Don't Miss Your Life!: An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter, and Grace

Written by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Narrated by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Fun, provocative insights and stories that show us how to say yes to life and discover in our own stories that God is wooing us to live life to the fullest. Charlene Baumbich brings her most-requested speaking topic to light. She urges listeners to build a “memory portfolio” of special moments in their lives that shape and enrich them, allowing them to draw insight and perspective from all that life teaches. She challenges listeners to find and hold close the goodness in life that surrounds them, and prescribes liberal doses of play, the enchantment of perspective, giving yourself license to laugh at yourself and the art of listening to your own stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oasis Audio
• Release date: May 21, 2009
• ISBN: 9781608145256

Charlene Ann Baumbich

Charlene Ann Baumbich is an award-winning journalist, author of the Dearest Dorothy series of novels, author of the nonfiction titles The Book of DUH! and How To Eat Humble Pie and Not Get Indigestion, and a motivational speaker who makes frequent media appearances across the country.

Reviews for Don't Miss Your Life!

[kblinn_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Here's a self-help book that not only offers help but also provides plenty of good laughs. Charlene fits in the "real character" class, and she has learned a thing or two from life in her journey along its path. I plan to pass my early reviewer copy onto a friend who I think could also benefit from the book's message. I highly recommend this book, although I would just lightly skim the first chapter which I thought kind of bogged down. Enjoy!

[thewitchescupboard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a witty and playful piece, which seeks to further your connection to your spirituality... and yourself! The writing is such that one can easily relate :)

[neilandlisa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Christian-based inspiration and humor highlight "Don't Miss Your Life! An Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter and Grace," by Charlene Ann Baumbich. Her writing is somewhat reminiscent of Laura Jensen Walker's fiction and non-fiction. A nice, quick read to help inspire women to take time and not miss the beauty in life.

[oregonwmn_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was excited to receive this book from the publisher as it looked like a great "feel good" book. When the book arrived, I was a little surprised to see that it was a Christian book. I like reading everything, but I didn't remember the book being advertised this way on the Early Reviewer's site.I started out reading the book with high hopes, but felt that the book just went around in circles. I felt like the author kept telling me what was going to be addressed in the book, but never really got around to it.This book may have been great for some, but it just didn't connect for me. I read for pure pleasure and gave up on this book about half to three-quarters through as reading became a chore.

[readteach_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I am still trying to get through this book. I thought the title and premise was interesting, but it just hasn't really held my interest nor motivated me. Some anecdotes are somewhat amusing, this book just hasn't grabbed me at all.

[quadmama · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An encouraging book. The author encourages you to not only dream of the life you want but to actively seek your best life. Encouraging one to be active and present in their own life. The voice is told as though your most supportive, positive friend is coaching you along.

[harpervalley · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I appreciate an engergizing, uplifting spiritual kick in the rear and Don't Miss Your Life didn't disappoint. Lots of humor and personal stories helped the reader to feel part of a larger group of people struggling with the same things. The only caution I would offer is that the frequent "side bar" comments (usually seperated by parentheses and obviously meant for enhancing the casual and conversational flow of the book) became distracting and felt frenzied.

[brainella · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I am not the target audience for this book. I'm not sure why I signed up to be an early reviewer because I skimmed a LOT of the book. The girlfriend-to-girlfriend type chattiness of the text is irritating. I don't like it when authors try to grab you by establishing a false rapport.It was amusing in places, and audiences enjoying this kind of writing will really like it. Taking life one day at a time and enjoying things for all they are -- great concept. The whole Memory Portfolio thing was a bit much for me. There was a lot of scripture throughout which is fine for people who like taking wisdom from that area but not necessarily for everyone. Not my cup of tea and not what is highlighted in the description from the publisher.

[wcath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Don't Miss Your Life is like a long conversation with a really funny girlfriend who is frequently "over the top" but has great insight into life and really listens to you when you need to talk. It is written from a Christian standpoint and I truly hope that this, in itself, will not turn some people off to the message of the book. It is told using lots of anecdotes and inspirational quotes, as well as Scripture, to get you thinking about your own life.One of the main devices that Baumbich uses is something that she calls the Memory Portfolio. The MP is: "Your invisible, utterly personal, wholly accessible, always-ready-for-new-entries, combination diary and scrapbook of sensory-loaded captured moments."By using your past - or losing it, if need be - the MP helps you to look back at what you enjoyed and what you were good at before your life got bogged down. It's purpose is to wake you up... to who you really are, to what is pulling you down or holding you back and to what you is consuming all of your time and energy.This book made me laugh and cry and think a lot about my life. I read it fairly quickly and I really want to take some more time with it. After a series of traumatic, life-changing events, I find myself stalled out. So it is from this perspective that I can say that I found Don't Miss Your Life tremendously inspiring and hilariously funny. I do have to agree that the author went a little too far with the chattiness and the asides, the "Moment of Truth"s. However, these were small distractions when taken with the whole of the book.

[binniebee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was an early reviewer for this book. This is an inspirational book to get you up and at 'em! It really does attempt to inspire you to do what you want to do NOW before it is too late! At the time I read it I had already made up my mind to get out of a job I hated and was miserable in and to find another job that I loved (which I promptly did, and had by the time I got this book), so I didn't need a lot of inspiration at the time, but I will hang onto the book for future difficult/stalling times.

[frandell_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Along comes a book by a storyteller who holds the power, in true stories well told, to offer a motivating and healing balm for those thirsting and eager for somebody to remind them to "say YES to life, slow down, wake up, let go, hold on and LIVE!" As readers listen to Baumbich's stories, laugh and cry, and then revisit their own stories, they will discover the sovereign hand of God not only loving them in the midst of adversity but wooing them to live life to the full.Readers should fasten their seatbelts for this warm, fun, provocative, heartwarming ride. "We are so busy running our lives that we are often not enjoying them, giving thanks for them, or realizing our joy and potential," Charlene says. "But if you learn the lively and releasing art of listening to and mining your own stories, you'll learn that your life is, indeed, better than you think!

[rglossne · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I almost gave up on this book. I found Baumbich's breezy, chatty style to be too much, and her asides to the reader annoying. But I stayed with it and ultimately enjoyed parts of it. Her stories were entertaining, and to the point, and she convincingly made the connection between her spirituality and the life lessons she offers. Not a favorite, and not something I would pass on to friends, but worth the small amount of time it took me to read..

[emeraldessence · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Don't Miss Your Life, by Charlene Ann Baumbich, an Uncommon Guide to Living with Freedom, Laughter, and Grace was a heartwarming, eye opening, laughter filled, okay, sometimes tears, read for me. While reading this book I felt as if I'd met an old friend, one that was sharing her advice to stop, pay attention to what's really going on in your life, and to truly live it. Not to let life pass you by, slow down, pay attention, and don't assume you know everything. Pay attention to the truly beautiful things in your life. To take the time to truly listen to what God has to say to you. This book couldn't have come at a better time in my life, as I've felt as though I was in a rut. Boy was I wrong, I just wasn't paying attention, life was passing me by. The author, Charlene shares some beautiful memories from her life...from her own memory portfolio, which made me pause to remember some of my own sweet memories. Thank you Charlene.This is a warm, funny, book, with a bit of biblical insight thrown in. Not too preachy at all, in fact, I found it all uplifting and very helpful. When is the last time you truly listened to God? I recommend this book to anyone who isn't paying attention to what's really going on in your life. When you're done with the book you'll feel as though the author is your new friend.I will be passing this book along to my best friend, the chapter on forgiveness is exactly what she needs.I will be checking into more of Charlene's books, I want to read her Dearest Dorothy novels next.

[meags_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I hate giving such a terrible review for this book because I feel that the author is genuine and pretty awesome, but this book, which has been material for her talks and speeches given over the past several years makes for a much better presentation than a book. I felt like it was all over the place and too ... chatty ... for a book. It was almost too much like a good friend talking to you to be palatable. Too much of a good thing... I think that if I had experienced the same material in a conference room with other ladies it would have been a better experience. My advice? If the subject seems interesting, try to see her. Otherwise, you'll be forcing yourself through these 200 pages.

[bons_11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First, let me say I spent a little longer reading this guide due to the creative writing of the author. So many things I wanted to high-light, yet I immediately knew I would probably be sharing this book with someone else and was hesitant to do so. For example, "Like a coonhound that picks up the scent of it's desire, she went on high alert, ready to track, chase, and corner this really live trail. She was prepared to keep me treed until she got what she wanted" I chuckled, went tback to read this again and then just laughed at such a decription of a person and then had to read it to my husband, who wanted to hear it twice also! Many examples of this throughout.The author, Charlene, tells story after story. She recounts something that happened while planning a loved one's funeral. I had lost my dad and brother 3 1/2 years ago and it still is the bleakest moment in my life, but as I read this story I just let the grip loosen on my book and laughed, just laughed for her story, and really laughed FOR ME, that felt wonderful. The book reminded me I could pray for the simplest of things such as another best friend.I felt the "need" this author has to want me to really live a quality life. I closed the book feeling what a true gift I have in today. I am sure I will recommend this book as I know many who could use this message and I believe I will refer back to this book as well.

[librtea · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Don’t Miss Your Life is a book of advice on living with “freedom, laughter, and grace”. Charlene Baumbich’s resounding message is, “WAKE UP!” The author writes of the importance of friendships, positive thinking, playfulness, and balance in life, and the problems inherent in assumptions and preconceived ideas. This book leans heavily on the spiritual, and Baumbich refers often to God. Bible verses are found throughout the chapters. But the author doesn’t become preachy or dogmatic. Her casual, highly personal, conversational style prevents that from happening. Initially, I found the style a bit much. There were too many parenthetical insertions and asides. At some point, however, the number diminished (or I got used to them) and Baumbich’s irrepressible enthusiasm won me over. Every recommendation and bit of advice is illustrated and supported by an engaging story from the author’s life. This book has a lot to offer, and while it doesn’t provide any earth-shaking advice, it does highlight many things that can lead to a fuller life. And it’s uplifting and humorous, to boot.

[khiemstra631 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Here's a self-help book that not only offers help but also provides plenty of good laughs. Charlene fits in the "real character" class, and she has learned a thing or two from life in her journey along its path. I plan to pass my early reviewer copy onto a friend who I think could also benefit from the book's message. I highly recommend this book, although I would just lightly skim the first chapter which I thought kind of bogged down. Enjoy!

[crishaynes · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a quick read. It has bouts of humor and wit. I did find the back cover description to be misleading. It makes it sound as if the book is simply about not taking your life so seriously, which is what I was hoping to encounter. Instead, it was heavily religious in nature. While I can entertain and appreciate that topic, I feel it should be highlighted in the description as it may rub other people the wrong way. This book would do well being sold and marketed in Christian bookstores. All in all, it had a positive message and humorous delivery.

[larestout_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have to admit that at times, I skimmed the pages. I grew tired of the conversational style of writing. The author uses lots of parentheses to insert her thoughts while she is writing. It was funny and insightful at times and I can see that it could be very appealing to a certain audience. I understand that the message of slowing down and enjoying your life is one that is much needed in our society today. But, the solutions offered tended more towards what we can to do to help ourselves, rather than wisdom from the scriptures.

[katkealy · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book I got from Early Reviewers and I've learned a valuable lesson. I need to read the description more carefully. I liked the title of the book and thought Don't Miss Your Life would be an amusing (and probably humorous) book. Unfortunately, I found it to be neither. Charlene Ann Baumbich mostly used this book to advertise her other books (mentioned frequently) & preach Christianity. I have two aunts who are nuns and an uncle who's a priest who don't mention God as often as Ms. Baumbich.If you're okay with preachy or you're very VERY Christian, this may be a good book for you. If you're a bit more liberal/open minded, you should probably move on to another book.I actually enjoy many books about religion and perhaps if I'd been more aware that Ms. Baumbich would preach throughout the book I could have enjoyed it more. On the bright side, she does use some good quotes from sources OTHER than the bible from time to time (some of them don't even mention God - like Abraham Lincoln's "People are just about as happy as they make up heir minds to be."). You most likely won't learn anything from this book, but if you're okay with the preaching and advertising, it may be worth picking up.

[pandababy_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I requested "Don't Miss Your Life" from the Library Thing Early Reviewers group because of the word "Laughter" in the title. The book lives up to its title. I giggled. I tee-heed. I snorted. I laughed out loud. Then I laughed so hard that tears ran down my cheeks. I laughed so frequently while reading "Don't Miss Your Life" that my husband asked to borrow the book when I was done with it.Charlene Baumbich lives up to her reputation for humor. Better yet, the "Grace" in the title is fully accessible, and especially in the last few chapters. I made notes all over the first three-fourths of my copy, but for the last fourth, I could only read and drink in the assurances that we all have been given the ability to live, love, laugh and share our gifts, however small, with others.Baumbich relates hilarious stories from her own life that are very freeing, and I found it easy to relate to her. I know that the next time I want to give up and drop out, or the next time I trip and fall down, I will think of Charlene, and I will choose differently. Because how could I take myself too seriously or stay angry when I'm brimming over with grace, laughter and happiness? Oh, I'll still get mad or huffy, but I won't live there for long with the memories from "Don't Miss Your Life".I didn't just read the book, I inhaled it, I wrote all over it, and I laughed, chuckled and giggled my way through it. I was sorry when I got to the last page. Guess I'll have to look up her back list - I'm addicted to humor now.

[cardin48 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I managed to snag this as my First early review book. This is not your ordinary self-help type of book. It has a lot of fun puchy, energetic stories that are really thought provoking. It does take a couple of chapters to get into it, but once you do you can't put it down. The book reads like you're having a conversation with someone and are actually listening. Throughout the book you'll notice a light bulb goes off and you're like yeah! Great book you won't be disappointed.