Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Summary

'Untamed' by Glennon Doyle is a powerful memoir and guide that encourages women to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves. Doyle shares her personal journey of self-discovery, including her experiences with love, marriage, motherhood, and addiction. The book is filled with reflections on courage, authenticity, and the importance of listening to one's inner voice. Throughout, Doyle advocates for living untamed—free from the cultural cages that restrict women's lives. Her writing is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Trust yourself above all else, and listen to your inner voice instead of societal pressures.

2. Let go of perfectionism and embrace authenticity, knowing that real freedom lies in being true to oneself.

3. Breaking free from old rules and roles is necessary for personal growth and happiness.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2020

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 92

Practical Examples

1. Leaving her marriage to pursue true love.

   Doyle details her decision to leave her husband after falling in love with Abby Wambach. This act isn’t just about romantic love; it's about listening to her authentic self even when it defies social expectations. Her honesty about the pain and joy involved encourages readers to honor their truths.

2. Parenting with honesty.

   Doyle recounts conversations with her children where she teaches them to trust themselves rather than always following her or others’ guidance. She emphasizes that children learn best from adults who model self-trust and vulnerability, sparking a new way of parenting.

3. The metaphor of the cheetah at the zoo.

   Doyle uses the story of Tabitha the cheetah, trained to act as something she’s not, as a symbol for how women are conditioned to meet external expectations. The cheetah’s restlessness mirrors the inner longing for authenticity and untamed living in Doyle and her readers.

4. Discussing addiction and recovery.

   Doyle is transparent about her struggles with bulimia and alcohol, sharing how she learned to face her pain rather than numb it. She explains that her healing only began when she stopped trying to escape her feelings and chose to sit with discomfort, leading to true transformation.

5. Challenging religious and cultural beliefs.

   Doyle examines her religious upbringing and the rules she followed for years. She reveals how questioning these beliefs was essential for her to live authentically. This empowers readers to critically examine traditions that may limit them.

6. Standing up against injustice.

   She addresses cultural and social issues such as racism and sexism, sharing her commitment to activism. Doyle advocates for using your voice to fight against oppression and encourages readers to speak up even when it's uncomfortable.

7. Embracing discomfort as growth.

   Throughout the book, Doyle insists that discomfort is not something to avoid, but a sign of growth and evolution. She shares personal anecdotes about sitting through uncomfortable emotions, which often led to breakthrough insights.

8. Valuing love over conventional norms.

   Doyle discusses choosing love that feels right over adhering to what others believe is correct. Her relationship with Abby serves as an example of defying conventional expectations in favor of genuine happiness and connection.

9. Dropping societal roles as a mother and woman.

   She describes her process of questioning the roles she was taught to play as a mother and woman. Doyle's journey illustrates how redefining these roles helped her build a more fulfilling life and deeper family connections.

10. Self-care and boundaries.

    Doyle shares her journey of prioritizing her own needs through self-care and setting boundaries, particularly as a mother and partner. These practices became crucial for her well-being and serve as practical advice for anyone feeling depleted.