Counterweights: An Essential Practice for Holding Hope in a Heavy World

by Shannan Martin

In life, there are moments that are terrible and moments that are sublime. Most of our lives fall somewhere in between--the ordinary hours crammed with small griefs and pops of joy. We move through the world with one fist full of possibility and the other clutching panic. It's easy to slip into the belief that the life we dream of is waiting somewhere past the daily grind. But this is our actual life; we only get to do it once. So much is out of our control--but not everything. What can we do today to offset the heaviness and remain upright and hopeful through it all?

With humor, humility, and a voice all her own, Shannan Martin introduces you to the heart-changing concept of the essential practice of holding both the good and the bad with honesty and hope. She shows you how to notice the ordinary, accessible delights hiding in plain sight--reminders that even in tough times, life can be beautiful and deeply good.

If you're overwhelmed, weary, or burned out, Counterweights is your invitation to receive the chaotic abundance of being alive, cultivating strength and joy along the way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Leisa]

✨Through heartfelt essays and intimate reflections, this book draws our attention to the quiet details we so often miss, the ones that quietly shape a meaningful life. The call is for each of us to seek out moments of joy as a counterbalance to the immense chaos of the world and the shared grief we’re all carrying.
 
✨The writing feels reflective, grounded, and genuinely authentic. Again and again, I found myself nodding along to her references about evangelical Christianity, Taylor Swift, Moira Rose and so much more.  When I turned the last page, I felt recognized in a quiet and meaningful way.
 
✨Though categorized as Christian personal growth, I feel this book will resonate with anyone who feels grieved and outraged by the way American Christianity has been twisted by extremes that betray the heart of the gospel. In other words, you don’t have to be a Christian to benefit from this book. 
 
✨Note that I don’t rate memoirs or non-fiction centered on personal stories, but I will tell you that I felt this book very deeply and would recommend it to anyone feeling a need to balance light with the darkness of our times. 

[Carrington Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannan Martin has done it again. In a time where despair feels like it runs rampant, Shannan reminds us to see the goodness all around.

With essays and personal stories (that will absolutely warm your heart and want you to go outside to meet your neighbors), Shannan begs us to notice. To notice the small, seemingly insignificant moments and things that give life it's gravity. These things bring us joy and peace, and remind us to keep going. Keep fighting for justice. Keep seeing the people around you. Keep noticing God's goodness in the people who cross your path.

This book is beautifully written and a much needed balm for the chaos that is all around us. This book is like a warm hug, reminding us it's worth it. This life. These people. It's all worth it.

Highly recommend this book to everyone, and while you're at it, pick up her other books that are just as wonderful.

Out March 24th, 2026.

Thank you to Shannan, NetGalley, and the publisher for the free ARC in return for an honest review.

[kellymross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this review in late January 2026, and I truly wish there were a way to move up this book's publication date for others to enjoy sooner. With the country in such crisis, I find myself constantly searching for counterweights and this book is exactly that.

I am so grateful to have received an early copy via NetGalley; I know it will be deeply impactful for other readers. Shannan's writing is thoughtful, contemplative, and refreshingly real. The sections on sea glass, empty nesting, and the simple act of going to the cinema met me exactly where I am. This book felt like a true gift and a necessary balance to the world around us. I highly recommend it.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Kayla Hollatz]

In her signature lyrical style, Shannan shares an honest look at her life lately. I especially loved her book Falling Free, and Counterweights has a similar voice. The book's theme kind of got lost along the way, but I'd read just about anything Shannan writes. Her essays felt like being transported to the early days of blogging with all of the wit, charm, and grace I remember.

[Margo]

Spring Suggestion 2026