One Sentence Summary
Finding yourself and the love you want requires embracing the present and working on your own growth and healing, as described in Iyanla Vanzant’s book ‘In the Meantime’.
Book Genre
Self-help, motivational, relationship.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of ‘In the Meantime’ by Iyanla Vanzant is self-discovery and relationship guidance, helping readers to understand and transform their inner relationships in order to attract and maintain healthy, fulfilling love in their lives.
Key Ideas
- Self-love and self-worth are essential for attracting and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Our past traumas and wounds affect our present relationships and need to be addressed and healed.
- We must learn to embrace the present and trust in the divine timing of our lives.
- Learning to set boundaries and communicate effectively is crucial for building healthy relationships.
- Forgiveness and healing are necessary for moving forward and finding true love.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
- Part I: In the Meantime – This section focuses on understanding and embracing the present moment, rather than always seeking for what’s next.
- Part II: Loving Yourself Until Love Comes – Here, Vanzant discusses the importance of self-love and shares practical tools for building self-worth and inner strength.
- Part III: Changing Your Mind – This section dives into the impact of our thoughts and how we can shift our mindset to attract the love we desire.
- Part IV: Healing Your Heart – In this part, the author addresses the importance of healing our past traumas and releasing patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us.
- Part V: Learning and Practicing – This final section discusses the critical elements of communication, setting boundaries, and taking personal responsibility in building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Key Takeaways
- Self-love and self-worth are the foundation for attracting and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Our past traumas and wounds need to be addressed and healed for us to move forward and find true love.
- Embracing the present and trusting in divine timing is essential for our growth and finding the love we deserve.
- Effective communication, boundary setting, and personal responsibility are key for building and maintaining fulfilling relationships.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Iyanla Vanzant is a spiritual teacher, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. She is also an ordained minister and lawyer, with a background in social work and counseling. Vanzant has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows, sharing her wisdom and teachings on relationships, self-esteem, and personal growth.
Target Audience
This book is targeted towards individuals who are seeking self-discovery and relationship guidance, specifically those who struggle with insecurity, past pain, and unsuccessful relationships.
Publisher and First Publication Date
‘In the Meantime’ was published by Simon & Schuster in 1998.