An Ocean Without: Learning to Embrace Boundaries: A Story in Poems

by Sarah Steele

An attempt to live wholeheartedly within her Christian community led Sarah Steele into the trap of people-pleasing. What started as selfless giving escalated into a life-sucking addiction...until she was confronted with her own humanity as she faced a need that she could not fill and was forced to speak her first no. When her newly-set boundary was received with bitterness and resentment, the essence of Sarah's identity began to crumble, plunging her into a painful season of anxiety and hurt. This relatable collection lays bare the trials, growing pains, and victories experienced within codependency and offers a beacon of hope to those desiring to be set free from the bondage of unhealthy boundaries, ultimately finding solace in the embrace of faith and community.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2024

Reviews

[Brittany Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, honest and vulnerable look at the danger of codependency. Sarah’s wordplay and use of vivid imagery allows the reader to understand her pain. But most beautiful of all, she continually points the reader back to Christ and His sufficiency in our weakness. These poems were an encouragement to my heart.

[Abby Doonan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a few reasons that this got such a low rating for me but before I get into those, I want to say that I went to the reading of this that Sarah Steele did and it was super touching to hear her story and music that coincided with each chapter. This book of poems is done in a storytelling fashion that mainly focuses on the importance of boundaries for people pleasers. Personally, I do consider myself a people pleaser but not to the extent where I would cause myself physical pain, therefore I didn’t relate on an emotional level to this. Also, for me, I’ve come to realize that I’m not a huge fan of the conversational, ultra modern poetry that runs in the same vein of “The Princess Saves Herself in This One”. To me, reading and listening to this just felt like prose and short single sentences, and there was a ton of repetition in theme which became hard to listen to after a while. I remember in the poetry class I took in college, the professor would say that something might feel really emotional to you while you write it and therefore you think that it’s good, but unless someone else also went through it, they might not think it’s good at all. I think that that is why distancing yourself from a piece emotionally so that you can look at it from an objective POV is so important especially when considering publishing. Regardless, I’m super grateful that I got to hear Steele’s story and I love the therapeutic function of poetry.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ocean Without was a very powerful and meaningful experience that highlighted struggles that all Christians can relate to. Encapsulating the true anxiety and heaviness that comes from overstepping our limits and capacities to serve, and ultimately please man, allowed for eye opening warnings as well as hope filling freedom. Presented as a way to once again turn our gaze to the One who ultimately provides our true fulfillment and value, it was an encouraging testimony that sparked love for our Heavenly Father, and one that produced hope to joyfully carry out our purpose according to the means He provides and always trusting Him as our life source. I was gladdened to witness a story of restoration and healing and the perseverance of the saints rooted in Christ alone and the freedom He gives.

[Deborah Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful poetry book Sarah Steele has crafted. As her story unfolded through poems, I felt the anxiety that engulfed her when she started setting boundaries and saying 'no' in her life. Despite the pain and suffering, she emerged with a stronger faith and community. Her book is a mirror for Christians and non-Christians alike, as most of us have grappled with unhealthy boundaries. Her poetry drew me into her world, allowing me to understand her wit, fears, and victories. Her voice, one of vulnerability, compassion, and beauty, will resonate with readers, making us feel understood and empathetic.

[AshleyReadThat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I will keep easily accessible so I can reference time and time again! So many relatable poems that I feel as though I could’ve written myself if I were half as eloquent with my words.

Written as a cohesive storyline, the poems take the reader on a journey that ultimately leads to peace and joy.

If you have ever wrestled with anxiety and people pleasing, this book will bring hope and healing for your journey of recovery from those struggles.

[Sheila Dougal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I spent the last week or so, soaking in these needed poems from Sarah Steele… (((big cleansing exhale)))

Friends, if you struggle with anxiety, setting good boundaries or over-extending yourself, you need this book.

A story in poems, Sarah gets at the heart with poems that won’t lose you or confuse you, but rather they will resonate with you.

You’ll find that you are in this little book. And you’ll find a friend too.

[Amy Straley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, people pleasing or anxiety, you Sarah Steele’s book of poetry, An Ocean Without will resonate.

Sarah brilliantly (and bravely) uses her own story and the art of poetry to affirm and encourage those who have struggled in these areas.

An absolutely stunning book! It will be a go to share for friends who are hurting.

[Kim Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah’s book is a gift. Beautiful. Accessible. Profound. This poetic memoir is a must read for anyone who has found themselves exhausted from too many yeses in the name of service. Sarah’s honesty about boundaries is refreshing and encouraging.

[Cara Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every page, achingly true but helpful!