It. Goes. So. Fast.

What's "It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs" about?

• Author's Journey: The book is a memoir by Mary Louise Kelly, chronicling a pivotal year in her life as she balances her demanding career as a journalist with her role as a mother to two teenage sons.
• Themes of Time and Change: It explores themes of time, change, and the bittersweet nature of watching children grow up, emphasizing the idea of "no do-overs" in parenting.
• Personal and Professional Conflict: Kelly shares her internal conflict between her professional ambitions and her desire to be present for her sons during their final years at home.
• Reflection and Growth: The narrative is a reflection on personal growth, the challenges of work-life balance, and the importance of cherishing fleeting moments with loved ones.

Why should I read "It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs"?

• Relatable Parenting Insights: The book offers relatable insights into the challenges and joys of parenting, especially for working parents trying to balance career and family.
• Emotional and Thought-Provoking: Kelly's candid storytelling evokes a range of emotions, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and priorities.
• Inspiration for Work-Life Balance: It provides inspiration and practical advice for those struggling to find a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
• Engaging Writing Style: Kelly's engaging writing style, combined with her journalistic background, makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

What are the key takeaways of "It. Goes. So. Fast.: The Year of No Do-Overs"?

• Cherish the Present: The book emphasizes the importance of cherishing the present moment, especially with family, as time passes quickly and opportunities for connection are fleeting.
• Work-Life Balance: It highlights the ongoing struggle to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, encouraging readers to prioritize what truly matters.
• Embrace Change: Kelly's journey illustrates the inevitability of change and the need to adapt and grow through life's transitions.
• Value of Reflection: The memoir underscores the value of reflection and introspection in understanding one's priorities and making meaningful life choices.

How does Mary Louise Kelly balance her career and family in "It. Goes. So. Fast."?

• Intentional Choices: Kelly makes intentional choices to prioritize her family, such as taking leave from her job to attend her sons' soccer games.
• Struggle and Sacrifice: She candidly shares the struggles and sacrifices involved in balancing her demanding career with her desire to be present for her children.
• Support System: The book highlights the importance of a support system, including friends and family, in managing the demands of work and family life.
• Reflection and Adaptation: Kelly reflects on her experiences and adapts her approach to find a balance that aligns with her values and priorities.

What are the best quotes from "It. Goes. So. Fast." and what do they mean?

• "It. Goes. So. Fast.": This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the book, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of savoring moments with loved ones.
• "The year of no do-overs": This quote highlights the urgency Kelly feels to be present for her sons during their final year at home, as there are no second chances in parenting.
• "Love isn’t the absence of struggle. Love is struggle.": This quote reflects the idea that love requires effort and perseverance, especially in relationships and parenting.
• "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories.": This quote, inspired by Anne Lamott, encourages embracing one's experiences and sharing them authentically.

How does Mary Louise Kelly's career as a journalist influence her perspective in "It. Goes. So. Fast."?

• Storytelling Skills: Kelly's background as a journalist enhances her storytelling skills, allowing her to convey her experiences with clarity and depth.
• Insight into Work-Life Conflict: Her career provides insight into the work-life conflict many professionals face, as she navigates the demands of journalism alongside family responsibilities.
• Analytical Reflection: Kelly's journalistic training encourages analytical reflection, prompting her to examine her life choices and their impact on her family.
• Public and Private Balance: The book explores the balance between her public role as a journalist and her private role as a mother, highlighting the challenges of managing both.

What role do Kelly's sons play in "It. Goes. So. Fast."?

• Central Figures: Kelly's sons, James and Alexander, are central figures in the memoir, as their growth and milestones drive the narrative.
• Motivation for Change: Their impending departure for college motivates Kelly to reassess her priorities and make changes to be more present in their lives.
• Source of Reflection: Interactions with her sons prompt Kelly to reflect on her parenting choices and the passage of time, leading to personal growth.
• Emotional Connection: The book captures the deep emotional connection between Kelly and her sons, illustrating the joys and challenges of motherhood.

How does "It. Goes. So. Fast." address the theme of change?

• Life Transitions: The book addresses life transitions, such as children growing up and leaving home, and the emotional impact of these changes.
• Adaptation and Growth: Kelly emphasizes the need to adapt and grow through change, finding new ways to connect with loved ones and pursue personal goals.
• Embracing the Unknown: The narrative encourages embracing the unknown and being open to new experiences, even when they are challenging or unexpected.
• Reflection on Past and Future: Kelly reflects on her past choices and considers her future, highlighting the continuous nature of change and the importance of being present.

What challenges does Mary Louise Kelly face in "It. Goes. So. Fast."?

• Balancing Career and Family: Kelly faces the challenge of balancing her demanding career as a journalist with her desire to be present for her sons during their final year at home.
• Navigating Change: She navigates significant life changes, including her sons' impending departure for college and the evolving dynamics of her family.
• Personal Reflection: The memoir involves deep personal reflection, as Kelly examines her life choices and their impact on her relationships and priorities.
• Emotional Struggles: Kelly candidly shares her emotional struggles, including feelings of guilt, regret, and the bittersweet nature of watching her children grow up.

How does "It. Goes. So. Fast." explore the concept of time?

• Fleeting Moments: The book explores the concept of time as fleeting, emphasizing the importance of savoring moments with loved ones before they pass.
• Urgency and Reflection: Kelly feels a sense of urgency to be present for her sons, prompting reflection on how she spends her time and what truly matters.
• Past, Present, Future: The narrative weaves together reflections on the past, experiences in the present, and considerations for the future, highlighting the continuous flow of time.
• No Do-Overs: The concept of "no do-overs" underscores the idea that time cannot be reclaimed, encouraging readers to make the most of each moment.

What lessons does Mary Louise Kelly learn in "It. Goes. So. Fast."?

• Prioritizing Family: Kelly learns the importance of prioritizing family and being present for her sons during their final year at home.
• Embracing Change: She learns to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances, finding growth and meaning in life's transitions.
• Letting Go of Perfection: The memoir highlights the lesson of letting go of perfection and accepting that not everything can be controlled or planned.
• Value of Reflection: Kelly learns the value of reflection and introspection in understanding her priorities and making meaningful life choices.

How does "It. Goes. So. Fast." resonate with readers?

• Relatable Experiences: The book resonates with readers through its relatable experiences of parenting, work-life balance, and the passage of time.
• Emotional Connection: Kelly's candid storytelling creates an emotional connection, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
• Inspiration and Insight: The memoir offers inspiration and insight for those navigating similar challenges, encouraging readers to cherish the present and embrace change.
• Universal Themes: The themes of love, family, and personal growth are universal, making the book relevant and meaningful to a wide audience.