If you’re a caregiver, this is your survival handbook. Written by a single mom, who’s faced her share of tragedies and setbacks, it’s not only an inspirational read, but a how-to manual for reprioritizing what matters most.

Kathy Sullivan is a board-certified coach and PROSCI Certified Change Management Practitioner. She’s banked a successful climb up the corporate ladder and graciously applauds those who’ve helped her realize her career dream, including her family, friends, colleagues, and mentors. I also applaud this because it’s rare to find a leader who humbly acknowledges those who uplifted them and helped them rise to where they are. But when Kathy faced not one but two major life events—pregnancy and her mother’s terminal diagnosis—she made the decision to move across the country to be closer to family. After continuing to work remotely, she eventually chose to channel her experience both as a professional and as a caregiver and launched her coaching and consulting business.

Don’t let the title fool you. It’s not about me, me, me. Rather Kathy is clearly a giving, humble, and kind individual.

Her goal is to help the reader see the value in self-care and self-management so one can become a selfless provider for dependents and a better advocate for others. Observing others and taking note of her own struggles, she quickly realized moms take on too much. Often unknowingly and unintentionally, partners, children, family, colleagues, and supervisors take advantage of mom’s (and women’s) naturally tendency to step in and get things done. Hence, Kathy carefully designed applicable and effective strategies to apply to life and work to create positive change—reducing stress, building confidence, regaining control, recapturing time and joy, and yes, saying “no” more often. She’s invoked science and proven approaches to create the five principles she uses with her clients and now shares with everyone in her latest book.

I especially liked the phrase she uses: “grit and grace.”

It reminds me of one my mom used to say, reminding me to never give up on my dreams, but never at the expense of others. Another takeaway is her continued reminder (outlined in more than one principle) that it’s never too late to reset priorities and reclaim your power. She recognizes that life is a series of cycles during which we must regroup and reframe what is important. What might have worked in your twenties may not have worked anymore. It’s a matter of setting aside time to step back and revisit where you’ve been and where you want to go. Another important aspect is applying business principles to life. Leadership, accountability (for yourself and children), self-advocating, trusting others, and knowing what you can and cannot control. These are valuable disciplines that work in all areas of one’s life if understood, mastered, and successfully applied.

On a personal note, Kathy sent me a lovely “thank you” note along with her book. That extra touch and the kind words she expressed inform me that this is a person who recognizes the importance of taking the extra step and how small, seemingly insignificant things make a huge impact. Thank you, Kathy.

This is a short book, but the author’s stories are relatable, and her principles are applicable. If you’re a mom, I would most definitely invest in this book. And everyone else? Well, there’s something in here for you, too!

Book Courtesy of Kathy Sullivan and PR By the Book