Maria Bowler

This small book is unexpectedly lovely and full of wisdom. That looks like a sentence I'd pronounce with a sneer, but I am totally serious. Making Time is a surprise in many ways.

For a long time I've said I was gonna write a self help book that would shame all the crummy self help books into another reality -- it was going to be savage, and unconventional, and well written.

I was not certain a self help book *could* be well written. They're usually written in a bland, non-alarming voice show more that's close to "simplified English" or whatever it's called, to appeal (?) to as wide a range of readers as possible. These books put me to sleep, every time, and I'll typically fling 'em across the room shouting "No! I will NOT make a list of my life accomplishments."

Maria Bowler's writing is varied, sweet-toned and a pleasure; moreover, she states up from that she doesn't have any interest in telling you what to do. So what *does* this book do? and how does it help? It gently suggests a different way of looking at things, at how to engage with life ... especially if, like most of us, you feel a nagging sense that you're not doing (producing) enough.

Making Time won't "turn you into" an artist. But I think one way of stating the book's point is that it is a reminder that you *already are* an artist, a maker. You always were. You just got disconnected from this sense, from this knowledge, from this vision. Bowler suggests we re-connect with it, and gives great reasons (many from her own experience) why you might want to do this.

Making Time is a gift, and I love it. show less

If you are tired of the self help books out there promising productivity and weary of the never ending search for enough, this is the book for you. Bowler poignantly describes the productivity trap that many are in and how to live meaningfully beyond that. The chapters are short, which make this book easy to read. She doesn’t attempt to give you a comprehensive plan of how to live your life, which is honestly refreshing. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs to reflect more on show more “being” rather than “doing.” show less

This book reminds the driven that their mindset toward producing begins from a being who is designed for more than that. Throughout the short, well-written essays that are each their own chapter, she draws out the distinctions between producers and makers. I came away with several inspirations that I’m either acting on or incorporating in my mindset. A notable one is that rest isn’t something we do, but rather something we position ourselves to receive.

I don’t typically read books about personal growth, but the title of this one appealed to me: I find great joy in being productive, and was interested to see what other suggestions the author had. The book is well-written—more a series of meditations than a pat set of guidelines for making a better life. In the end, though, it wasn’t for me. The dichotomy it sets up between Doers and Makers didn’t resonate—I don’t chase productivity for the sake of productivity—and since I show more ended up identifying more with the Makers (if not in the artistic realms prioritized in the Making section of the book) it didn’t really push me in new directions. show less