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Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity
"I Don't Even Know Where to Start!" Feeling overwhelmed? Wondering if it's possible to move from "out of my mind" to "in control" when you've got too many projects on your plate and too much mess in your relationships?
Kathi and Cheri want to show you five surprising reasons why you become stressed, why social media solutions don't often work, and how you can finally create a plan that works for you. As you identify your underlying hurts, uncover hope, and embrace practical healing, you'll become equipped to... You can simplify and savor your life—guilt free! Clutter, tasks, and relationships may overwhelm you now, but God can help you overcome with grace. Foreword by Renee Swope, bestselling author of A Confident Heart .
Kathi and Cheri want to show you five surprising reasons why you become stressed, why social media solutions don't often work, and how you can finally create a plan that works for you. As you identify your underlying hurts, uncover hope, and embrace practical healing, you'll become equipped to... You can simplify and savor your life—guilt free! Clutter, tasks, and relationships may overwhelm you now, but God can help you overcome with grace. Foreword by Renee Swope, bestselling author of A Confident Heart .
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
161 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Lipp
42 books340 followersKathi loves giving real help and how-tos to move people forward in every area of their lives. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 11, 2018
Why are you overwhelmed? You're overwhelmed because you overthink things. So stop overthinking things. there. you've read the book.
I know she mentions the difference between true overwhelm and just having one more errand to run, but I find the tone of the book difficult. Have the authors ever really experienced overwhelm to the point that they just can't move? Literally can not move. Overwhelm tied to anxiety. I was hoping for a little more than "take some stuff off your to-do list, and trust in God!".
Oh, and way too religious for me, as well.
I know she mentions the difference between true overwhelm and just having one more errand to run, but I find the tone of the book difficult. Have the authors ever really experienced overwhelm to the point that they just can't move? Literally can not move. Overwhelm tied to anxiety. I was hoping for a little more than "take some stuff off your to-do list, and trust in God!".
Oh, and way too religious for me, as well.
December 11, 2016
A Vaccine to Overwhelmed!!
I have yet to ask someone how they are and not hear "overwhelmed".... The pressure in one's chest when they see all that needs to be done and look ahead to more tasks and obligations is real and it is heavy. I know I long and have been longing for days on the porch with my glass of ice tea watching the birds tease my dogs and a good book in my lap. The sad truth is that we believe those days are far off and so we do not take the steps it takes to make it happen. Thank you to Cheri and Kathy for adding humor and practical " micro steps" to help me remove things from my "turkey platter" and make room for quiet restoration. To allow myself the grace I so often give to others overwhelmed but not my own. I was so blessed to be a part of this amazing book launch team. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. It is well marked and dogeared.
This book is a great gift to yourself and all those on your list! With up and coming new year's resolutions that will add to our Overwhelmed, I say give a gift with a solution to those resolutions... a game plan to succeed!
I have yet to ask someone how they are and not hear "overwhelmed".... The pressure in one's chest when they see all that needs to be done and look ahead to more tasks and obligations is real and it is heavy. I know I long and have been longing for days on the porch with my glass of ice tea watching the birds tease my dogs and a good book in my lap. The sad truth is that we believe those days are far off and so we do not take the steps it takes to make it happen. Thank you to Cheri and Kathy for adding humor and practical " micro steps" to help me remove things from my "turkey platter" and make room for quiet restoration. To allow myself the grace I so often give to others overwhelmed but not my own. I was so blessed to be a part of this amazing book launch team. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. It is well marked and dogeared.
This book is a great gift to yourself and all those on your list! With up and coming new year's resolutions that will add to our Overwhelmed, I say give a gift with a solution to those resolutions... a game plan to succeed!
January 8, 2017
I LOVE Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory's approach in Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity.
Rather than lists of to-dos and tips that make you want to scream: "But where do I start!?!?", Kathi & Cheri lead you, one small step at a time, to a more peaceful you. It feels like I just sat down with two close girlfriends who, on hearing that I’m overwhelmed, make me a cup of tea (and scones!) and listen to me. They’ve been there before, and they’re going to come alongside to help me get out.
They don’t presume to know what’s best for me. They know I’m an individual. They know God made me different than he made them — or you. And they know that the way for ME to get out of overwhelmed is to look at MY personality, MY values, the size of MY plate.
And they know that the way to help YOU get out from overwhelmed, to quiet YOUR chaos and restore YOUR sanity, is to first look at who God made YOU to be. They’ll come alongside and guide you step-by-step through that un-overwhelming process to restore your sanity. (Or in my case, some of my sanity; they can’t be responsible for genetics!)
Rather than lists of to-dos and tips that make you want to scream: "But where do I start!?!?", Kathi & Cheri lead you, one small step at a time, to a more peaceful you. It feels like I just sat down with two close girlfriends who, on hearing that I’m overwhelmed, make me a cup of tea (and scones!) and listen to me. They’ve been there before, and they’re going to come alongside to help me get out.
They don’t presume to know what’s best for me. They know I’m an individual. They know God made me different than he made them — or you. And they know that the way for ME to get out of overwhelmed is to look at MY personality, MY values, the size of MY plate.
And they know that the way to help YOU get out from overwhelmed, to quiet YOUR chaos and restore YOUR sanity, is to first look at who God made YOU to be. They’ll come alongside and guide you step-by-step through that un-overwhelming process to restore your sanity. (Or in my case, some of my sanity; they can’t be responsible for genetics!)
December 12, 2016
Whether you feel over your head overwhelmed, or just on the edge of overwhelmed, this book will be wonderful for you! I've read a few of Kathi Lipp's books before, and I expected great things from this one. I was not disappointed.
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have not just written encouraging words to help you through your overwhelm, but they have provided so many resources and solutions to help you out of that place.
No matter what makes you feel overwhelmed (because it's rarely what overwhelms the person next to you), you will find ways to deal with it in the midst of the overwhelm, and find ways to prevent yourself from being swept away by it again.
I give this book my highest recommendation!
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have not just written encouraging words to help you through your overwhelm, but they have provided so many resources and solutions to help you out of that place.
No matter what makes you feel overwhelmed (because it's rarely what overwhelms the person next to you), you will find ways to deal with it in the midst of the overwhelm, and find ways to prevent yourself from being swept away by it again.
I give this book my highest recommendation!
August 3, 2017
What a great book! I had never heard of Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory before. This book gives pratctial advice on how to get out from Overwhelmed. I love that when you buy the book you also get a lot of freebies! Not many authors offer that!
It's also a fun book! The authors share their personal stories and aren't afraid to let you look into their lives no matter how messy they may be.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you need to read this book!
It's also a fun book! The authors share their personal stories and aren't afraid to let you look into their lives no matter how messy they may be.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you need to read this book!
August 8, 2017
This book was never meant to be an audiobook. There are apparently many lists and questionnaires and it just does not "listen" well. It's self help but has many religious references too.
October 13, 2017
Kathi and Cheri show their passion and gifting for aiding others to "Quiet the Chaos". "Restore Your Sanity"? Hmm. That is a tall order for this old girl! This is more than a book to read; it is a resource. Each chapter contains a message from Kathi, a message from Cheri, real-life experiences (good, bad, and ugly), a challenge for the reader, practical resources for implementing change, and encouragement for building momentum.
At first, reading perspectives from Kathi and Cheri each time presented a challenge. Kathi and Cheri are quite the opposites and the differences are evidenced in each one's writing style. I enjoy reading each author. However, reading their words back-to-back interrupted the flow of reading, for me. I almost didn't persevere. But, two things helped me persevere. One, I enjoy reading Kathi's and Cheri's writing. Two, the information contained between the covers is needful and practical.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. In fact, I plan to re-read "Overwhelmed" and test a few of their recommendations. My goal is to share my experiences on my blog.
At first, reading perspectives from Kathi and Cheri each time presented a challenge. Kathi and Cheri are quite the opposites and the differences are evidenced in each one's writing style. I enjoy reading each author. However, reading their words back-to-back interrupted the flow of reading, for me. I almost didn't persevere. But, two things helped me persevere. One, I enjoy reading Kathi's and Cheri's writing. Two, the information contained between the covers is needful and practical.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. In fact, I plan to re-read "Overwhelmed" and test a few of their recommendations. My goal is to share my experiences on my blog.
December 11, 2016
Normally I speed read - but I took my time with this book and really reflected on what the authors were sharing and spent time applying what they shared to my own overwhelmed life.
This is a fun and practical read - a book that I will keep in my personal library and re-read from time to time - perhaps not re-read in its entirety, but chapters that can help me to get back on track.
One of my big takeaways from this book was the creation of my personal manifesto which helps me with decision making - it helps me to not feel guilty if I say no to something because it does not fit within my personal priorities and boundaries.
I had the opportunity to hear Kathi Lipp speak locally on how to live clutter free - that combined with the Overwhelmed book are helping me to live a much more enjoyable life - I wish this information had been available in this format years ago!
This is a fun and practical read - a book that I will keep in my personal library and re-read from time to time - perhaps not re-read in its entirety, but chapters that can help me to get back on track.
One of my big takeaways from this book was the creation of my personal manifesto which helps me with decision making - it helps me to not feel guilty if I say no to something because it does not fit within my personal priorities and boundaries.
I had the opportunity to hear Kathi Lipp speak locally on how to live clutter free - that combined with the Overwhelmed book are helping me to live a much more enjoyable life - I wish this information had been available in this format years ago!
January 7, 2017
Be sure to have a highlighter and plenty of sticky notes handy because there are so many great a-ha moments in this book! Kathi and Cheri provide several practical ways to quiet the chaos and restore your sanity. Even more, they will take you on a journey of heart-and-soul transformation. Not only has this book equipped me with the understanding of the overwhelm I was experiencing and where it came from, but it has also encouraged me to take those faithful steps to overcome it. I can exhale knowing that I can pre-decide when to say yes. I can celebrate each small victory as I prep and plan for the Sabbath. And I can live out each day with more intention now that I have created my personal manifesto. Most importantly I can live a life God has intended for me - out from overwhelmed.
December 11, 2016
I have been fan of Kathi Lipp since I discovered her books. She hasn't been a disappointment in the past and didn't disappoint with this book. Cheri Gregory has been a wonderful bonus! In this book these ladies teach you how to effectively manage life without being overwhelmed. If you are already there, they teach you how overcome overwhelmed in practical and humorous ways. There is no preaching, no berating, just two women who share their stories openly and honestly to help others. You can create a Personal Manifesto and tweak the solutions offered to your life. If you've ever been even a little overwhelmed you need to read this book, it will change your life for the better.
December 12, 2016
A great book that will help the reader change from feeling overwhelmed and chaotic to in control and calm. Each chapter gives practical ways to help organize daily projects and long term projects. What a great book to give as a gift, too! I received a copy of this book from the authors and this is my personal opinion.
April 25, 2019
Not a fan. Ended up stopping the book before I was finished. Not what I expected - a little too religious for me.
April 13, 2020
This book is a good read for anyone who feels overwhelmed. What I found most helpful are the self-assessments. One is to help you identify the 5 ways you get overwhelmed, followed by explanations of each area (of course, some of us have more than one). Later on, there is another that focuses on the changes you are ready to make. What I like is that each author has a different voice. Kathi explains the concept in a kind and humorous way, and then Cheri breaks it down into manageable steps. This book is encouraging and positive, not overwhelming at all, and has helped me identify and reduce my areas of overwhelm. I highly recommend it!
Read
February 7, 2020One of my favorite parts of this book was the breakdown of different types of overwhelm. There can be all sorts of things that can make you overwhelmed and breaking them down into categories really helps you start to sort through the mush-brain of emotional floodedness.
February 7, 2017
Have you ever been so overwhelmed you didn't know which air to breathe next? That's where I've been the last few months! It's not pretty and makes the people around you wish you stayed in your room all day.
Well, I have a book for you....and me! Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory hit it out of the ball park again with their newly released, Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity. I committed to join their book launch team back in the summer. I didn't know the depth of my need for their words right now. In fact, I'm late in getting this review completed and posted for them. I read it from front to back underlining and noting on the sides with big exclamations marks.
Here's the thing - I’m drowning and not sure how to keep my head up any longer. Sound familiar? How did it get this way? I don't have time to figure that out but that's exactly what we need to do. Kathi and Cheri unpack the "how's", the "why's", and the "whats" by sharing their own stories in each chapter. Yet they don't leave you there. After the unpacking, they line up the ways to carry your tidy, useful, and manageable suitcase from here on out.
The chapters end with effective questions for yourself or to do with a group and a prayer to reinforce the practices given. Corresponding Bible verses throughout the book aid the points made and are pertinent for memorizing.
Cheri shares; "Most days, I feel as though someone threw my heart in a blender, and added all the feels, and hit puree"..."We can still be blindsided by how draining even basic decision-making becomes when life gets complicated. Research shows that our fluid intelligence-our general ability to think abstractly, reason, identify patterns, solve problems, and discern relationships- drops significantly when we are overwhelmed."
Kathi comments, "When I start my day well, the rest of my day doesn't feel like one long rush to catch up." She creates what that looks like by talking about "Early Evening Kathi', "First Thing in the morning Kathi" and "Daytime Kathi". She states, "Our most important evening job is to get set up for the next day." "Our routines help us become better versions of ourselves."
Kathi, also analyzes in the last chapter what Sabbath is about and how our whole week should be about preparing for that day, instead of Sunday becoming the catch up day. She shares we all need a day of rest. It might not be on Sunday but "you get focused about completing your work in six days instead of seven."
They discuss "safe" and "unsafe" people and strained relationships that drain you.
I loved this quote, "In the time I spent debating whether to do something, I could have done it. Living without structure isn't freedom; it's a free-for-all that turns into chaos."
You will find help in writing your own manifesto allowing you to know who you are and make choices accordingly. Step by step instructions in accomplishing tasks with micro-steps and placing them on your calendar are included.
This read is fun, correctional, and spiritual with abundant guidance. You can identify with these two women and learn from their study and experience.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, and lacking in decision making in your life, pick up Overwhelmed!
Now my review is written and I can begin to apply the principles I appreciated and learned!
I was given a book by the authors and am writing this review to get the word out about it but I also, bought 8 books hoping for a small group discussion and accountability plus for gifting. The authors have included online aids that can be printed, manifestos as examples, and questionnaires for self-clarification.
Bravo, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory!
Well, I have a book for you....and me! Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory hit it out of the ball park again with their newly released, Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity. I committed to join their book launch team back in the summer. I didn't know the depth of my need for their words right now. In fact, I'm late in getting this review completed and posted for them. I read it from front to back underlining and noting on the sides with big exclamations marks.
Here's the thing - I’m drowning and not sure how to keep my head up any longer. Sound familiar? How did it get this way? I don't have time to figure that out but that's exactly what we need to do. Kathi and Cheri unpack the "how's", the "why's", and the "whats" by sharing their own stories in each chapter. Yet they don't leave you there. After the unpacking, they line up the ways to carry your tidy, useful, and manageable suitcase from here on out.
The chapters end with effective questions for yourself or to do with a group and a prayer to reinforce the practices given. Corresponding Bible verses throughout the book aid the points made and are pertinent for memorizing.
Cheri shares; "Most days, I feel as though someone threw my heart in a blender, and added all the feels, and hit puree"..."We can still be blindsided by how draining even basic decision-making becomes when life gets complicated. Research shows that our fluid intelligence-our general ability to think abstractly, reason, identify patterns, solve problems, and discern relationships- drops significantly when we are overwhelmed."
Kathi comments, "When I start my day well, the rest of my day doesn't feel like one long rush to catch up." She creates what that looks like by talking about "Early Evening Kathi', "First Thing in the morning Kathi" and "Daytime Kathi". She states, "Our most important evening job is to get set up for the next day." "Our routines help us become better versions of ourselves."
Kathi, also analyzes in the last chapter what Sabbath is about and how our whole week should be about preparing for that day, instead of Sunday becoming the catch up day. She shares we all need a day of rest. It might not be on Sunday but "you get focused about completing your work in six days instead of seven."
They discuss "safe" and "unsafe" people and strained relationships that drain you.
I loved this quote, "In the time I spent debating whether to do something, I could have done it. Living without structure isn't freedom; it's a free-for-all that turns into chaos."
You will find help in writing your own manifesto allowing you to know who you are and make choices accordingly. Step by step instructions in accomplishing tasks with micro-steps and placing them on your calendar are included.
This read is fun, correctional, and spiritual with abundant guidance. You can identify with these two women and learn from their study and experience.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, and lacking in decision making in your life, pick up Overwhelmed!
Now my review is written and I can begin to apply the principles I appreciated and learned!
I was given a book by the authors and am writing this review to get the word out about it but I also, bought 8 books hoping for a small group discussion and accountability plus for gifting. The authors have included online aids that can be printed, manifestos as examples, and questionnaires for self-clarification.
Bravo, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory!
January 1, 2017
I was given an advanced reading copy of “Overwhelmed” by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory for an honest review of the book.
I was excited to be chosen to pre-read and review this book. I have been feeling overwhelmed in my life for the last few months. I have two children that are active in after-school activities, I work part-time outside the home (which I had not done since having my children) and my husband travels a lot for work so I know I can’t always count on him being home to help out. The feeling of being underwater was so powerful I kept finding myself shutting down to all of the things in life that should get done and was only really doing those things that MUST be done – feeding the kids, getting them to school and activities, work, basic (very basic) house maintenance. I knew other things needed to get done, but I just didn’t feel like doing them. Then I would find myself with so many things to do, not knowing which to do first, I would again shut down. I was completely overwhelmed. Then I saw an ad for this book and I thought “Oh my, if this doesn’t describe my life right now, nothing does!”
The book was a God-send! I will tell you it isn’t some “quick scheme” to make you feel less overwhelmed. It will put you through some paces to make you really think about the things in your life and what is making you feel overwhelmed. Is it saying yes to too many outside activities that you really don’t have the extra time for? Is it putting your kids into too many activities? Can you hire out some things to free up your time for other things? Are you putting too much pressure on yourself to be perfect when being good is good enough?
Reading this book was inspirational. It empowered me to realize that I was not isolated in my feelings of being overwhelmed. I felt emboldened taking excellent advice from two women who had been there! The book helped me realize it is okay to have someone come and clean my house (if I can afford it) to free up my time to get other things done. It is okay to say “no” to someone asking you to volunteer time that you just don’t have. It is not possible to be on every committee, to volunteer for every activity at the kid’s school or to make things for every good cause. It is okay to only say yes to those things that you really have time for and that you really want to do! The book also helps you decide just what is important to you so you can identify those things to which you want to say “yes.”
I did enjoy this book and all of the helpful advice it gives. There are very helpful online tests that you can take to determine your personality type and what is really important to you! As I said, it isn’t just a “get fixed quick in 3 easy steps” type of book. You will really delve into what you believe, what you value and what you want to do to change the feeling of being overwhelmed. If you really want to get out from that underwater feeling and are willing to put in the work, this book is for you!!
I was excited to be chosen to pre-read and review this book. I have been feeling overwhelmed in my life for the last few months. I have two children that are active in after-school activities, I work part-time outside the home (which I had not done since having my children) and my husband travels a lot for work so I know I can’t always count on him being home to help out. The feeling of being underwater was so powerful I kept finding myself shutting down to all of the things in life that should get done and was only really doing those things that MUST be done – feeding the kids, getting them to school and activities, work, basic (very basic) house maintenance. I knew other things needed to get done, but I just didn’t feel like doing them. Then I would find myself with so many things to do, not knowing which to do first, I would again shut down. I was completely overwhelmed. Then I saw an ad for this book and I thought “Oh my, if this doesn’t describe my life right now, nothing does!”
The book was a God-send! I will tell you it isn’t some “quick scheme” to make you feel less overwhelmed. It will put you through some paces to make you really think about the things in your life and what is making you feel overwhelmed. Is it saying yes to too many outside activities that you really don’t have the extra time for? Is it putting your kids into too many activities? Can you hire out some things to free up your time for other things? Are you putting too much pressure on yourself to be perfect when being good is good enough?
Reading this book was inspirational. It empowered me to realize that I was not isolated in my feelings of being overwhelmed. I felt emboldened taking excellent advice from two women who had been there! The book helped me realize it is okay to have someone come and clean my house (if I can afford it) to free up my time to get other things done. It is okay to say “no” to someone asking you to volunteer time that you just don’t have. It is not possible to be on every committee, to volunteer for every activity at the kid’s school or to make things for every good cause. It is okay to only say yes to those things that you really have time for and that you really want to do! The book also helps you decide just what is important to you so you can identify those things to which you want to say “yes.”
I did enjoy this book and all of the helpful advice it gives. There are very helpful online tests that you can take to determine your personality type and what is really important to you! As I said, it isn’t just a “get fixed quick in 3 easy steps” type of book. You will really delve into what you believe, what you value and what you want to do to change the feeling of being overwhelmed. If you really want to get out from that underwater feeling and are willing to put in the work, this book is for you!!
March 8, 2017
This book couldn’t have come at a better time. Though I don’t like to admit it, life can feel a bit much sometimes. Wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, writer, blogger, volunteer — each of these hats I wear requires a piece of me. On my best days, I’m busy; on my worst, I’m overwhelmed. I don’t value busyness for busyness’s sake, but there are a lot of things — good things — going on. Learning which balls to keep in the air and which to let drop requires an intentionality that often feels like just one more thing to manage.
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory’s Overwhelmed let me know I’m not alone in my experience. Which is comforting, but these authors do much better than simply leave it there. In their concise and friendly book, they offer a wealth of insight and practical suggestions for women who want to get out from under overwhelmed.
Everything about this book felt different from the typical self-help kind of resource. (As a Christian, I don’t care for that term, “self-help” — and it’s certainly not how this book positions itself — but you know the type I’m talking about.) For starters, it contains a couple of self-assessment quizzes to aid the reader in determining where she needs the most help so she can focus her attention there. Often I skip these kinds of quizzes, assuming I already know the outcome. But something made me take two minutes and actually follow through on these. And guess what? The results surprised me. Better than that, by helping me identify my own brand of overwhelmed, I am now better equipped to take action against it.
Another surprise was the artful blending of inspiration and practicality. And I really liked Kathi and Cheri’s voices playing off each other. They come at issues from different perspectives, which adds depth and breadth to their teachings.
Two takeaways made reading this book absolutely worthwhile: the concept of creating one’s own Personal Manifesto, allowing women to pre-decide important decisions before stress or emotion muddy the decision-making waters. And the Project Map, which handed me the key to getting one of my own complex, emotionally laden, multi-person projects unstuck.
Whether she feels overwhelmed in decision-making, goal-setting, or managing her emotions and relationships, this book is a must-read for any woman who sees herself in need of overcoming overwhelmed. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the authors for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory’s Overwhelmed let me know I’m not alone in my experience. Which is comforting, but these authors do much better than simply leave it there. In their concise and friendly book, they offer a wealth of insight and practical suggestions for women who want to get out from under overwhelmed.
Everything about this book felt different from the typical self-help kind of resource. (As a Christian, I don’t care for that term, “self-help” — and it’s certainly not how this book positions itself — but you know the type I’m talking about.) For starters, it contains a couple of self-assessment quizzes to aid the reader in determining where she needs the most help so she can focus her attention there. Often I skip these kinds of quizzes, assuming I already know the outcome. But something made me take two minutes and actually follow through on these. And guess what? The results surprised me. Better than that, by helping me identify my own brand of overwhelmed, I am now better equipped to take action against it.
Another surprise was the artful blending of inspiration and practicality. And I really liked Kathi and Cheri’s voices playing off each other. They come at issues from different perspectives, which adds depth and breadth to their teachings.
Two takeaways made reading this book absolutely worthwhile: the concept of creating one’s own Personal Manifesto, allowing women to pre-decide important decisions before stress or emotion muddy the decision-making waters. And the Project Map, which handed me the key to getting one of my own complex, emotionally laden, multi-person projects unstuck.
Whether she feels overwhelmed in decision-making, goal-setting, or managing her emotions and relationships, this book is a must-read for any woman who sees herself in need of overcoming overwhelmed. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the authors for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
December 31, 2016
I am very blessed to have been given a copy of Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity, to read and review.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and have learned valuable skills and techniques to help me not be controlled by my circumstances.
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory provide tools throughout the book to better manage tasks, practicing self-catering, and even dealing with overwhelming people.
The tone of the book is friendly and caring, Kathi and Cheri share from their hearts, and as two friends who come alongside providing encouragement, good advice, and hope.
One of my favorite tools suggested by Kathi and Cheri is that of breaking tasks down to microsteps: breaking down a task into fine, detailed steps that can be more easily managed. This was an eye-opener for me, because I easily become overwhelmed with things I need to do, especially larger projects. I tend to view the task as a whole and then it seems insurmountable. However, with microsteps, I can take a task, view it in microsteps, write it out as a Project Map. I list each step needed to complete the task and check each step off as I complete them. As I accomplish each microstep, I am encouraged because I am making progress. This is tremendous, because I can then complete a task, finishing what I start. I feel not only a sense of accomplishment, but also victory. I do feel defeated before even starting.
Overwhelmed is a book to be referred to again and again. It gives hope and encouragement, offering scriptures and prayers in each chapter.
I highly recommend Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanity. It is a book everyone can relate to, and offers practical tools and hope to live without stress. Overwhelmed is the breath of fresh air needed to make every day more manageable.
October 31, 2023
I re read this book. And second time around it was also extremely helpful.
OVERWHELMED!!! Does that resemble how you feel more often than not? If so, this book IS FOR YOU!! I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is incredible! Discover what contributes and triggers your overwhelm, how to handle it, and how to restore your sanity.
I went through this book reading several chapters a week. Personally, I was able to identify with so much in the book it was amazing! Kathi and Cheri both share the chapters, focusing on personal experiences and what has worked for them. Everyone's overwhelm is different and they cover it all! I love the fact that Kathi doesn't claim to have all the answers, or that her way is the right way, instead, she gives suggestions, encouragement and support for each individual to discover themselves and what works for them.
Seriously, I cannot possibly recommend this book enough.
I am so excited about the upcoming year, and my new less chaotic and less overwhelmed life. I am already following multiple suggestions and tips from the book to help me get started on a less stressful life. God has created each of us to be our unique selves. What overwhelms you may not be what overwhelms another person, but God also does not want us to live overwhelmed. That is not His plan for our lives. "The life you were designed to live is waiting for you on the other side of overwhelmed."
I feel so very blessed to have participated in the launch team for this book. I received a complimentary copy to review but was not required to review it positively. All opinions are strictly my own. And I liked it so much I have purchased a copy for a friend.
OVERWHELMED!!! Does that resemble how you feel more often than not? If so, this book IS FOR YOU!! I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is incredible! Discover what contributes and triggers your overwhelm, how to handle it, and how to restore your sanity.
I went through this book reading several chapters a week. Personally, I was able to identify with so much in the book it was amazing! Kathi and Cheri both share the chapters, focusing on personal experiences and what has worked for them. Everyone's overwhelm is different and they cover it all! I love the fact that Kathi doesn't claim to have all the answers, or that her way is the right way, instead, she gives suggestions, encouragement and support for each individual to discover themselves and what works for them.
Seriously, I cannot possibly recommend this book enough.
I am so excited about the upcoming year, and my new less chaotic and less overwhelmed life. I am already following multiple suggestions and tips from the book to help me get started on a less stressful life. God has created each of us to be our unique selves. What overwhelms you may not be what overwhelms another person, but God also does not want us to live overwhelmed. That is not His plan for our lives. "The life you were designed to live is waiting for you on the other side of overwhelmed."
I feel so very blessed to have participated in the launch team for this book. I received a complimentary copy to review but was not required to review it positively. All opinions are strictly my own. And I liked it so much I have purchased a copy for a friend.
December 12, 2016
I love Kathi Lipp''s books since I discovered "The Husband Project". I have since purchased many of her books. She has always written her books to help you from her beautiful heart and you are never disappointed by the way she presents her help to you. She writes with such a "Me Too" way and with humor to make you feel like you are sitting down with her in person. Cheri Gregory has been been such an added bonus in this book with her ways of looking at the world and all the mess we get ourselves in to! She helps you see you can make steps to help yourself to not be overwhelmed or how their tips helped her fix the overwhelmed areas. These ladies teach you how to effectively live your life without being overwhelmed or if you are already overwhelmed, they teach you how become not "overwhelmed" in practical and humorous ways. The ways are simple, effective and practical. The way it is presented is just two women who share their stories openly and honestly to help others. There is no lecturing or preaching on how you MUST do things to fix your chaotic life. Just wonderful ideas that you can implement and not have to become "overwhelmed" trying to manage you life. If you've ever been even a little overwhelmed you need to read this book, it will help you feel peace and not feel "overwhelmed" anymore.
January 19, 2017
Excellent, practical, wonderful. I recommend to anyone who feels overwhelmed with life and all it brings.
In signature Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory style, "Overwhelmed" teaches how we become overwhelmed, how we can break it up into manageable chunks, and finally how to manage those chunks so that life feels a lot less--well, overwhelming. Sprinkled with personal anecdotes, relevant Scripture verses, and practical suggestions, this book is so very helpful.
Each chapter begins with Kathi's teachings, and finishes with Cheri's research and putting it into practice with practical tips and suggestions for implementing Kathi's teachings.
While I love Kathi's work, it is with Cheri's application that I truly felt connection with a kindred spirit. As a teacher and researcher myself, I identify with so much of what she writes.
The marriage of the two writers' work is a match made in heaven. I look forward to putting many of these suggestions into practice in the next weeks and months as we enter 2017. Hopefully as my second semester of school begins, I will have a clearer picture of where I can make some gradual changes to reduce crisis-mode living at work and exhausted, overwhelmed living at home.
In signature Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory style, "Overwhelmed" teaches how we become overwhelmed, how we can break it up into manageable chunks, and finally how to manage those chunks so that life feels a lot less--well, overwhelming. Sprinkled with personal anecdotes, relevant Scripture verses, and practical suggestions, this book is so very helpful.
Each chapter begins with Kathi's teachings, and finishes with Cheri's research and putting it into practice with practical tips and suggestions for implementing Kathi's teachings.
While I love Kathi's work, it is with Cheri's application that I truly felt connection with a kindred spirit. As a teacher and researcher myself, I identify with so much of what she writes.
The marriage of the two writers' work is a match made in heaven. I look forward to putting many of these suggestions into practice in the next weeks and months as we enter 2017. Hopefully as my second semester of school begins, I will have a clearer picture of where I can make some gradual changes to reduce crisis-mode living at work and exhausted, overwhelmed living at home.
October 14, 2017
When I first started this book I expected to find a formula for how to handle my overwhelming to do list for my crazy life: mom, two jobs, volunteer responsibilities, house, etc. Was I ever wrong! Not only did I find practical advice to manage all of these hats I also found the most helpful tool of all; explanations of how different personality types manifest in feeling overwhelmed in different areas as well as practical strategies to deal with them.
From putting together my Personal Manifesto, learning how to break large projects into “micro-steps”, to a new approach to my planner/calendar (it’s a planner not a catcher upper) I am prepared to start 2017 out from under the chaos with my sanity restored! A way to follow thru on those resolutions!
I was a part of the launch team for Overwhelmed and received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. My copy is well-worn and marked up, each page full of “AHA” moments I keep going back to.
This book is a must for anyone drowning in commitments without any clue where to start, it is a great gift both for yourself and anyone on your list! Thank you Kathi and Cheri for an easy-to-read practical approach to a subject that is pertinent to so many of us!
From putting together my Personal Manifesto, learning how to break large projects into “micro-steps”, to a new approach to my planner/calendar (it’s a planner not a catcher upper) I am prepared to start 2017 out from under the chaos with my sanity restored! A way to follow thru on those resolutions!
I was a part of the launch team for Overwhelmed and received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. My copy is well-worn and marked up, each page full of “AHA” moments I keep going back to.
This book is a must for anyone drowning in commitments without any clue where to start, it is a great gift both for yourself and anyone on your list! Thank you Kathi and Cheri for an easy-to-read practical approach to a subject that is pertinent to so many of us!
January 10, 2017
THE MOST PROMISING BOOK EVER!
How many of us buy books in the hopes that a good story will make us better people? And there are SO many to choose from. So many titles claim that THIS is the book we’ve been waiting for. So many that promise easy answers to difficult questions.
But how many of them actually deliver? I don’t know about you, but my bookshelves are stuffed full of disappointed hopes—volumes whose offers of “lasting change” didn’t make it past the first chapter.
Not so with “Overwhelmed.” At last! A book that makes good on ALL its promises and then some:
• “If you’re saying, ‘I need a change!’ THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.”
• “ANYONE CAN FIND GREAT VALUE IN THIS BOOK.”
• Authors Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory will “WALK YOU THROUGH INTENTIONAL LONG-TERM CHANGE THAT LASTS.”
And you will be amazed at just how easy and fun that journey can be.
I promise.
(Note: I had the privilege to participate in the launch team for this book. I received a complimentary copy to read but was not required to review it positively. I loved this book so much I have since purchased multiple copies for the other “overwhelmed” women in my life!)
How many of us buy books in the hopes that a good story will make us better people? And there are SO many to choose from. So many titles claim that THIS is the book we’ve been waiting for. So many that promise easy answers to difficult questions.
But how many of them actually deliver? I don’t know about you, but my bookshelves are stuffed full of disappointed hopes—volumes whose offers of “lasting change” didn’t make it past the first chapter.
Not so with “Overwhelmed.” At last! A book that makes good on ALL its promises and then some:
• “If you’re saying, ‘I need a change!’ THEN THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.”
• “ANYONE CAN FIND GREAT VALUE IN THIS BOOK.”
• Authors Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory will “WALK YOU THROUGH INTENTIONAL LONG-TERM CHANGE THAT LASTS.”
And you will be amazed at just how easy and fun that journey can be.
I promise.
(Note: I had the privilege to participate in the launch team for this book. I received a complimentary copy to read but was not required to review it positively. I loved this book so much I have since purchased multiple copies for the other “overwhelmed” women in my life!)
December 4, 2019
There was much I liked about this book. It was written by two women. Kathi explains her principles and Cheri tells how she applied them. I am always a fan of seeing two different ways to apply the same principle. This is a very practical book. I agreed with most all of the applications in this book. I also was surprisingly a fan on the quizzes in the book to help focus the reader on where her problems lie and what might be the best approach to "quiet the chaos and restore your sanity." I would recommend this book for practical guidelines on how to manage the calendar and high maintenance relationships, but not for a theology on difficult circumstances or trials.
The reason that I couldn't give it 5 stars was two fold. First, I am not a huge fan of finding my "best self." In fact it really bothers me. As a believer I am to becoming more like Christ not me on my best day. (I could go on about this for a long time.) Second, one of the authors came across as whiney. Maybe it was just the writing style, sometimes we hear things in our head differently than they way they were intended, but I was very glad for the 2 author approach.
The reason that I couldn't give it 5 stars was two fold. First, I am not a huge fan of finding my "best self." In fact it really bothers me. As a believer I am to becoming more like Christ not me on my best day. (I could go on about this for a long time.) Second, one of the authors came across as whiney. Maybe it was just the writing style, sometimes we hear things in our head differently than they way they were intended, but I was very glad for the 2 author approach.
January 7, 2017
When people ask me how I'm doing, my response usually is, "I'm just feel overwhelmed." So, when I heard about the book, I knew it was for me. Before I read it, I wasn't sure if this book would "understand" my specific situation, but as I read the self-assessment part at the beginning and the chapter on personality, I knew the authors recognized that our overwhelm can stem from many different causes.
I loved that the second half of the book dealt with specific areas of overwhelm and that so many resources were given. The chapters on Self-Care and Managing your stuff particularly resonated with me. I really think this book is an amazing resource that I will keep coming back to again and again.
No matter where you are in life, this book is for you. The authors lovingly guide you through overwhelm and lead your heart back to Christ in the middle of overwhelming situations. It is a must read.
I'm so thankful to have been given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that the second half of the book dealt with specific areas of overwhelm and that so many resources were given. The chapters on Self-Care and Managing your stuff particularly resonated with me. I really think this book is an amazing resource that I will keep coming back to again and again.
No matter where you are in life, this book is for you. The authors lovingly guide you through overwhelm and lead your heart back to Christ in the middle of overwhelming situations. It is a must read.
I'm so thankful to have been given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2016
This was the first book I've read by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory. Both authors were highly recommended to me by friends and this book did not disappoint. I'm a mom to three kids who are all at different stages of life and involved in many different activities. I also try to do volunteer work, be involved in my church, and stay on top of my responsibilities with family and friends, among many other things. Many times, life can easily be overwhelming for me. This book not only gave me many great solutions to stop being so overwhelmed, it also helped me evaluate the different reasons why I am overwhelmed so that I can stop the negative patterns in my life. I've already used many of the methods described in the book, such as "prep & plan days" and moving my to do list to my calendar, and I can tell a positive change in my life and my way of thinking. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads the title and thinks it describes their life at any point.
December 29, 2016
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you hoping to get more organized with your life in the new year? Do you feel like your calendar is out of control? Maybe you're thinking, "What calendar?" And my guess is you probably don't even know where to start, which causes you to feel even more overwhelmed.
In Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory's new book Overwhelmed they show you 5 reasons why you are overwhelmed, why social media solutions don't often work and how to create a plan will work for you. They teach you how to create healthy boundaries, how to stay organized, how to create a personal manifesto and how to be sure your calendar reflects that personal manifesto.
What I love about Kathi and Cheri's books is they aren't just telling you what to do, but they share their own real life experiences, they share an action plan and have images to help you see exactly what it will look like, and they remind you that with God you can do this.
In Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory's new book Overwhelmed they show you 5 reasons why you are overwhelmed, why social media solutions don't often work and how to create a plan will work for you. They teach you how to create healthy boundaries, how to stay organized, how to create a personal manifesto and how to be sure your calendar reflects that personal manifesto.
What I love about Kathi and Cheri's books is they aren't just telling you what to do, but they share their own real life experiences, they share an action plan and have images to help you see exactly what it will look like, and they remind you that with God you can do this.
January 2, 2017
Have you ever felt like you were drowning in commitments and obligations? Like you didn’t even know where to start?
That’s been me too many times to count. As a youth, I never learned the life skill of time management or organization. Mostly, I learned the hard way. Too often, I’d find myself under water.
Overwhelmed has taught me some ways to manage my time much more efficiently. I now feel freed up to be more of what I’m made to be!
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have written tons of great examples from their own lives, how they learned to get out from under overwhelmed. I could have read this book in 2-3 days, because the stories were so engaging. Instead, I took a couple of weeks. I wanted some extra time to implement their suggestions into my daily routines before moving on to the next chapter.
If you’re looking for a book to help you manage time, money, relationships, and clutter, I highly recommend this book.
That’s been me too many times to count. As a youth, I never learned the life skill of time management or organization. Mostly, I learned the hard way. Too often, I’d find myself under water.
Overwhelmed has taught me some ways to manage my time much more efficiently. I now feel freed up to be more of what I’m made to be!
Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have written tons of great examples from their own lives, how they learned to get out from under overwhelmed. I could have read this book in 2-3 days, because the stories were so engaging. Instead, I took a couple of weeks. I wanted some extra time to implement their suggestions into my daily routines before moving on to the next chapter.
If you’re looking for a book to help you manage time, money, relationships, and clutter, I highly recommend this book.
Read
January 29, 2017I knew diving into this book by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory, that it would be amazing as I have enjoyed many of their others books. They share personal stories and reflections to pull the reading into their living room.One of my favorite quotes came from chapter 6, " If I want to have joy, I need to learn to find ways to be grateful." This is just one of many that stand out to me. Each chapter title I felt was a true girlfriend comment such as "Just go with the Flow" or " Just get over it"! Things my closest girlfriends could say to me in my overwhelmed moments and I wouldn't crack but if a hubby said something like that it might push me over the edge. Pulling your everyday activities in with scripture and prayer truly does help us quiet the chaos and restore our sanity. This is a book I will recommend to other friends and loved ones as well as come back to it when I need a reset reminder.
March 9, 2017
This book came at the perfect time in my life. I was given the book in exchange for my honest review. I was so incredibly overwhelmed around the holidays because well, the holidays, a family member had just had a major health crisis, and we are updating our home to sell and undergoing foster care adoption classes. Overwhelmed is an understatement. I felt guilty when I passed the book for 3 days on the coffee table. I was thinking I lost my mind committing to read it and review during that time. I finally cracked it open and it cracked me open. I was able to breathe and give it all to the Lord again and ask him to take my chaos and craft it into His beauty. I gave Him my agenda and picked up His = always the wiser choice. What a blessing, what a gift, what a book! If you feel frazzled or at your wits end, read it. It's not another to do on your plate. It's the one thing that will help you organize your to dos so that you may tackle the things that matter most.
#overwhelmed #KathiLipp
#overwhelmed #KathiLipp
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