Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World

by Lucille Zimmerman

Women increasingly find themselves pulled in many directions, striving to balance the needs of others with the need to nurture themselves. This pull is often exhausting and, sometimes, can lead to resentment or burn-out. So how do we manage our work and family and faith and ministry lives if we aren't able to take care of ourselves as we also take care of others?

"Renewed" helps women understand the need to put themselves on the list. Through practical ideas and relatable anecdotes, readers can better understand their strengths and their passions and address some of the underlying struggles or hurts that make them want to keep busy or minister to others to the detriment of themselves.

"Renewed "can help nurture those areas of women s lives to use them better for work, family, and service. It gives readers permission to examine where they spend their energy and time, and learn to set limits and listen to that inner voice.

Contents

Introduction: Why Renewal through Self-Care?

1 Renewed through Emotional Self-Care

2 Renewed through Figuring Out Who You Are

3 Renewed through Healthy Boundaries

4 Renewed through Spiritual Self-Care

5 Renewed through Solitude

6 Renewed through Sharing Your Secrets

7 Renewed through Appreciating Beauty

8 Renewed through Play

9 Renewed through Exercise

10 Renewed through Forgiveness

11 Renewed through Creating a Place for Grief

12 Renewed through Counseling

13 Renewed through Connection

14 Renewed through Generosity and Gratitude

Genres: Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

I'm Lucille. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Littleton, CO.

I used to hate my name when I was little, but now I love it. My name means "bringer of light." My hope is that I leave all those I meet with a touch of light and hope.

Sometimes I get caught up in trying to leave a legacy but as Rich Mullins, one of my favorite musicians, said:

"If my life is motivated by an ambition to leave a legacy,
 what I would probably leave is a legacy of ambition. 
But, if my life is motivated by the power of God's spirit in me
 and the awareness of the indwelling Christ, 
if I allow His presence to guide my motives,
 that's the only time I think we really leave a great legacy."

Helping hurting people is the desire of my life.

I love people. I once heard a quote: "ah, at depth everyone is beautiful."

Being a wounded healer is holy privilege that I don't take lightly. I am honored by the risk clients take to put their faith in me. They share the deepest parts of their lives and that is unbelievably cool. I am continually astounded by their courage, hard work, and growth.

Mostly I am a student. My clients teach me every day. I am passionate about learning so I continually read and listen to books on CD in my car, and pod casts when I walk or jog.

I teach psychology and counseling courses at Colorado Christian University as an affiliate faculty member.

I'm not a detail person. That's why I don't write computer programs or teach math. I am silly and sensitive. I find two of the strongest ways to bond with my clients are through laughter and tears.

Reviews

[Jan Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucille Zimmerman offers clear and practical guidance to every woman who feels worn out by the demands she herself, as well as others, have placed upon her – in America today, that’s probably every woman alive! Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK, because you will find comfort and wisdom to reshape your personal expectations in ways that will renew your energy, enthusiasm for life, and even your relationship with yourself.

As the mother of three adult daughters, I am proud of the nurturing, strong women they have become. Yet after reading Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World, I realize I made a terrible mistake by not teaching them the critical importance of personal self-care as presented in this book. Coming from a generation that challenged women to ‘have it all,’ I have often felt burned out and overly stressed, but didn’t know the tools – or give myself the permission! – to grant my needs the priority they required to keep me energized. Lucille’s book is a long-overdue breath of fresh air for all women that insists “Taking good care of yourself means the people in your life receive the best of you, rather than what is left of you.” (p. 5)

This book should be required reading for everyone!

[Becky Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book contains wisdom I wish I had at twenty, and reminders I still need at mid-life, to regularly refill my own well. Lucille shows that in order to have something to give to those we love, we have to replenish our physical, spiritual and emotional energy. With wonderful personal stories and a therapist's keen insight, Renewed, is a like a cup of cold water to women who are parched for permission to take care of themselves. It's the sort of book you want to give to a friend you love, or a grown daughter.

[Mary Kruft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have read this when I was 22. And every year after on my birthday. If I could I would buy this book for every woman I know. I found myself affirmed, inwardly nodding head, and wanting to hug the honest, eloquent author. Those who aren't intetested in the references to the sporadic biblical passages can skip them , but I found them refreshing, "real world" & not at all preachy. Just a fabulous book 75 % highlighted that I'll be turning back to often.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good insights

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some time ago I received a copy of Lucille Zimmerman's recent release Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World. I was apparently very overwhelmed as it took quite a while for be to have the time to actually sit down and read this book. Once I was able to read it, I was very glad I did and I'm certain you will be too.

Lucille Zimmerman is a licensed counselor as well as a professor and sought after speaker. The wealth of her experiences comes through in her book Renewed. Her writing style is very personal, yet includes enough citations and a biblbligraphy for readers to know there is solid evidence behind her words of wisdom. While reading, I felt like Zimmerman understood the issues I and other women face but did not talk down or belittle us for dealing with them. She also avoids the dualistic debate between working moms and stay-at-home moms.

After an introduction discussing why self-care is important, Renewed delves into a different self care topic in each of the 14 chapters. While many of the types of self-care mentioned aren't new, Zimmerman reminds readers that they are important and worth the time needed to pursue them. I particularly enjoyed the examples and tips given at the end of each chapter which provide examples of how to put more of that specific type of self-care into your life. Feeling in need of a little solitude but needing some new ideas? Turn to page 79-80.

This book would be an excellent choice for a ladies' book group to read and discuss the entire book in one sitting or for a study group to read and discuss one chapter per week. A one chapter per week format would definitely encourage readers to put the strategies into practice. Counselors may find this a useful resource to have available as suggested reading for clients or as a reference for the great self-care suggestions. Recommended for women of all ages but particularly for younger women who are learning to balance multiple demands.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Renewed by Lucille Zimmerman as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway winner. Renewed is about "finding your inner happy in an overwhelmed world." I liked many things about this book. I liked how the author included realistic tips at the end of each chapter. I like the references to research studies to support the concepts. I also liked the way the author included examples, historical references and a psychological foundation for the book. While I was already familiar with many of the concepts and suggestions referred to, I also learned others. I was especially fascinated by the importance of play for both children and adults. I also gained insight into some of my own issues, some of which I thought I had already resolved, but apparently had not. I also liked that the chapters were short, but concise. I have only one personal complaint: on several occasions Ms Zimmerman referred to Christians as being more prone to certain traits. Examples include confusing boundary setting with being aggressive and rude, as well as struggling to set boundaries... I find that these traits can apply to many others, including women who may or may not be Christian. This is a Christian based book and I was still able to overlook the scripture & references to God & still enjoy and extrapolate many pearls of wisdom. I bookmarked many pages & will definitely be referring back to it again.

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel guilty or self-indulgent when you take time for yourself, this book is for you. This book shows the reader what self-care is; the importance of putting yourself on the “to-do” list and it's easy to do, however it doesn’t come naturally to most of us.

Zimmerman gives reassuring and motivating suggestions on how to make room for the necessary change, in order to come to a place of renewal, with the intention of experiencing real joy, the freedom to play, and share connection with a significant other or spend time in solitude. The author’s research on scientific and Biblically based ideas of social/emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical self-care offered me a space to find wonder and a place to discover the sacred that comes my way, which gave me the assistance to renew my personal needs and the ability to offer those significant to me the most valuable thing to anyone---myself..

“Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World” is a great resource for someone looking to find balance between daily life responsibilities and meeting personal need of self-care.

[Karen E. Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win a free copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads. Honestly I love this book. Lucille Zimmerman encourages caring for yourself and points out why it is crucial to not put yourself last on your list. In the end of each chapter is a bulletin list of how you could go on about incorporating it into your life. For instance in the chapter of Forgiveness one way is to "Realize that forgiveness takes time and that it comes in layers."(Page 130). As a person with faith it was amazing how she was able to explain that some things told to us was perhaps taken out of context and describes that even in the bible self care is needed for a happier life. Overall if you are stressed or simply trying to enjoy life more I recommend this book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read much non-fiction books, so when I pick one up, finish it, and recommend it, you know it's good.

Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World by Lucille Zimmerman has the distinction of being the only book that I've ever bought multiple (lots!) copies of and handed out to women in my life.

This book is a wake-up call to women to remind them to carve out space for themselves. Renewed encourages you to care for yourself. It's a how-to on how to live happily amid the stresses of everyday life. READ IT. It's like a spring breeze after a frosty winter. It will wake you up and help you to appreciate the little things in life that contribute to your peace and satisfaction.

[Colleen Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on the recommendation of my mom, and absolutely loved it. As a college student with an anxiety disorder, I am part of a specific niche that is not often written for. This book reached me in all of my worry, stress, and messiness and already I am starting to feel a little less stressed each day. The thing that struck me the most in this book was when she said that it is okay to sometimes be a mess and need to step away from the rest of the world. So often people are told that we are supposed to be perfect at all times. It was so wonderful to have someone say that we DON'T have to be perfect all the time. Five stars.

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucille Zimmerman brings her wealth of experience and wisdom to this book which stresses the need for women to take care of themselves. We women do so much for everyone - family, friends, work, school, church - that we sometimes forget to take care of the most important person in the mix - ourselves!

Zimmerman writes in easy-to-understand language the process of self-care and gives great advice through personal stories and stories of others.

I highly recommend this book for those in need of a break, a time for refreshment, a chance to renew.

[Alise Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book! I finished it a few weeks ago and I continue to talk about it to my friends and family. This week is my spring break and I've been doing a lot of "self care." I never realized how important that was. I always felt, as a Christian, I was supposed to do things for everyone else. I think I'm finally learning to balance giving, self care, and just living a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for writing your book!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for self care. We Christians sometimes concentrate on helping others so much we neglect ourselves. Zimmerman gives us permission to care for ourselves. It is not being selfish. She shows how caring for ourselves allows us to give of our best to others. She has given very good and practical ideas for self care in a number of areas. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling overwhelmed with life. See my full review http://bit.ly/1bq0SDU.

[Kay Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
So many women feel guilty for taking time for themselves. Lucille not only gives permission, but encourages us to take time each day to nurture our own body, mind, and spirit. As a counselor, she presents many examples from her own life and shares with us some of the things she teaches her clients.
This book is easy to read, encouraging, and full of hope.

[Arlene F. Britt]

The most important book I have read!

I am a "why" kinda girl. One who is not satisfied with sweeping things under a carpet or bandaging a cut. This book has confirmed that wanting to know the why of a thing is paramount to receiving one's healing! Loved every bit of this book!!! I downloaded it and then purchased a hard copy to give away!! Thank you, thank you Lucille Zimmerman.

[Tonya Vander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! It is on my bookshelf where I can easily grab it. It has so much practical advice for women. I wrote a full review here: http://mother-wit.blogspot.com/2013/0...!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucille Zimmerman is spot-on in her expertise in her gentle, but straight-forward book. This is one I'll pick up time and time again when I'm feeling overwhelmed, for the great tips and information which truly put life back into proper perspective.

[Donna Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an overwhelmed, addicted-to-speed culture, Lucille's wise words and professional counsel invites us to pause, prioritize, and take time to pamper ourselves. Her practical, beautiful words provide a fresh breath in the smog of to-do lists. I will return to this book again and again.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

My mistake, I should have looked closer at the back of the book and turned away at the first quoted bible passage. As an agnostic leaning atheist I do not find the Christian faith to be helpful in the least, rather the opposite.

[Taylor Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that every woman should read!

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the positive ideas and creativity this book carried. Very inspirational!

[Claire Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book, which wears it's heart of faith lightly while imparting practical advice for a fulfilled life.