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Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman
Tens of thousands of women in the U.S. and Canada have laughed, wept, and learned together at Time Out for Women events. Now you can share the spirit of those occasions with these Time Out mini-books. Each contains a favorite presentation designed especially to uplift and teach. Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman shows what we can do to keep our perspective clear and our priorities straight when we just don’t seem to have enough time or energy to get everything done. Perfect for someone who needs a quick boost!
64 pages, Hardcover
First published May 21, 2006
7 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Emily Watts
32 books19 followersEmily Watts is a lover of words. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Utah and has worked as an editor for Deseret Book Company for more than 25 years. Many of those years she spent working part-time from home so she could devote the lion's share of her attention to her two girls and three boys. Now that those children are all in school, she is back full-time and serves as a senior editor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
February 18, 2010
I bought Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman for my wife instead of a Valentine’s Day card. Long story short…I think cards have become so expensive, and so superficial and commercialized, that a little while ago, I decided to get books instead of cards for my immediate family. They’re only a little more expensive, and far more meaningful, and I can still write a note on the inside cover as if it were a card.
Anyway, I saw this little volume, which is based on a talk given by Emily Watts at a “Time Out For Women” seminar, at Moon’s LDS bookstore, and bought it for Mary Ann. She seemed to like it, and I thought it sounded interesting, so I read it when she had finished it. It is uplifting, humorous, insightful, and comforting, all at once. My favorite part of the book was her inspiration that all we need to find is “the brick.” The one thing that, if we do it, outweighs everything else that might seem to work against it. We see various sorts of bricks mentioned in the scriptures, such as charity (which “overcometh a multitude of sins”), tithing (whoever is faithful to this commandment “will not be burned at His coming”), and so forth.
Certainly these are important things to ponder, but my thoughts went on a tangent. It seems to me that each day, each week, each month, our “bricks” might be different. Depending on our stage of personal and spiritual development, depending on our gospel calling, or depending on a variety of other factors, we probably need to seek spiritual guidance to determine what is the “brick” we should keep in mind. For example, I have become convinced that for most teachers the brick is not technique or knowledge or classroom management, it is deeply felt love for those whom you teach. The brick may be other things at other times…giving service, working diligently, enduring to the end, seeking wisdom, acquiring knowledge and understanding, or a myriad other things.
In any event, I like that this small volume caused me to ponder deeply on some important things. I recommend it.
Anyway, I saw this little volume, which is based on a talk given by Emily Watts at a “Time Out For Women” seminar, at Moon’s LDS bookstore, and bought it for Mary Ann. She seemed to like it, and I thought it sounded interesting, so I read it when she had finished it. It is uplifting, humorous, insightful, and comforting, all at once. My favorite part of the book was her inspiration that all we need to find is “the brick.” The one thing that, if we do it, outweighs everything else that might seem to work against it. We see various sorts of bricks mentioned in the scriptures, such as charity (which “overcometh a multitude of sins”), tithing (whoever is faithful to this commandment “will not be burned at His coming”), and so forth.
Certainly these are important things to ponder, but my thoughts went on a tangent. It seems to me that each day, each week, each month, our “bricks” might be different. Depending on our stage of personal and spiritual development, depending on our gospel calling, or depending on a variety of other factors, we probably need to seek spiritual guidance to determine what is the “brick” we should keep in mind. For example, I have become convinced that for most teachers the brick is not technique or knowledge or classroom management, it is deeply felt love for those whom you teach. The brick may be other things at other times…giving service, working diligently, enduring to the end, seeking wisdom, acquiring knowledge and understanding, or a myriad other things.
In any event, I like that this small volume caused me to ponder deeply on some important things. I recommend it.
August 6, 2012
I really liked this little book. I read it in about 20 -30 minutes. It is a talk that must have been given at Time Out for Women. I really liked a few points she made and I am excited to look up a few things and study further about a topic or two.
I can totally relate to her opening chapter about a washer being out of balance. She says: I am a fourteen towel woman in a ten towel capacity life.
My other favorite line: I have wondered how many times I have missed out on a blessing because I assumed the way was closed to me, when if I had just kept going, kept trying, kept moving forward, a path would have opened, even miraculously so.
I can totally relate to her opening chapter about a washer being out of balance. She says: I am a fourteen towel woman in a ten towel capacity life.
My other favorite line: I have wondered how many times I have missed out on a blessing because I assumed the way was closed to me, when if I had just kept going, kept trying, kept moving forward, a path would have opened, even miraculously so.
October 22, 2019
A short, but inspiring book about how finding balance in your life is based on putting the most important things first, and then letting the other things fall away. Through her own personal experiences, sometimes humorous experiences, she shares inspiring and uplifting insights. I really enjoyed this book, which was originally a talk that Emily Watts gave at a Time Out for Women.
May 20, 2017
I had the opportunity to listen to Emily Watts two nights ago, and in preparation for that event I started reading this book. I love her messages of hope and love. I highly recommend her writings.
September 5, 2024
A quick little pick-me-up if you need it. A nice reminder of what’s important and what we should be focusing on in our crazy busy lives.
July 1, 2008
The author shares a few things she's learned about making life happier, despite being unable to perfect it. (Thank goodness!) This book was written with an LDS audience in mind, but I think most moms will appreciate her insight and humor. Here's a quote that I really enjoyed--because I've actually done this:
After describing her traditional Mother's Day breakfast made by her children that includes burnt toast...
"Burnt toast is actually fairly symbolic of motherhood, as far as I'm concerned. If you're the one who burned it, you scrape it off and eat it yourself so the kids won't have to. If they burned it, you eat it because they burned it specially for you. However you look at it, you're going to end up consuming a fair amount of burnt toast - and loving it."
It's a great pick-me-up and a fast read, only 58 small pages.
After describing her traditional Mother's Day breakfast made by her children that includes burnt toast...
"Burnt toast is actually fairly symbolic of motherhood, as far as I'm concerned. If you're the one who burned it, you scrape it off and eat it yourself so the kids won't have to. If they burned it, you eat it because they burned it specially for you. However you look at it, you're going to end up consuming a fair amount of burnt toast - and loving it."
It's a great pick-me-up and a fast read, only 58 small pages.
April 25, 2012
Quick, 58 page Sunday afternoon kind of read. Lots of funny little stories,gems of wisdom, etc. I especially like the advice to reverse your buts. For example, instead of saying, "I love you, but you're driving me crazy," say, "You're driving crazy but I love you." I feel often like I have a fourteen towel life with a ten towel washing machine, but I loved her advice. Put God first, and then everything else will fall into place. And if it doesn't it wasn't that important anyway.
April 24, 2008
Another Emily Watts gem! Loved it. But, I am biased. She's my cousin. (First cousin once removed, if you want to get technical.)
May 5, 2009
This is a good quick reminder of what is important in our lives. She gave me a lot to think about with the reminder that we don't have to be balanced!
May 12, 2010
I just really love this author's wit. She gets at some very practical and difficult stuff and adds the right touch of humor. Many good words to live by in this book.
January 18, 2020
Confessions of an Unbalanced Woman: Spends a large portion of life matching up socks, bought matching tube socks but then felt bad having all boys wear the really dirty socks that one boy was causing. She turned the laundry over to her boys even though she felt it was her job as the mom. They started the boys with towels but they crammed in 14 towels causing the machine to be "off balance." She is a 14 towel woman in a 10 towel capacity life.
Plan A: Time Management: She began her search for balance with a time management class, but when your child comes home with a science project due tomorrow then that all goes out the window.
Plan B: The Scriptures: At RS they taught that all of our answers are in the scriptures. The word balance is not even in the topical guide. Story in Bible about Ramses and Moses talking about the people using a scale. Moses puts a brick on the scale and all of Ramses small weights go flying off. She wants to find the BRICK the one thing she can do right that will make a difference. Scriptures say: seek ye first the kingdome of God, Love God with all your might. Love of God is the brick!
Finding the Brick: She let go of the idea that her husband's love is based on his ability to read her mind. If I have to ask it doesn't count = FALSE. Christmas ideals: her family choose a perfect gift for her, and in his family they picked out their own presents. To solve the difference in expectatons: they each surprise each other with a $20 gift and choose their larger present themselves. Story of her birthday present being two pairs silver dinosaur earrings (stegasaurus and brontasaurus): he was going to Elko and asked for guidance and she thought 'silver capital, please get silver earrings.' She was sure surprised when she opened them and they were dinosaurs! In that moment she choose to see him as a great dad and husband.
Changing your focus: Reverse your buts: I love you, but you drive me crazy TO you drive me crazy but I love you. I want to serve the Lord, but this calling is overwhelming. This calling is overwhelming but I want to serve the Lord. It is all about our focus. Recital story: a girl messes up 3 times while playing the flute and doesn't finish. At the end of the recital, she goes back up and plays the piece well with the music and she is so proud of herself. This is how the Savior loves us, we fail and he asks us to try again.
A formula for feeling God's love: Search the scriptures diligently. Pray Always. Story of pioneer girl told she could have a ride in the wagon, but the driver sped up and she had to run for awhile before he lifted her in. Later she realized that he was making sure she was warm enough so she wouldn't freeze to death when she laid down in the wagon. Christ pushes us because he knows what we can bear and where he wants us to be.
Beauty for Ashes: Ashes is what is left over after the worst destruction and then the Lord takes that and makes something beautiful out of it. It is like the Atonment. Story of being in BYU parking lot and not being able to find the exit, she finally finds the exit and it is locked. She drives toward it and it automatically opens. This is how life is, we struggle and then the point comes when things open up and become easier.
Plan A: Time Management: She began her search for balance with a time management class, but when your child comes home with a science project due tomorrow then that all goes out the window.
Plan B: The Scriptures: At RS they taught that all of our answers are in the scriptures. The word balance is not even in the topical guide. Story in Bible about Ramses and Moses talking about the people using a scale. Moses puts a brick on the scale and all of Ramses small weights go flying off. She wants to find the BRICK the one thing she can do right that will make a difference. Scriptures say: seek ye first the kingdome of God, Love God with all your might. Love of God is the brick!
Finding the Brick: She let go of the idea that her husband's love is based on his ability to read her mind. If I have to ask it doesn't count = FALSE. Christmas ideals: her family choose a perfect gift for her, and in his family they picked out their own presents. To solve the difference in expectatons: they each surprise each other with a $20 gift and choose their larger present themselves. Story of her birthday present being two pairs silver dinosaur earrings (stegasaurus and brontasaurus): he was going to Elko and asked for guidance and she thought 'silver capital, please get silver earrings.' She was sure surprised when she opened them and they were dinosaurs! In that moment she choose to see him as a great dad and husband.
Changing your focus: Reverse your buts: I love you, but you drive me crazy TO you drive me crazy but I love you. I want to serve the Lord, but this calling is overwhelming. This calling is overwhelming but I want to serve the Lord. It is all about our focus. Recital story: a girl messes up 3 times while playing the flute and doesn't finish. At the end of the recital, she goes back up and plays the piece well with the music and she is so proud of herself. This is how the Savior loves us, we fail and he asks us to try again.
A formula for feeling God's love: Search the scriptures diligently. Pray Always. Story of pioneer girl told she could have a ride in the wagon, but the driver sped up and she had to run for awhile before he lifted her in. Later she realized that he was making sure she was warm enough so she wouldn't freeze to death when she laid down in the wagon. Christ pushes us because he knows what we can bear and where he wants us to be.
Beauty for Ashes: Ashes is what is left over after the worst destruction and then the Lord takes that and makes something beautiful out of it. It is like the Atonment. Story of being in BYU parking lot and not being able to find the exit, she finally finds the exit and it is locked. She drives toward it and it automatically opens. This is how life is, we struggle and then the point comes when things open up and become easier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
A smaller book, but full of great wisdom told in an entertaining and easy to read way. I heard Emily Watts at Time Out For Women last month and really enjoyed her humor and insights. Her message is perfect for women today and really struck home with me. I want to read it again to really learn more and use the experiences she shared on how to seek balance through priorities and focusing on the things that really matter. I loved her perspective of changing priorities to see life and people through God's eyes instead of as the world pushes us to see things.
August 29, 2018
I really like Emily Watts. I’ve enjoyed listening to her presentations at TOFW and reading her little books. She does a great job at melding humor into spiritual topics and I always come away feeling enlightened and uplifted. This book was no exception. Insightful, lovely, relatable.
November 14, 2019
A Time Out For Women talk. This had one huge insight that I loved, "You don't know whose life might be eternally affected by your willingness to hang on for one more moment, to keep talking step after step."
May 24, 2017
Good, not amazing. I do enjoy the humor she injects into the lead-ins of her insights.
June 7, 2017
Nice, short, and uplifting.
August 3, 2017
I enjoyed this short book very much. It was very much about attitude and how we can see things from different angles. I would recommend it.
December 17, 2017
Laugh-out-loud worthy! This little book can just make you feel better about how you are doing and realize that keeping the right things in perspective will make a huge difference in your life.
July 1, 2018
I would encourage any Woman who is struggling with balancing life to Please Read this book. It has really helped me out and I will be re-reading it again!!!!!
September 17, 2018
This is billed as good for anyone who needs a quick pick-me-up which is exactly what it was for me!
May 23, 2019
Quick read
July 15, 2020
Deal with the ‘weightier’ matters. Find the brick that tips the scale.
March 28, 2021
This is a talk or short essay-9 minute read.
December 20, 2021
Really nice, thought-provoking read.
April 10, 2025
This book makes a lovely gift.
December 28, 2025
3.75! Good short book! I wanted to get my 12th book so picked something short off my grandparents bookshelf and was pleasantly surprised and uplifted!
April 1, 2014
A very beautifully written perspective and heartwarming thoughts for the woman who is constantly seeking balance in her life between all of the things she feels are thrust upon her. I can't say just how perfect this book was for me at this particular point in my life. I feel as if I am floundering in deep water, or that if I'm in that long tunnel, the only light coming is from the train. I'm doing everything I can to make ends meet working 4 jobs (still isn't enough), struggling with children not turning in homework, getting scout stuff done, helping my daughter get ready to leave school, dealing with broken and dying cars and appliances, not to mention that the greater part of lessons at church lately have been about being a good mom and being home for your family and taking care of them, and my list goes on and on. I feel like this author understands the feeling of despair and being overwhelmed. She very adroitly talks about strategies she has used in dealing with these feelings and using gospel principals to put things into perspective. This was an uplifting half an hour read at the most. I should get my own copy, re-read it often, and apply the advice given.
January 23, 2009
This book is of the Time Out For Women Classics and is a really great one. Because it's based on a 15-20 minute talk it takes about that long to read, but every minute was worth it. It helped me realize that all the little things in my life that I stress over and worry about are really not all that important and that I need to make sure my focus is on those things that really matter, and when I do that everything else will fall into place. I don't want to get into the details of this book too much because Emily Watts offers her ideas in such a wonderful way that summing it up would detract from it somehow. Let me just say...if you're feeling overwhelmed, overstressed, under appreciated, and just plain tired of feeling like you never quite measure up you need to read this book. It will make all the difference.
May 12, 2016
I just got this book for my birthday and decided to pick it up last night after having one incredibly long and stressful day. I knew I could read it in about 20 minutes, so that was just right. I love hearing Emily Watts speak at Time Out for Women, so this little book was just perfect. I love her analogies and how she helps us learn to put things in perspective and focus on what's really important--and doing it all in good humor. I'm glad I own this book--I hope to re-read it several times whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by life. And fortunately, it's short enough to read the whole thing in less than 20 minutes and get a quick spiritual boost and lighten your day. Reading this has gotten me even more excited for the next Time Out for Women. Can't wait!
February 17, 2008
Watts is a wife, mother, homemaker, and editor. She pulls from her life experience to discuss what balance is. Filled with funny metaphors, touching stories, and scriptures, this short self-help book lays out a pattern to give perspective about what balance truly is and how to keep it.
I’ll admit I picked this up because I liked the title and cover. It is an incredibly quick read which was just want I needed. Not quite a short story, it’s closer to religious words of wisdom from a humorous perspective. If you’re looking for a little encouragement and a fast self-help book to get at the root of what life is really all about this is it.
I’ll admit I picked this up because I liked the title and cover. It is an incredibly quick read which was just want I needed. Not quite a short story, it’s closer to religious words of wisdom from a humorous perspective. If you’re looking for a little encouragement and a fast self-help book to get at the root of what life is really all about this is it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews