Excerpt from The Lives We Actually Have

Formatted like a prayer book, The Lives We Actually Have is an oasis and a landing spot for weary souls, with blessings that focus on the full range of human moments: garbage days, lovely days, grief-stricken days, and even (especially) completely ordinary days.

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We live in a world that demands relentless perfection. Happy marriages and easy friendships. Bucket-list-level adventures and matching family photos. But what if your actual life doesn’t feel very #blessed? Might our regular lives be worthy of a blessing too? Even an average Tuesday? 

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The Lives We Actually Have

100 Blessings for Imperfect Days

Warm and witty blessings found within the struggles of our shared humanity, from the New York Times bestselling authors of Good Enough.

Formatted like a prayer book, The Lives We Actually Have is an oasis and a landing spot for weary souls, with blessings that focus on the full range of human moments: garbage days, lovely days, grief-stricken days, and even (especially) completely ordinary days.

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Christmas Blessing

It’s Advent, that special time of year leading up to Christmas when we are all waiting with bated breath for the kingdom of God to break in. And in the meantime, we need to bless the days we have. So here is a blessing for you. A Blessing for Love to Come at Christmas. 
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Good Enough Excerpt

Good Enough: 40ish Devotions for a Life of Imperfection gives permission for all those who need to hear that there are some things you can fix—and some things you can’t. And it’s okay that life isn’t always better.
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Hi, I’m Kate. Let’s untangle our culture’s obsession with toxic positivity and self help, shall we?

I am a Duke professor, podcaster, and author with a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. (And letting you have whatever weird or boring hobbies you can’t explain to strangers. Do I love roadside attractions and exotic potato chip flavors? Yes. More than I should say.) 

I believe that the world would be a better place if we took apart the well-meaning clichés we use when life is hard. (What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? Maybe what doesn’t kill you might try again tomorrow. 🙂 ) 

After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone. 

My team at Everything Happens and I create free resources like this one with you in mind. We are determined to create a gentler world for everyone who wants to admit that they are not always “living their best life.” If that’s you, bless you. You’re in the right place.

Kate Bowler sitting in front of books