The Magnolia Story Review: Are You Thriving or Just Surviving

You guys! I recently finished reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. I about fell over when I saw the book sitting on the newly released table at my library. I could not believe it wasn’t checked out or on a waiting list so I scooped it right up.

The Book Review

Adam and I love watching the show Fixer Upper on HGTV. The book reminds me of the banter back and forth between the Gaines couple. Jo tells most of their love story, their business beginnings and how they got to where they are today and then Chip jumps in with his perspective on it and side stories. As I read the book, I just pictured those two sitting down with me telling me their story in their own words.

The book is a quick read, and there is quite a bit of information I didn’t know about them. It was such an interesting peek inside of their lives and you get the same genuine connection and authenticity on every single episode of Fixer Upper.

Most Thought Provoking Topic:
Are you thriving or just surviving?

One of the topics Jo talks about is going through a phase where she felt like she was “just surviving” but she didn’t want that for herself or her family. She wanted to thrive especially during a tough financial season. She didn’t want to look back on that time as being unhappy and she choose to flip a switch right then and there to choose happiness even in the difficult times.

“I always thought that the ‘thriving’ would come when everything was perfect, and what I learned is that it’s actually down in the mess that things get good.”

She goes on to talk about learning to thrive in the pain and in the low points because if you can’t find a way to do that then you’ll never be happy.

“If you can’t find happiness in the ugliness, you’re not going to find it in the beauty, either.”

This got me thinking about my own life. Am I thriving right where I am? It is so important to acknowledge the little things in life. I find this easier to do when I focus on being content in my present situation, finding something to be grateful for every single day, and showing kindness to others.

Are you just surviving in this season of life or are you choosing to thrive regardless of your current situation? You can choose to change your outlook on life every day – every moment.

Favorite Quotes from The Magnolia Story

“It’s hard to describe the feeling that comes with starting your own business. It really is so much work in the beginning that you lose yourself in it. You lose your sense of time, and you can’t believe how quickly the days go by because there’s no time to focus on much of anything else.”

“I wonder sometimes if we know ourselves a lot better than we think we do when we’re children. We get into our teen years and college years, and so many of us let others redefine who we are, or we get lost along the way and have no idea what we really want to do with our lives.”

“Even locked doors can be unlocked in time.”

“Sometimes worrying about something is much worse than the actual thing you’re worrying about. So really, what’s the point in worrying?” – Chip

“And if we’d given up, if we’d walked away, if we’d crumbled when we were at our lowest, we never would have made it around the corner to see all of the blessings that were about to come due.”

“What am I going for in life?”

“I am learning that getting our intentions right simplifies our decisions in life and changes our perspective. And in the end, what it’s all about is thankfulness and contentment.”

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve read the book. If so, what was the most interesting quote or topic to you? If not, I hope you add this book to your reading list!

Choose to thrive, starting today!

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