself it probably won’t matter anyway, I won’t get picked. Not because I don’t believe in myself (although typing that means I surely need to be more introspective about that) but because I know how many crazy awesome women bloggers are out there!
I received an email a couple of days later saying I was picked and the book was on the way.
Shocked doesn’t even begin to describe it. I was also excited and nervous.
So why do I tell you all this as part of my book review? Because the Oola for Women book is full of stories of real women, 42 to be exact, living the OolaLife and this book review is the beginning of my story. It is the beginning of my Oola Life.
This book is LIFE CHANGING.
I mean that in all seriousness.
For someone who had never heard of the OolaGuys or #Oola before I was completely spellbound and intrigued with what each chapter had to offer. I finished the book in less than 3 days, not just because I was on my way out of the country. At times I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough or I’d have to slow down and reread a page because I felt myself racing ahead.
I’m sure you’re wondering by now what exactly is Oola?
Well, I’ll let the OolaGuys describe it for you exactly as you’d find it in their book.
Oola is a state of awesomeness.
Oola is a life that is balanced and growing in the key areas of health, finance, career, relationships, and well-being.
Oola is a destination.
Oola describes actions, insights and goals that lead to a balanced life.
Oola is the ultimate plan for achieving balance in an unbalanced world.
Ultimately, Oola is getting you to that sweet spot in life that so many of us women are shooting for. You know the one I’m talking about, the mystical one where all the craziness of our lives is more balanced thus creating a better state of being. A life we enjoy living each and every day. Sounds shockingly awesome, right?
This book was so many things all wrapped up into one. It was honest. It has touching stories that were engaging and relatable to every woman. It gave information, but also gave practical ways to take immediate action to use the information you read. Because let’s be real no one likes a book that touts all these amazing things without giving you the actions steps to go ahead and do it for yourself #truth
So let’s dive a little deeper into what you can expect with Oola for Woman.
First, you’ll find that it’s beautifully laid out into 5 separate sections. For anyone that loves organization as much as I do you will appreciate it. It’s easy to flip back and forth and find exactly what you need. Here’s a little synopsis of what you’ll find in the book overall.
The first section is the Introduction to Oola.
This is where I found out exactly what all those posts my friend was posting with #Oola were all about. I loved how they invited you in and made you feel a part of the Oola family immediately. They didn’t wait to spread their message, their mission or their goal. The authors jumped right in with both feet and explained everything.
The next section introduces the 7 F’s of Oola.
I haven’t read the original book Oola: Find Balance in an Unbalanced World so these concepts were brand new to me. They outlined everything you needed to know about OolaFitness, OolaFinance, OolaFamily, OolaField, OolaFaith, OolaFriends and OolaFun. These are the 7 areas the OolaGuys say to focus on to create a balanced life.
The third section describes the OolaBlockers.
These are all the things that keep us from living the OolaLife. Some of these things we’re aware of, but it’s surprising to realize how much we hold ourselves back from the life we so desperately want to live. We are in complete control to move past our individual OolaBlockers to get to our authentic life.
In the fourth section you’ll discover the OolaAccelerators.
These are the habits and behaviors that we can start using daily to get us on a path to the OolaLife. We can learn new habits and use them to overcome all the Oolablockers that stand in our way on a day to day basis. This section was my favorite. It’s full of hope that shows you that can certainly live an OolaLife if you truly want it with all your heart.
One thing I found useful for more practical guidance was that at the end of each chapter within sections 2-4 there were three ways you could take action right away. For example, in the chapter about guilt (an OolaBlocker) they give you 3 immediate ways you can start to free yourself from guilt. First, they remind you that forgiveness is key. Second, choose gratitude over guilt. Lastly, learn. I found it brought what I learned from the chapter full circle. I was able to further understand how I could apply what I learned, look inside myself and truly see what I needed to work on in that area.
The last section explains the three simple steps to the OolaLife.
This is where you’ll find all the action steps you can take to start on your path to the OolaLife. And when they mean take action they mean take action now! They divide the steps into three simple activities you can do right there in the back of the book. It’s practical application of all the information. I love that!
It is something that will take some careful thought and not something I’ve finished yet, but I will be going back and working through each of the activities. I will also be implementing their 3×5 index card idea of outlining my 3 daily goals. It’s so simple and if you follow this plan you could be accomplishing 1,000 goals a year!
This book is a very valuable tool for women to use to create a more balanced life in a world while being unbalanced is the new norm. Reading parts of this book was like coming home. So much of what I struggle with on a daily basis is mirrored in the stories and accounts from women I’ve never met. This is both a good and bad thing.
It’s good because it makes me feel normal.
One story, It Started with a Christmas Card, made me laugh out loud because this past year was the first year I haven’t sent out a card. It was out of sheer exhaustion that I simply didn’t do it. It made me feel so much better to know that I can let those things go. It’s ok to let go of that which doesn’t serve me. No one even cared I didn’t send out a card.
Another story, Unplugged, talked about her obsession with Pinterest and the toll it took on her. It reminded me of how I struggle with looking at others’ lives when I should be spending time looking inward at my own life. I should be spending time off of social media and in my real life instead.
It’s a bad thing because these stories are all to prevalent in our society today.
As women we are constantly struggling to do it all and have it all and we’re still not happy. We’re not happy because we’re living a life unbalanced. It’s such a struggle. It’s something that most of us don’t even think about it because we’re too busy running from errands to activities to work. But it is something we need to be conscious of, that these stories are far too common and we are the ones that need to help change that.
And that’s exactly why this book is so amazing.
The OolaGuys want women to live their most authentic lives by finding balance in an unbalanced world. The reality is that it’s hard to find the motivation to start, and it’s even harder to live a truly authentic life without any guidance. That’s what this book does. It helps you navigate a new path with thoughtful guidance.
A path towards your true authentic self.
A path that will not be without it’s struggles.
A path that is adventurous and amazing even while you’re seeking the OolaLife.
A path I’m now on thanks to the book Oola for Women.
The OolaGuys outline the purpose of their book as follows…
to encourage and inspire you to pursue a better life – one with less stress. (YES!) A life that is balanced and growing: the life you dream of and deserve. The OolaLife.
So what are you waiting for?
Start taking action today. And you’ll be one step closer to living the OolaLife.
BUY THE BOOK NOW!
Thank you for such a marvellously and thoughtfully laid out review!!
As 1 of 42, Thank you so much for wonderful review! I’m sure the other women would agree with me, but I can only speak for myself, when I say it was nerve wracking waiting to see how our stories would be received and if they worked within the context of the book!
Again, Thank you!
Dorean Leader
Dorean,
Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed my review! I’m sure it was nerve wracking to see your personal story, but I thank you so much for sharing it. You are helping so many women on their own paths to the OolaLife. Thanks for stopping by!