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Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its Place in a Do-All, Be-All World
Too much to manage and not enough time or energy to do it? Join the club. Life is a pressure cooker and, more and more, being overwhelmed is just considered normal. But, truth be told, life's stresses and circumstances aren't the boss of us. What if we could take Overwhelmed and diffuse it--or, better yet, reframe it to good?
Author, blogger, and mother of five Kay Wills Wyma has learned that if we're going to be overwhelmed by anything, let's have it be Truth with all its grace, hope, peace, and love. In this freeing book, she shares how to confront life's pressures we face--at home, online, at work, in our relationships, on our calendars--and replace all those heavy expectations with the liberating truth that we were made for something better. Through her inspiring personal stories sprinkled with a dash of humor, she gives readers permission to step back, let go, and find fulfillment and freedom in a life lived in light of eternity.
Author, blogger, and mother of five Kay Wills Wyma has learned that if we're going to be overwhelmed by anything, let's have it be Truth with all its grace, hope, peace, and love. In this freeing book, she shares how to confront life's pressures we face--at home, online, at work, in our relationships, on our calendars--and replace all those heavy expectations with the liberating truth that we were made for something better. Through her inspiring personal stories sprinkled with a dash of humor, she gives readers permission to step back, let go, and find fulfillment and freedom in a life lived in light of eternity.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2018
35 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Kay Wills Wyma
8 books62 followersKay Wills Wyma has five kids, ages four to fourteen, and one SUV with a lot of carpool miles. Before she transitioned to stay-at-home mom, she earned an MBA, worked at the White House, and dabbled in international finance. Happily married to Jon, this self-described recovering enabler is committed to equipping the next generation to achieve great things in the future by piling on the responsibility today.
from http://www.randomhouse.com/book/21699...
from http://www.randomhouse.com/book/21699...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 15, 2018
I have to admit. When I first started this book, in the prologue section, I groaned. Oh great, another book that is focused on the mom. No, I don’t have any kids and I realize just how overwhelming it can be to have children, but to not have children you are equally overwhelmed by the amount of things you add to your life in replacement of them. However, I digress with my explanation there. My reaction was that I was not expecting much other than how to handle kids.
I was wrong.
The book talks about the many things that we have placed in our lives where we feel like we have gotten out of control with. It feels like we can’t manage our lives, much less dress properly in the morning. The energy is gone. But, we learn from this book that every single one of us are overwhelmed with something in our lives. It’s become the norm. What she tries to get across to us is that that feeling shouldn’t take control of us. We should instead, control it and live our lives fulfilled.
The first chapter starts off with a bang and I believe sets the theme pretty much for the rest of the book. The author does a great job in writing, in relating to the reader. What intended on being a chapter reading ended up being much more.
What I found enjoyable was the small sections intermingled amongst the pages, where it had snippets of sharing pieces. One example is the following:
“To be loved but no known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a to like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us. ~Tim Keller”.
That’s pretty cool. I want to print that out and leave it on my computer at work to remind me of that every day. I certainly want to be liberated from pretense!
I see this book as one that I will be keeping close by, sharing with those close to me knowing that it will be returned.
This book was provided to be by Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
I was wrong.
The book talks about the many things that we have placed in our lives where we feel like we have gotten out of control with. It feels like we can’t manage our lives, much less dress properly in the morning. The energy is gone. But, we learn from this book that every single one of us are overwhelmed with something in our lives. It’s become the norm. What she tries to get across to us is that that feeling shouldn’t take control of us. We should instead, control it and live our lives fulfilled.
The first chapter starts off with a bang and I believe sets the theme pretty much for the rest of the book. The author does a great job in writing, in relating to the reader. What intended on being a chapter reading ended up being much more.
What I found enjoyable was the small sections intermingled amongst the pages, where it had snippets of sharing pieces. One example is the following:
“To be loved but no known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a to like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us. ~Tim Keller”.
That’s pretty cool. I want to print that out and leave it on my computer at work to remind me of that every day. I certainly want to be liberated from pretense!
I see this book as one that I will be keeping close by, sharing with those close to me knowing that it will be returned.
This book was provided to be by Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2018
Great book about being overwhelmed by the greatness of God instead of our circumstances
In her new book, “Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its place in a Do-All, Be-All World,” Kay Wills Wyma addresses the issues of life head on, addressing the source of our pain, heartache, headaches and frustrations when we don’t allow the Lord to be Lord of them all.
Published by Revell Reads, Wyma’s 224-page book is straightforward, timely and humorous as she tackles the very issues that try to weigh us all down. From teenage hang-ups to adult problems, Wyma is masterful at illustrating instances in her own “overwhelmed” to get to the root of our “Overwhelmed” times.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the cares of this world, we need to view our circumstances from God’s perspective. Just to mention some of the amazing chapters, being overwhelmed by His purpose for our lives; by the beauty in the pressures; and by an eternal perspective of our present sufferings.
In Chapter 5, for example, which may sum up the gist of the book: “The underlying pressure to get life right, as if there is a right way, can be so wearisome. It’s like we’ve put a rubric (scoring system on our daily performance) in place to inform our progress...In theory, a rubric offers guidelines…But in practice, rubrics can promote the letter of the law rather than the intent.”
Woven through the book are blurbs that provide special insights to glean and perspectives to ponder in each chapter. Wyma’s ultimate goal seems to be to not allow the pressures of an overwhelmed life – of other people’s false expectations or opinions, and our own circumstances or failures – to define who we are in the eyes of the Lord.
The only qualms I have with the book, however, are: 1) the somewhat childish approach to problem-solving in her use of caricatures when describing some of the people in her book (while it’s understandable to want to protect special identities); 2) how she describes being overwhelmed by “image-bearing” in Chapter 4, a clearly Calvinist term.
Other than these minor qualms, Wyma’s book is a great read and would be time well spent.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
In her new book, “Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its place in a Do-All, Be-All World,” Kay Wills Wyma addresses the issues of life head on, addressing the source of our pain, heartache, headaches and frustrations when we don’t allow the Lord to be Lord of them all.
Published by Revell Reads, Wyma’s 224-page book is straightforward, timely and humorous as she tackles the very issues that try to weigh us all down. From teenage hang-ups to adult problems, Wyma is masterful at illustrating instances in her own “overwhelmed” to get to the root of our “Overwhelmed” times.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the cares of this world, we need to view our circumstances from God’s perspective. Just to mention some of the amazing chapters, being overwhelmed by His purpose for our lives; by the beauty in the pressures; and by an eternal perspective of our present sufferings.
In Chapter 5, for example, which may sum up the gist of the book: “The underlying pressure to get life right, as if there is a right way, can be so wearisome. It’s like we’ve put a rubric (scoring system on our daily performance) in place to inform our progress...In theory, a rubric offers guidelines…But in practice, rubrics can promote the letter of the law rather than the intent.”
Woven through the book are blurbs that provide special insights to glean and perspectives to ponder in each chapter. Wyma’s ultimate goal seems to be to not allow the pressures of an overwhelmed life – of other people’s false expectations or opinions, and our own circumstances or failures – to define who we are in the eyes of the Lord.
The only qualms I have with the book, however, are: 1) the somewhat childish approach to problem-solving in her use of caricatures when describing some of the people in her book (while it’s understandable to want to protect special identities); 2) how she describes being overwhelmed by “image-bearing” in Chapter 4, a clearly Calvinist term.
Other than these minor qualms, Wyma’s book is a great read and would be time well spent.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
May 6, 2022
3.5🌟
Had some good thoughts about comparison, about being overwhelmed with God's goodness and His plans. Some parts felt a little disjointed and I felt like there were many missed opportunities to bring in Bible verses and God's wisdom.
Had some good thoughts about comparison, about being overwhelmed with God's goodness and His plans. Some parts felt a little disjointed and I felt like there were many missed opportunities to bring in Bible verses and God's wisdom.
August 29, 2018
Kay Wills Wyma does a fantastic job breaking down all the things in life that can overwhelm us - She lists the thing that overwhelms and offers a replacement as she takes us along on conversations with her children.For example - instead of being overwhelmed with appearance - be overwhelmed by the beauty that is in us [and all around us!] Instead of being overwhelmed by bitterness - be overwhelmed by forgiveness [one of my favorite chapters!]She states that while Truth and hope can be hard to see in the midst of being overwhelmed - we can find them... and she gives us ways to do just that! I'll admit that underlined so [so] many things - but one of the most important is, "You don't have to wake up every morning and perform in order to be loved..." and, " Not everything about any of us is perfect. That really is the beauty of it." And this - "Real life is better. Always." She helps us realize that all the pressure put upon us [by others, by technology, by social media, BY US] are really not the boss of us - "they don't get to crowd out today. Today has merit and can lived and enjoyed." She shows us how to find sacred in the ordinary and live our lives within God's truth. Get your copy today - you will be glad you did!
December 2, 2018
NOT THE BOSS OF US: PUTTING OVERWHELMED IN IT’S PLACE IN A DO-AL, BE-ALL WORLD
Written by Kay Wills Wyma
2018; Revell Company (224 Pages)
Genre: nonfiction, self-help, religious
RATING: 2 STARS
This book would not have been so bad if it went into details on each concept. Wyma dances around each chapter but does not go into the depth readers hope she will. This does read like a great outline and I hope to read more about this subject.
***I received a copy from the PUBLISHER***
My Novelesque Blog
Written by Kay Wills Wyma
2018; Revell Company (224 Pages)
Genre: nonfiction, self-help, religious
RATING: 2 STARS
This book would not have been so bad if it went into details on each concept. Wyma dances around each chapter but does not go into the depth readers hope she will. This does read like a great outline and I hope to read more about this subject.
***I received a copy from the PUBLISHER***
My Novelesque Blog
August 24, 2020
3.5 Stars
September 12, 2018
When I first saw the title of the book, Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed in Its Place in a Do-All, Be-All World, it instantly made me think of the familiar childhood retort, "You're not the boss of me." From a young age, we're indignant toward anyone without authority, especially a peer, who tells us what to do. In her new book, Kay Wyma writes that the pressures and expectations of life should not be "the boss of us," either, and that we should be overwhelmed by "Truth" instead. Granted, I don't think I fall into the target audience for this book (my life at the present is not alarmingly stressful, overwhelming, or hectic), but I'm still often curious to read a book even if it's not necessarily "just what I needed to hear," if only to better empathize or to encourage others (and I know plenty of women whose lives are stressful, overwhelming, and hectic). With that caveat, Not the Boss of Us is not a book that I would pass on to friends.
There are a few reasons I didn't particularly care for Not the Boss of Us. Personally, I struggled to get past the grammatically awkward phrase, "Life's Overwhelmed," and, on a related note, I thought the writing was muddy and monotonous (both writing and editing could have been tighter). I didn't really connect with the message (see below) or even the "relatable stories" (which often seemed overly scripted). But my biggest hesitation relates to the premise and, more specifically, the lack of Biblical foundation and clarity. "Life's Overwhelmed" (defined as life's pressures, expectations, stresses, circumstances, etc. that cause one to feel overwhelmed) is understood as something we must confront; the suggested antithesis is being overwhelmed, except by something else, namely "Truth" (never defined). I sometimes felt this was a confusing problem-solution (maybe I'm just too dense to get past the negative connotation of "overwhelmed"). Or, maybe the deeper issue was the ambiguity of "Truth" without Scriptural definition, as well as the absence of any solid Biblical content beyond the occasional (often random Old Testament) verse or vague "spiritual-ese." This is not to question Wyma's sincerity or personal understanding, and certainly her book has an underlying Christian worldview. However, especially in a postmodern, post-Christian age, religious words and concepts that are not clearly defined or explained are virtually meaningless at best, undermining to the Gospel and the Bible at worst. I would have expected (considering the publisher at minimum) Biblically-based definitions and discussions of Truth and, additionally, the rest of the topics that hinted toward Biblical truths but always stopped short of anything truly substantive.
Disclaimer: This book was received for free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. Note as with all reviews and references, I do not necessarily agree with (or am even aware of) any or all of the beliefs, views, etc. of the author; please read my disclaimer here.
There are a few reasons I didn't particularly care for Not the Boss of Us. Personally, I struggled to get past the grammatically awkward phrase, "Life's Overwhelmed," and, on a related note, I thought the writing was muddy and monotonous (both writing and editing could have been tighter). I didn't really connect with the message (see below) or even the "relatable stories" (which often seemed overly scripted). But my biggest hesitation relates to the premise and, more specifically, the lack of Biblical foundation and clarity. "Life's Overwhelmed" (defined as life's pressures, expectations, stresses, circumstances, etc. that cause one to feel overwhelmed) is understood as something we must confront; the suggested antithesis is being overwhelmed, except by something else, namely "Truth" (never defined). I sometimes felt this was a confusing problem-solution (maybe I'm just too dense to get past the negative connotation of "overwhelmed"). Or, maybe the deeper issue was the ambiguity of "Truth" without Scriptural definition, as well as the absence of any solid Biblical content beyond the occasional (often random Old Testament) verse or vague "spiritual-ese." This is not to question Wyma's sincerity or personal understanding, and certainly her book has an underlying Christian worldview. However, especially in a postmodern, post-Christian age, religious words and concepts that are not clearly defined or explained are virtually meaningless at best, undermining to the Gospel and the Bible at worst. I would have expected (considering the publisher at minimum) Biblically-based definitions and discussions of Truth and, additionally, the rest of the topics that hinted toward Biblical truths but always stopped short of anything truly substantive.
Disclaimer: This book was received for free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. Note as with all reviews and references, I do not necessarily agree with (or am even aware of) any or all of the beliefs, views, etc. of the author; please read my disclaimer here.
November 14, 2018
I read a lot of books, especially and mostly to review, so my library of books, or should I say my boxes of books continues to increase. It's a sad fact that I don't own near enough bookshelves to display all my books. And so the thought keeps niggling at my mind, "You need to get rid of some." Along with that, was the realization as stated in the last book I read that you have to read a lot of books to find the true gems and that brings me here. You may wonder what all that was about, but it's this. This book is that gem. This book is the book that will not be downsized and removed from my boxes or bookshelves. This book is staying and it's probably a book I should put in a list to reread every couple of years.
I've also started a book journal this fall and this was one of those books that didn't have even a full page of quotes. Basically, you just need to read the book. This is a book about being overwhelmed by truth. That is not a concept we think of frequently, but how often have you felt overwhelmed or heard someone talk about being overwhelmed? Yeah, a few times and probably if you asked or considered it, they or you were overwhelmed by the to-do list that wasn't getting done, by the fashions that you were missing out on, by the pimple on your face, by the gourmet meal you didn't make, or the mom fail that will surely doom your children to therapy. But what if, instead of that, you were overwhelmed by resting in God's peace, in knowing He gives you enough strength to do the things that are really important, if you were overwhelmed in knowing that He sees you as beautiful without the latest fashions and even with that pimple on your face. Be overwhelmed by the fact that God can take your mistakes and use them for His glory. Okay, I might be putting some of my own ideas out there, but they would have come from reading this book.
"So rather than buy into and be overwhelmed by performance pressure, why not instead be overwhelmed by purpose and gifting: in-born traits that are unique to each person and make us happy regardless of what culture celebrates at any given moment. Then live today's day, respecting tomorrow, but not allowing fears of it to steal our time and thoughts."
That is what I need to remember. I don't have a lot more to say about this book that I can put into the time and space reserved here. I have just one thing to say, if you are feeling overwhelmed or if you have kids who are facing the stress of school and the pressure to perform, go get the book and let Kay repeat in your face and your brain over and over, these things do not define you. A bad grade does not make you a lesser person, and so on and so on. I need that reminder.
I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.
I've also started a book journal this fall and this was one of those books that didn't have even a full page of quotes. Basically, you just need to read the book. This is a book about being overwhelmed by truth. That is not a concept we think of frequently, but how often have you felt overwhelmed or heard someone talk about being overwhelmed? Yeah, a few times and probably if you asked or considered it, they or you were overwhelmed by the to-do list that wasn't getting done, by the fashions that you were missing out on, by the pimple on your face, by the gourmet meal you didn't make, or the mom fail that will surely doom your children to therapy. But what if, instead of that, you were overwhelmed by resting in God's peace, in knowing He gives you enough strength to do the things that are really important, if you were overwhelmed in knowing that He sees you as beautiful without the latest fashions and even with that pimple on your face. Be overwhelmed by the fact that God can take your mistakes and use them for His glory. Okay, I might be putting some of my own ideas out there, but they would have come from reading this book.
"So rather than buy into and be overwhelmed by performance pressure, why not instead be overwhelmed by purpose and gifting: in-born traits that are unique to each person and make us happy regardless of what culture celebrates at any given moment. Then live today's day, respecting tomorrow, but not allowing fears of it to steal our time and thoughts."
That is what I need to remember. I don't have a lot more to say about this book that I can put into the time and space reserved here. I have just one thing to say, if you are feeling overwhelmed or if you have kids who are facing the stress of school and the pressure to perform, go get the book and let Kay repeat in your face and your brain over and over, these things do not define you. A bad grade does not make you a lesser person, and so on and so on. I need that reminder.
I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review.
October 29, 2022
This book felt like a conversation with a friend who gets it! So encouraging and relevant.
September 5, 2018
A much needed read for me at the time of life I'm in. I was just telling a friend the other day that I think I'm more anxious/stressed about the beginning of school year than the kids are. I get nervous and worried about the new schedules and new "needs" my kids will require for their academic and extracurricular lives. How will I get everyone where they need to be, and work, take care of the house, make meals, and have some "fun" time among all of the "have to's".
This book definitely made me realize I'm not a lone and so many mom's/parents/kids are dealing with the character OVERWHELMED. I really liked how OVERWHELMED was personified and a player throughout this book. I felt the book read like a memoir and less self-help. However, there are some great "Water Station" sections that are big on how-to's throughout the book.
The book utilized stories and events from Kay's life to highlight how OVERWHELMED can take over or how we can take control and say "no, no, no" OVERWHELMED you won't take over. Kay's honesty in talking about tough times for her and her children (eating disorders, depression, perfectionism, suicide) made this writing genuine.
Here are a few of my favorite lines from the book (I underlined quite a few throughout the reading of this book).
pg 23 " We all tend to be a flesh wound away from junior high insecurities"- AMEN!!!
pg 25 "I almost always need to hear whatever I'm telling my kids."- Again spot on, almost like she is reading my mind.
pg 129 " Because it's actually in the trying not to miss out that we so often do. There is sacred in the ordinary."
pg 194 " One of the gifts of suffering is the detachment from things that we cling to, but don't really matter."
Of note this book does intertwine Christianity, but the way Kay went about this was so easy, not forced or judgmental. I have really been struggling with some doubts about faith of late. There are so many things in the world happening that just bring so much suffering, arguments, divisive national state, and are just inhumane . I have to ask ,"Where are you God in all of this?". Well the last chapter of this book was just what I needed. The title alone is a " aha moment". "Rather Than Be Overwhelmed by Any Trappings of This World, Be Overwhelmed by Hope." I'll leave you a line that really made me think it's OK to question and doubt.
pg 209 "The doubt actually increased my faith...Doubt led her to question, which led her to seek and to search and to test which road to travel."
Thanks Kay for such a needed read for this time in life I'm in. I'm giving it 4 starts Thanks also to Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for sending me this copy to review.
This book definitely made me realize I'm not a lone and so many mom's/parents/kids are dealing with the character OVERWHELMED. I really liked how OVERWHELMED was personified and a player throughout this book. I felt the book read like a memoir and less self-help. However, there are some great "Water Station" sections that are big on how-to's throughout the book.
The book utilized stories and events from Kay's life to highlight how OVERWHELMED can take over or how we can take control and say "no, no, no" OVERWHELMED you won't take over. Kay's honesty in talking about tough times for her and her children (eating disorders, depression, perfectionism, suicide) made this writing genuine.
Here are a few of my favorite lines from the book (I underlined quite a few throughout the reading of this book).
pg 23 " We all tend to be a flesh wound away from junior high insecurities"- AMEN!!!
pg 25 "I almost always need to hear whatever I'm telling my kids."- Again spot on, almost like she is reading my mind.
pg 129 " Because it's actually in the trying not to miss out that we so often do. There is sacred in the ordinary."
pg 194 " One of the gifts of suffering is the detachment from things that we cling to, but don't really matter."
Of note this book does intertwine Christianity, but the way Kay went about this was so easy, not forced or judgmental. I have really been struggling with some doubts about faith of late. There are so many things in the world happening that just bring so much suffering, arguments, divisive national state, and are just inhumane . I have to ask ,"Where are you God in all of this?". Well the last chapter of this book was just what I needed. The title alone is a " aha moment". "Rather Than Be Overwhelmed by Any Trappings of This World, Be Overwhelmed by Hope." I'll leave you a line that really made me think it's OK to question and doubt.
pg 209 "The doubt actually increased my faith...Doubt led her to question, which led her to seek and to search and to test which road to travel."
Thanks Kay for such a needed read for this time in life I'm in. I'm giving it 4 starts Thanks also to Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for sending me this copy to review.
June 30, 2019
I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Very quick DNF.
First, I want to laugh.
Then I want to roll my eyes/ponder what the hell this author is going on about.
This book is NOT about you. It’s about how you need to handle things for others.
Wyma constantly speaks of Life’s Overwhelmed and Truth (yes, truth with a capital T!) and how the rest of life can slow us down, make us slugs and slaves to our concerns and worries. How you can get caught up easily in the bad rather than the good. But that’s it. I’m not sure what she’s going on about besides bemoaning for pages on and on about life’s difficulties. Of course! We get it, you have 5 kids that you mention every other page. Can you try being in a world outside your own for once?
But what is Life’s Overwhelmed and Truth? She never defines them and expects us to know immediately what she’s referring to again and again. Do you mean Overwhelmed by the bad things in life (do you not have a better word than to capitalize the word overwhelmed)? Death, lice in your kid’s hair, we understand. The little things get to you. But she doesn’t ever consider the bigger picture i.e. how different other people’s lives and perspectives are/can be. And what is Truth? I still have no idea what she’s talking about. Is it the logicality of life, having to move forward regardless of the facts? Is it your values and what is true in your life? I have honestly no clue. It changes every chapter.
Not to mention the writing is iffy and is always being related personally back to our dear Wyma. She is very general and often reverts back to bullet points when she doesn’t feel the examples are enough to go off of. She places half-witty remarks from actors and random individuals, memorable and bright paragraphs from the random people in her life like her daughter’s teacher, and utter bullshit words of philosophical wisdom in this that her kids most definitely said. Half this book is what other people are saying to her.
Also, the description for this book doesn’t refer to religion whatsoever, but we still get fed bits of ‘light’ and ‘judgment’ and remarks about God. This book is too personal and everywhere. Not everyone is a white mom with good financial standing and faith for miles around.
This is about the obvious of the obvious. Can we rename the title to: Guiding Your Kids In Life by Saying the Obvious? I'm not taking anything away at all. There is absolutely no depth. Very much an outline novel.
Very quick DNF.
First, I want to laugh.
Then I want to roll my eyes/ponder what the hell this author is going on about.
This book is NOT about you. It’s about how you need to handle things for others.
Wyma constantly speaks of Life’s Overwhelmed and Truth (yes, truth with a capital T!) and how the rest of life can slow us down, make us slugs and slaves to our concerns and worries. How you can get caught up easily in the bad rather than the good. But that’s it. I’m not sure what she’s going on about besides bemoaning for pages on and on about life’s difficulties. Of course! We get it, you have 5 kids that you mention every other page. Can you try being in a world outside your own for once?
But what is Life’s Overwhelmed and Truth? She never defines them and expects us to know immediately what she’s referring to again and again. Do you mean Overwhelmed by the bad things in life (do you not have a better word than to capitalize the word overwhelmed)? Death, lice in your kid’s hair, we understand. The little things get to you. But she doesn’t ever consider the bigger picture i.e. how different other people’s lives and perspectives are/can be. And what is Truth? I still have no idea what she’s talking about. Is it the logicality of life, having to move forward regardless of the facts? Is it your values and what is true in your life? I have honestly no clue. It changes every chapter.
Not to mention the writing is iffy and is always being related personally back to our dear Wyma. She is very general and often reverts back to bullet points when she doesn’t feel the examples are enough to go off of. She places half-witty remarks from actors and random individuals, memorable and bright paragraphs from the random people in her life like her daughter’s teacher, and utter bullshit words of philosophical wisdom in this that her kids most definitely said. Half this book is what other people are saying to her.
Also, the description for this book doesn’t refer to religion whatsoever, but we still get fed bits of ‘light’ and ‘judgment’ and remarks about God. This book is too personal and everywhere. Not everyone is a white mom with good financial standing and faith for miles around.
This is about the obvious of the obvious. Can we rename the title to: Guiding Your Kids In Life by Saying the Obvious? I'm not taking anything away at all. There is absolutely no depth. Very much an outline novel.
December 3, 2018
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. For the typical family stressed out over typical family events, I suppose this book would indeed be a great read and inspiration or resolution to all their troubles.
I don’t live a typical life. Not in the least. Those things that overwhelm others are not “issue” for me, and in fact, are blessings compared to what I face day to day, and compared to what I’ve had to deal with in my adult life to date. Now, now, I’m not saying my troubles are worse than others, and my overwhelming stresses are ‘more important’ and that there’s an issue with typical lives and living. No, I’m not saying this at all.
I truly get that others experience stress and stressors in their lives that could easily overwhelm them and cause them concern and/or pain. I’m not saying I’m some kind of super hero either, I’ve lived and learned like everyone else out there–maybe lived a bit more and learned buckets worth of useless experiences to say the least. I’ve just chosen a different path that has taken me on a different journey… one not many typical people could or would tolerate. It’s all about choices. And I’ve made some doozies…
So when I read this book, for me, I found that some of the advice was kinda similar to telling someone to put a band-aid on a gushing wound and hope for the best. The band-aid advice just doesn’t cut it for me. Instead of fixing the issue with thought from the positive realm, I’m more of a take action and get the bloody thing lanced kinda gal. Forget the positive thinking, just get er done for crying out loud. No chants of don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, bs, just action. Cut the thing from your life like a gangrenous wound, and toss it to the curb…
Okay, okay… enough of that.
I think for many, this book would offer the right inspiration without being preachy. So perhaps the best thing that I can say is pick the book up and give it a whirl, because it might hold all the right answers to all those overwhelming questions hanging like an infestation out there.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. For the typical family stressed out over typical family events, I suppose this book would indeed be a great read and inspiration or resolution to all their troubles.
I don’t live a typical life. Not in the least. Those things that overwhelm others are not “issue” for me, and in fact, are blessings compared to what I face day to day, and compared to what I’ve had to deal with in my adult life to date. Now, now, I’m not saying my troubles are worse than others, and my overwhelming stresses are ‘more important’ and that there’s an issue with typical lives and living. No, I’m not saying this at all.
I truly get that others experience stress and stressors in their lives that could easily overwhelm them and cause them concern and/or pain. I’m not saying I’m some kind of super hero either, I’ve lived and learned like everyone else out there–maybe lived a bit more and learned buckets worth of useless experiences to say the least. I’ve just chosen a different path that has taken me on a different journey… one not many typical people could or would tolerate. It’s all about choices. And I’ve made some doozies…
So when I read this book, for me, I found that some of the advice was kinda similar to telling someone to put a band-aid on a gushing wound and hope for the best. The band-aid advice just doesn’t cut it for me. Instead of fixing the issue with thought from the positive realm, I’m more of a take action and get the bloody thing lanced kinda gal. Forget the positive thinking, just get er done for crying out loud. No chants of don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, bs, just action. Cut the thing from your life like a gangrenous wound, and toss it to the curb…
Okay, okay… enough of that.
I think for many, this book would offer the right inspiration without being preachy. So perhaps the best thing that I can say is pick the book up and give it a whirl, because it might hold all the right answers to all those overwhelming questions hanging like an infestation out there.
October 12, 2018
A new release from Revell Publishers written by Kay Wills Wyma holds a very timely message for practically everyone living in the fast-paced world of our modern day and age. “Not the Boss of Us: Putting Overwhelmed In It’s Place In A Do-All, Be-All World” is the response to the questions so many of us feel deep down, sometimes even subconsciously: “Too much to manage and not enough time or energy to do it? What if instead of being overwhelmed with life you could be overwhelmed by Truth with all its grace, hope, peace, and love?”
“Not the Boss of Us” was written in part due to a tragic story that Ms. Wyma shares at the beginning of her book... This is a story of a young girl who made a devastating decision because somehow along the way, a lie about the overwhelmingness of life clouded her vision of Truth. Her death “wasn’t cancer. It wasn’t physical illness. It wasn’t a car wreck or drive-by shooting. No, in large part life pressures and the perceived inability to live in the midst of them shattered that January day.”
As Kay Wyma asserts, feeling overwhelmed is the new normal of our lives. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This book is a reminder that we can combat the negative experience of constantly feeling overwhelmed by life, simply by replacing the lies and pressures with God’s Truth. When we are anchored in this Truth, our entire outlook changes - and our lives will change along with it.
Through warm, relatable, and often humorous stories, Kay Wyma’s “Not the Boss of Us” challenges us to put the overwhelmed feelings that so often threaten to strangle us in their place - and take hold of the freedom that comes from God’s Truth. I recommend this book, not only for women to read for themselves but also for parents, to help them initiate critical conversations with their children about not letting Life’s Overwhelmed get the best of them.
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”
“Not the Boss of Us” was written in part due to a tragic story that Ms. Wyma shares at the beginning of her book... This is a story of a young girl who made a devastating decision because somehow along the way, a lie about the overwhelmingness of life clouded her vision of Truth. Her death “wasn’t cancer. It wasn’t physical illness. It wasn’t a car wreck or drive-by shooting. No, in large part life pressures and the perceived inability to live in the midst of them shattered that January day.”
As Kay Wyma asserts, feeling overwhelmed is the new normal of our lives. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This book is a reminder that we can combat the negative experience of constantly feeling overwhelmed by life, simply by replacing the lies and pressures with God’s Truth. When we are anchored in this Truth, our entire outlook changes - and our lives will change along with it.
Through warm, relatable, and often humorous stories, Kay Wyma’s “Not the Boss of Us” challenges us to put the overwhelmed feelings that so often threaten to strangle us in their place - and take hold of the freedom that comes from God’s Truth. I recommend this book, not only for women to read for themselves but also for parents, to help them initiate critical conversations with their children about not letting Life’s Overwhelmed get the best of them.
“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”
September 4, 2018
As a female entrepreneur, wife and mother and author myself I often find myself in overwhelm. There is so much pressure to be and do all. Even when we are managing to juggle multiple things without dropping the balls there is an ever present underlying whisper to our souls that we are not enough. The thoughts of not being good enough, thin enough, talented enough, far enough along in our careers or our education seem to plague women young and old from one part of the globe to the other. Kay calls it out and reminds us we are listening to the wrong voice. Who made Overwhelm the boss of us anyway? Perhaps WE did by allowing it to be the reigning force in our lives. But we can also change overwhelm's power by re-framing it. Instead of being overwhelmed by negative pressures of performance,appearance and image, we can be overwhelmed by positive things like purpose,beauty and Image bearing.These are just a few of the chapters in her book that struck a chord with me. Learning to listen to the voice of truth in our hearts and not the voice of comparison. Read this book and reflect its message to your kids and the world around you. For it is not only adults who are feeling these pressures but teens who are falling into despair and destructive behaviors, not the least of which was the teen friends suicide that started this whole conversation rolling. We need these tools to re-frame our perception of our current situation whatever that may be in this moment. Make room for this book on your shelf or e-reader. It is filled with a wisdom, humor and a needed shift in perspective for a society trapped in overwhelm.
September 4, 2018
I picked up this book at a time in my life when I was feeling very overwhelmed. I wanted to read this book to help me through the season of overwhelm. I am typically a person who can feel overwhelmed pretty easy so instead of being controlled by it, I want to learn to control it.
I was expecting this book to give me some practical tips to help me deal with it. While Kay does give us some tips, she instead brings a totally different perspective to overwhelmed. It was a pleasant surprise because instead of getting rid overwhelm we can keep it and change it to a “good overwhelmed” instead! She takes ten negative concepts that overwhelm us and replaces them with positive concepts that can instead overwhelm us. For example one chapter is: Rather that be overwhelmed by image pressures, be overwhelmed by image bearing.
She is really open and honest and weaves many personal stories into her points. I really loved this book because instead of teaching us to shove away the feelings of overwhelmed she replaces the bad with good. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to embrace a different way to approach the overwhelmed feelings that come with life!
I was expecting this book to give me some practical tips to help me deal with it. While Kay does give us some tips, she instead brings a totally different perspective to overwhelmed. It was a pleasant surprise because instead of getting rid overwhelm we can keep it and change it to a “good overwhelmed” instead! She takes ten negative concepts that overwhelm us and replaces them with positive concepts that can instead overwhelm us. For example one chapter is: Rather that be overwhelmed by image pressures, be overwhelmed by image bearing.
She is really open and honest and weaves many personal stories into her points. I really loved this book because instead of teaching us to shove away the feelings of overwhelmed she replaces the bad with good. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to embrace a different way to approach the overwhelmed feelings that come with life!
October 17, 2018
Not only does Kay give us relatable stories and words of wisdom from great leaders, she gives you the keys to replace your overwhelmed, stressful, pressure-filled life with truth, grace and freedom! Her words remind us that overwhelm is simply “Not The Boss of Us“. She brings together the information in an easy to read but power packed book. It is so relevant in our current society where striving for perfection and staying busy is the norm. Inside the pages, you will find encouragement and specific steps to replace your negative overwhelm with positive actions and attitudes. This book could not have come to me at a better time. She includes practical applications in each chapter titled “Water Station”. These nuggets of wisdom were a great reference and easy to come back to for future reference. I highly recommend this book for women of all ages and stages of life. If you are in a place of overwhelm, this is the read for you!
*Thank you to Revell for my copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.*
*Thank you to Revell for my copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.*
August 28, 2018
I hadn't read anything by this author before but I enjoyed reading this book and will look for more by her. She shares stories of family and friends lives which often tell how "Overwhelm" with it's many different sides, can convince us to believe lies. To think there is no hope and things can not change. She points us back though to the "Truth"
I have several parts of the book highlighted to read again. One of my favorite parts of the book are the "Water Stations" that are at the end of each chapter. They help encourage a different perspective. If we let the Truth overwhelm us we'll learn that we don't have to be overwhelmed by that ways of the culture we live in. We often let ourselves be defined by what others believe and say about us instead of listening to our creator.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants direction in not letting "Overwhelmed" control them, because it is Not the Boss Of Us.
These are my thoughts on the book which I received an advance readers copy of.
I have several parts of the book highlighted to read again. One of my favorite parts of the book are the "Water Stations" that are at the end of each chapter. They help encourage a different perspective. If we let the Truth overwhelm us we'll learn that we don't have to be overwhelmed by that ways of the culture we live in. We often let ourselves be defined by what others believe and say about us instead of listening to our creator.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants direction in not letting "Overwhelmed" control them, because it is Not the Boss Of Us.
These are my thoughts on the book which I received an advance readers copy of.
August 28, 2018
Going into this book, I hoped to not only gain perspective on what causes people to feel overwhelmed, but I also wanted to gain an understanding into how to control stressors. I assumed, given the wide-spread population likely affected by these same experiences, this book would provide fact-based research and solutions. Obviously, this was not the case, but I did walk away with several important reminders and perspectives.
These reminders were important, they conjured deeper reflection and served to right me on my own path of easing the overwhelming feelings many adults face. But, unfortunately these prompts were often hidden amongst Wyma’s own tangled stories and tangents.
For the full review, please visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher, but all opinions are my own.
These reminders were important, they conjured deeper reflection and served to right me on my own path of easing the overwhelming feelings many adults face. But, unfortunately these prompts were often hidden amongst Wyma’s own tangled stories and tangents.
For the full review, please visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher, but all opinions are my own.
October 7, 2018
" Rather than be waylaid by Life’s Overwhelmed, let’s be filled to overflowing with Truth’s hope and grace and love and peace. Rather than compare or compete against people, let’s walk alongside them. "
I enjoyed reading this book. Kay Wills shares how we can acknowledge and own the feelings of being overwhelmed, and turned them into something positive. Ultimately to understand why and when we have our worries and insecurities, and surrendering them to God - instead of letting them consume us. When life seems too much, how we handle the stress and emotions can either make us or break us. Every chapter is filled with relatable examples and Kay shares her wisdom that comes from her own life experiences.
I received an advanced readers' copy as a part of the launch team. However, this review is based on my unbiased and honest opinion.
I enjoyed reading this book. Kay Wills shares how we can acknowledge and own the feelings of being overwhelmed, and turned them into something positive. Ultimately to understand why and when we have our worries and insecurities, and surrendering them to God - instead of letting them consume us. When life seems too much, how we handle the stress and emotions can either make us or break us. Every chapter is filled with relatable examples and Kay shares her wisdom that comes from her own life experiences.
I received an advanced readers' copy as a part of the launch team. However, this review is based on my unbiased and honest opinion.
August 21, 2018
I loved Not the Boss of Us. Kay’s examples were very relatable and perfectly explained her points. There were several parts that I loved and found myself wanting to be Kay’s best friend. Kay’s talks with her kids in the car were awesome. I love the message of getting rid of overwhelmed by taking the focus off ourselves and putting our focus on being others-centered. When she talked about her daughter finishing her runs by laying in the field and looking up into the sky to something so much bigger than her I could feel myself there with her and all of the overwhelm melting away. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
August 29, 2018
This book came into my hands at just the right time in my life as I was juggling so many things personally and professionally that it wasn't funny. Instead of coming home from work and crying my eyes out due to stress, I read this book. It gave me a lot to think about, some inspirational quotes, and of course some great stories about not letting the wrong things overwhelm me. Kay Wills Wyma is able to address the things that threaten to overwhelm us and give us a new perspective on them. I would recommend this book to anyone who is even the slightest bit busy. It is not a hard read and will really change your life!
October 9, 2018
Life often overwhelms us but the real truth is that life’s stresses and strains aren’t the boss of our lives. Truth triumphs in the sordid situations and difficult circumstances of our lives with all its grace, hope, peace, and love. Kay Wills Wyma shares how to confront life’s overwhelming pressures, unfair expectations and devastating circumstances with the liberating truth that God has made us to be more than conquerors. Through her inspiring stories sprinkled lavishly with lighthearted humor, Kay helps us to find satisfying fulfillment and exuberant freedom in a life lived in the glorious light of eternity.
November 14, 2018
Reading this novel by Kay Wyma offered me so many wonderful pieces of advice that I’ve felt I really needed right now. I’m not one for annotating my books, but after rereading this one multiple times I have found myself keeping notes and highlights of passages that have affected me greatly. Each suggestion is hidden behind quirky tales of her own trials and hurt feelings. If you’re looking to be completely charmed and gain an utterly incredible perspective on how to redirect feelings of being overwhelmed by stress into feelings of being overwhelmed by love and truth, start by reading this book and let it have the amazing impact on your outlook that it has had on mine.
August 21, 2018
Fantastic, encouraging, uplifting and inspiring. This book shows us how to take the feelings of being overwhelmed and use them for good. Relying on God instead of self will help us. Each of us experience times when life seems too much this or too much that. How we handle those times and feelings can help us or hurt us. Also, we are able to help others or unfortunately, hurt others when we are overwhelmed. Each page is full of amazing wisdom. I received this book from the author and publisher. This is my own personal honest opinion. No review was required.
August 19, 2018
This book had a inspiring, encouraging writing and compelling to read with also had a great storytelling from Kay Wyma experiences and learning by using to warm your heart, she will show us how to live with the world around that was changing all the time by being the person who you are. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “I received complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads for this review”.
August 31, 2018
We live in a world that is so full of busy that we get overwhelmed. What if we decided to fill our lives more with The Truth Of God’s Word instead of the lies of this world? How might our lives be different.
The author helps us see how we have put the wrong things in place and shares how changing some actions or reactions in our lives with not allow it to all be the boss of us. Time for some freedom from the “overwhelming” things in our lives.
Great read
I received an advanced copy of the ebook and this is my honest opinion.
The author helps us see how we have put the wrong things in place and shares how changing some actions or reactions in our lives with not allow it to all be the boss of us. Time for some freedom from the “overwhelming” things in our lives.
Great read
I received an advanced copy of the ebook and this is my honest opinion.
September 14, 2018
This book was a great reminder that we don't have to be overwhelmed with life's pressures and expectations and everything that is holding back, but that we can choose to be overwhelmed with God's Truth and peace and grace.
Kay shares relatable and funny stories. She shares some heartache, but that we can also find joy in the midst of turmoil.
My full review is here... https://jesusnbooks.blogspot.com/2018...
Kay shares relatable and funny stories. She shares some heartache, but that we can also find joy in the midst of turmoil.
My full review is here... https://jesusnbooks.blogspot.com/2018...
June 18, 2019
Will definitely be adding this to the shelf. An easy and difficult read all at once. No, it's not backed by research. No, it doesn't have scriptural references on every page. But this is the book I need now - I needed yesterday - and I may need again in the future. I appreciate that Kay speaks to all kinds of different things that overwhelm. Acknowledging the role these things play in my mental and spiritual health is the first step this Enneagram 1 needs.
March 27, 2020
Kay hits the nail on the head. Feeling overwhelmed but you keep on saying yes and continue to spiral.... READ this book. If you're a mom, if you're not a mom, this book gives beneficial advice and doesn't just stick to life with kids. Kay is relatable and level headed throughout and shares just how to put down your foot and take back your life.
September 17, 2020
Not the Boss of Us was full of gold nuggets and good reminders. Putting overwhelm in its place. The title alone gripped me. As someone who grew up in a different home than I currently live in now, I can see how this book may only relate to a certain group. My heart feels for the reviewers who were looking for more relatable examples.
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