Untamed by Glennon Doyle is an empowering memoir and self-help book that explores the author’s journey to self-discovery, personal freedom, and authenticity. Doyle uses her own experiences to encourage readers to break free from societal expectations, listen to their inner voice, and live a life true to themselves. Through a mix of storytelling and reflection, the book examines themes such as identity, relationships, motherhood, and courage.
Main Points of the Book
- Embracing Your True Self
Doyle challenges readers to question societal norms and redefine their identity. - Listening to the “Knowing”
She introduces the concept of the “Knowing,” an inner voice guiding us toward authenticity. - Breaking Free from “Cages”
The book discusses how societal, cultural, and internal expectations act as “cages” restricting personal freedom. - Redefining Love and Relationships
Doyle explores love, marriage, and motherhood, advocating for relationships built on truth and equality. - Empowering Women
She emphasizes the power of women to create change by living authentically. - Embracing Pain and Growth
Doyle highlights the importance of embracing discomfort as part of personal growth.
1. Discovering the “Cages” of Life
Glennon Doyle begins “Untamed” by discussing how societal expectations often trap people in metaphorical “cages”. hese cages are built from cultural norms, family expectations, and self-imposed limitations. Doyle reflects on her own experiences, including her struggles with addiction, an unhappy marriage, and the pressures of being a “perfect” wife and mother.
She compares living in these cages to being a tamed animal, trained to follow rules instead of instincts. Doyle invites readers to examine the cages in their own lives and consider how they can break free.
2. The Moment of Awakening
The turning point in Doyle’s life comes when she meets Abby Wambach, a retired soccer star. Doyle describes falling in love with Abby as a moment of awakening. It prompts her to reevaluate her life, her marriage, and her sense of self.
This love story is not just about romantic connection but also about Doyle finding the courage to live authentically. She emphasizes that this journey required honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront discomfort.
3. Trusting the “Knowing”
A central concept in “Untamed” is the “Knowing.” Doyle describes it as a deep, inner voice that guides us toward our true desires and values. She argues that many people suppress this voice to conform to societal expectations.
Doyle encourages readers to cultivate stillness, listen to their inner wisdom, and trust their instincts. She uses personal anecdotes to illustrate how the “Knowing” has guided her through difficult decisions, such as ending her marriage and starting a new life with Abby.
4. Redefining Womanhood
“Untamed” challenges traditional ideas about what it means to be a woman. Doyle reflects on the ways women are conditioned to be selfless, accommodating, and obedient. She argues that this conditioning often leads to unhappiness and a loss of identity.
Doyle calls for a new definition of womanhood—one that prioritizes self-respect, autonomy, and authenticity. She urges women to stop shrinking themselves to fit into societal molds and instead claim their full power.
5. Love and Relationships
Doyle offers a fresh perspective on love and relationships. She believes that true love is not about sacrifice or suffering but about mutual respect, honesty, and growth. She discusses her decision to leave her first marriage, explaining that staying in a relationship that no longer serves you is not noble—it’s self-abandonment. Doyle’s relationship with Abby serves as an example of what love can look like when both partners are free to be themselves.
6. The Role of Pain in Growth
Pain and discomfort are recurring themes in “Untamed.” Doyle argues that avoiding pain prevents us from growing and evolving. She shares stories of how she faced her fears and embraced pain to transform her life.
She uses the metaphor of a “hot loneliness” to describe the discomfort of being alone with one’s thoughts and feelings. Doyle believes that sitting with this discomfort is essential for self-discovery.
7. Motherhood and Parenting
Doyle reflects on motherhood and the challenges of raising children while staying true to oneself. She rejects the idea that mothers must sacrifice everything for their children, arguing that showing children how to live authentically is the best gift a parent can give.
She shares lessons from her own parenting journey, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to trust their instincts and think critically.
8. Empowerment Through Action
The book concludes with a call to action. Doyle urges readers to use their newfound freedom and authenticity to create positive change in the world. She believes that when women reclaim their power, they can challenge injustice, support one another, and build a better future.
Doyle’s message is clear: living untamed is not just about personal liberation; it’s also about collective empowerment.
Conclusion
“Untamed” is a deeply personal and inspiring book that encourages readers to break free from societal expectations and live authentically. Through her own journey, Glennon Doyle demonstrates the power of trusting oneself, embracing discomfort, and redefining love, womanhood, and relationships.
The book is a manifesto for anyone seeking to reclaim their identity, find their inner voice, and create a life that aligns with their true self. Doyle’s message is simple yet profound: we are not meant to be tamed—we are meant to be free.
Key Takeaways
- Question societal norms and redefine your identity.
- Trust the “Knowing,” your inner voice.
- Break free from societal “cages” to live authentically.
- Redefine love and relationships based on mutual respect and truth.
- Embrace discomfort and pain as pathways to growth.
- Empower yourself and others to create change.