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Exhale: Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well
Move from running-on-empty to spent-and-content.
Exhale is for the woman who is suffocating under the pressures of being all things to all people. The pressure of filling every unfilled spot at church, home, and work. The pressure of trying to do it all right, make decisions that benefit everyone else, and keep everyone happy.
Rather than adding more to your to-do list, in this book Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory show you how to
· lose who you're not
· love who you are
· live your one life well
This isn't a time management book filled with how-to lists and calendar tools. Rather, it walks you through a process that releases you from the things that have created unbearable pressure. Then you'll be free to start investing your life in ways that fulfill the desires of your heart, benefit your people, and bring glory to God.
Includes Now Breathe activities that correspond to each chapter's content and interactive assessments to help you move toward gentle change.
Exhale is for the woman who is suffocating under the pressures of being all things to all people. The pressure of filling every unfilled spot at church, home, and work. The pressure of trying to do it all right, make decisions that benefit everyone else, and keep everyone happy.
Rather than adding more to your to-do list, in this book Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory show you how to
· lose who you're not
· love who you are
· live your one life well
This isn't a time management book filled with how-to lists and calendar tools. Rather, it walks you through a process that releases you from the things that have created unbearable pressure. Then you'll be free to start investing your life in ways that fulfill the desires of your heart, benefit your people, and bring glory to God.
Includes Now Breathe activities that correspond to each chapter's content and interactive assessments to help you move toward gentle change.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2019
275 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Amy Carroll
5 books17 followersAmy Carroll is gathering a community of women with tender hearts and strong voices, equipping those who want to make a difference for God but fear jumping into culture’s fray.
She’s blazing a path that leads you to:
• Listen to others with love so that you can understand even when you don’t agree.
• Feel people’s pain with a soft and strong heart, empowering you to respond with healing solutions.
• Do good that gives credibility to your words and outshines a thousand clever memes.
• Speak into the battle of extremes with gentle confidence and Scripture-grounded wisdom.
A consummate Southern girl, Amy loves words that shape a great story and a challenging idea. She’s the author of Exhale and Breaking Up with Perfect, and a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer teams. She has been interviewed on numerous podcasts, tv shows and radio programs including Focus on the Family.
Amy’s committed to opening up her whole life-- the good, bad and ugly—to teach what she’s learned in pursuit of applying God’s Word. She loves teaching scripture in all its unvarnished glory, while sharing God’s big truths in small, understandable bites.
Traveling the world and hearing how God works in women who attend her events makes Amy’s heart swell with joy. As founder and speaker coach of Next Step Coaching Services, providing one-on-one training for Christian speakers and writers, Amy delights in helping other speakers birth their own messages.
You can find Amy in North Carolina on any given day texting her adult kids, typing at her computer, hanging out with her hunky husband, or trying to figure out one more alternative to cooking dinner.
She’s blazing a path that leads you to:
• Listen to others with love so that you can understand even when you don’t agree.
• Feel people’s pain with a soft and strong heart, empowering you to respond with healing solutions.
• Do good that gives credibility to your words and outshines a thousand clever memes.
• Speak into the battle of extremes with gentle confidence and Scripture-grounded wisdom.
A consummate Southern girl, Amy loves words that shape a great story and a challenging idea. She’s the author of Exhale and Breaking Up with Perfect, and a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer teams. She has been interviewed on numerous podcasts, tv shows and radio programs including Focus on the Family.
Amy’s committed to opening up her whole life-- the good, bad and ugly—to teach what she’s learned in pursuit of applying God’s Word. She loves teaching scripture in all its unvarnished glory, while sharing God’s big truths in small, understandable bites.
Traveling the world and hearing how God works in women who attend her events makes Amy’s heart swell with joy. As founder and speaker coach of Next Step Coaching Services, providing one-on-one training for Christian speakers and writers, Amy delights in helping other speakers birth their own messages.
You can find Amy in North Carolina on any given day texting her adult kids, typing at her computer, hanging out with her hunky husband, or trying to figure out one more alternative to cooking dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 15, 2019
WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK
Overall I’d say I’m good at telling people no. But, that only applies to people who I feel ‘equal’ to – my peers, etc… When it comes to my bosses, managers, or pretty much anyone in a position of authority, I have an overwhelming desire to do any and everything I can to please them.
Thankfully I work with a great team who actually cares about me and looks out for my best interests, but I figured I should probably start curbing my management-pleasing-side now. After all, it’s Jesus I want to please most of all, not just my boss. (Although I’m convinced that if I’m pleasing Jesus, then the right boss will be pretty happy with me, too.)
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK
I read this book over about a three week period of time, which considering how short it is means I crawled through it. But, it felt like one of those books that’s supposed to be nibbled at instead of gulping down. That way, I was able to process what I was reading, let it sink in, and figure out what I needed to apply to my life.
The two authors switch back and forth, each writing one chapter at a time. The varying personalities and points of view helped make the book well-balanced and made me feel like it could apply to a lot more people than if it would have had a single author. They also did a fantastic job of bouncing off of each other and building on what the other had written, versus being redundant and/or contradictory. It was clear that they planned the book well and the flow was surprisingly smooth for having more than one author.
As with all books, there were several things I didn’t agree with, and there were a few times that I thought I’d give the book a lower rating, but as I continued reading I was really impressed with the things I learned.
It’s hard for me to read a book that talks about loving ourselves because I feel like that terminology is way over-used and generally not glorifying to God. In this book though, I felt like they had a balanced view of the matter. They talk about how God made each one of us for a specific purpose, and we need to be content with who God has created us to be, instead of trying to become someone else in order to please people. That is a concept I can totally stand behind.
I could relate fairly well to one of the authors and had a few lightbulb moments while reading her chapters. For instance, she talked about how she consistently (starting in school) would subconsciously look for the “most important person in the room” and then try to please them. This meant she was always trying to please teachers, bosses, etc… When I read that it made me laugh – not because I could relate to it, but because it was the first time I realized that not everyone felt that way. Because, as I mentioned earlier, pleasing people in mangament – aka the “most important person in the room” – is my default setting. Realizing that a mindset or behavior isn’t necessarily normal helps me to then stop and think through it and figure out why I do it and pray about if it’s something I need to stop doing.
This book is great for moments like that. Like it says on the back cover blurb, the book was written to help ladies realize who they are in God, and learn what things in life they need to lose in order to live their one life well.
CONCLUSION
There were a few things in this book – mostly wording, etc… – that I didn’t really like, but when I took it as a whole, considering the overall message I’ve come to the conclusion that I really do agree with most of what the book is saying, just not exactly the way in which it says some of the things.
Also, the tips on how to breathe deeply in this book are seriously good.
RATING
I’m giving Exhale 4 out of 5 stars. This book is a great way to stop, check where you’re heading, what you’re subconsciously believing, and get your life back on track for what God created you for.
Overall I’d say I’m good at telling people no. But, that only applies to people who I feel ‘equal’ to – my peers, etc… When it comes to my bosses, managers, or pretty much anyone in a position of authority, I have an overwhelming desire to do any and everything I can to please them.
Thankfully I work with a great team who actually cares about me and looks out for my best interests, but I figured I should probably start curbing my management-pleasing-side now. After all, it’s Jesus I want to please most of all, not just my boss. (Although I’m convinced that if I’m pleasing Jesus, then the right boss will be pretty happy with me, too.)
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK
I read this book over about a three week period of time, which considering how short it is means I crawled through it. But, it felt like one of those books that’s supposed to be nibbled at instead of gulping down. That way, I was able to process what I was reading, let it sink in, and figure out what I needed to apply to my life.
The two authors switch back and forth, each writing one chapter at a time. The varying personalities and points of view helped make the book well-balanced and made me feel like it could apply to a lot more people than if it would have had a single author. They also did a fantastic job of bouncing off of each other and building on what the other had written, versus being redundant and/or contradictory. It was clear that they planned the book well and the flow was surprisingly smooth for having more than one author.
As with all books, there were several things I didn’t agree with, and there were a few times that I thought I’d give the book a lower rating, but as I continued reading I was really impressed with the things I learned.
It’s hard for me to read a book that talks about loving ourselves because I feel like that terminology is way over-used and generally not glorifying to God. In this book though, I felt like they had a balanced view of the matter. They talk about how God made each one of us for a specific purpose, and we need to be content with who God has created us to be, instead of trying to become someone else in order to please people. That is a concept I can totally stand behind.
I could relate fairly well to one of the authors and had a few lightbulb moments while reading her chapters. For instance, she talked about how she consistently (starting in school) would subconsciously look for the “most important person in the room” and then try to please them. This meant she was always trying to please teachers, bosses, etc… When I read that it made me laugh – not because I could relate to it, but because it was the first time I realized that not everyone felt that way. Because, as I mentioned earlier, pleasing people in mangament – aka the “most important person in the room” – is my default setting. Realizing that a mindset or behavior isn’t necessarily normal helps me to then stop and think through it and figure out why I do it and pray about if it’s something I need to stop doing.
This book is great for moments like that. Like it says on the back cover blurb, the book was written to help ladies realize who they are in God, and learn what things in life they need to lose in order to live their one life well.
CONCLUSION
There were a few things in this book – mostly wording, etc… – that I didn’t really like, but when I took it as a whole, considering the overall message I’ve come to the conclusion that I really do agree with most of what the book is saying, just not exactly the way in which it says some of the things.
Also, the tips on how to breathe deeply in this book are seriously good.
RATING
I’m giving Exhale 4 out of 5 stars. This book is a great way to stop, check where you’re heading, what you’re subconsciously believing, and get your life back on track for what God created you for.
June 11, 2019
"Exhale: Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well" is designed to help readers create a release valve to let loose the tightening squeeze of everyday life pressures. Authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory have created a process of evaluation, enlightenment, and emancipation to help you manage the larger issues without sweating the small stuff. For someone like me, who has long felt compelled to achieve every personal and professional goal--or else feel like a failure--this book offers invaluable life lessons and spiritual food for thought. The three main sections of the book are "Lose Who You're Not". "Love Who You Are", and "Live Your One Life Well". Through common sense, self-care, renewal of faith, and learning your own self-worth, you can learn to exhale, and then breath back in the clean, fresh air of simple joy and happy purpose.
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
July 19, 2019
For almost 1.5 years, I was privileged to serve as the graphic design intern for Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory’s Grit n Grace Girls podcast. Since they invested so much in me, I was happy to be on the manuscript development team for Exhale, their first collaborative writing project.
Amy and Cheri take turns, every other chapter, telling their stories of struggles with perfectionism, comparison, meddling and relationship issues. They also use a key Bible story in each chapter that shows us how we can let go of our struggles, exhale in peace, and choose a better way. Amy and Cheri make a great team on the podcast, and you will love their insights in their book. It promises to be a perennial favorite on my shelf as I work to overcome perfectionism.
Favorite quote:
“Friend, when error terror wants makes you want to cower in your boat, remember this: Jesus transforms abject fear into active faith.”
I received a preview copy of Exhale from both Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers.
Amy and Cheri take turns, every other chapter, telling their stories of struggles with perfectionism, comparison, meddling and relationship issues. They also use a key Bible story in each chapter that shows us how we can let go of our struggles, exhale in peace, and choose a better way. Amy and Cheri make a great team on the podcast, and you will love their insights in their book. It promises to be a perennial favorite on my shelf as I work to overcome perfectionism.
Favorite quote:
“Friend, when error terror wants makes you want to cower in your boat, remember this: Jesus transforms abject fear into active faith.”
I received a preview copy of Exhale from both Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers.
Read
February 20, 2019Carroll and Gregory pour out hard-won wisdom like a balm for dependable women. Through candid stories, pivotal observations, and ah-ha moments, Exhale delivers clarity and assurance. Breathe deeply of God's love and walk confidently, with purpose, as you interact with this gold-mine of goodness.
June 11, 2019
Exhale: Lose who you’re not. Love who you are. Live your one life well. by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory was the splash of cold water my soul needed to awaken from its state of overcommittedness (is that a word??? ☺ ) in order to be refreshed by the lightening of nothingness.
Friends, true to its title, Exhale is like one big release. It’s like finally taking a moment to pause and intentionally inhale a deep breath in, in order to exhale all of the weight, baggage, stress, etc out of your body. It’s letting go of everything that is holding you back so you can discover the person God created you to be. Aligning your life with God’s assignment will lead you to love who you are and live your life with complete fulfillment while freeing yourself of all of the things that are not a part of God’s plan.
Exhale is so practical, applicable and relatable. In fact, the https://www.exhalebook.com website offers a bunch of tools for the reader to further explore and sensibly adapt to their individual life.
Each chapter of this book was alternatively written between the authors so the reader is gifted with two distinctive viewpoints and stories. Personally, I related so much to Cheri Gregory’s personality type but also enjoyed reading Amy’s contributions. In particular, I found Amy’s take on paraphrasing and humanizing the voices of scripture to be very instructional (my favorite was her portrayal of Rebekah). Nonetheless, both authors contribute perspectives that women can relate to and accept wisdom from.
Exhale is a book I inhaled with great pleasure and relief. It allowed me to examine my goals, dreams and desires while considering my motivations and intentions. After reading Exhale, I felt like my weary soul was rejuvenated and my purpose redirected towards the things God has intended for my life. It reminded me that I can’t do everything but that God created me for a unique purpose to fulfill a specific assignment(s). Focusing on or doing too many things will only detour me off of the path God has paved for my individual purpose.
I recommend Exhale to any woman who is feeling overwhelmed and needs a well-overdue break. It is too easy to fall into the world’s trap of attempting to do too many things and/or be everything to all people. This book will remind you that that is not what God wants for your life. God’s best is available to you but it doesn’t come to you in this world through the way of more, it comes to you in the way of less.
Less of what the world has to offer and more of God’s goodness and rich blessings.
And with that, we can all exhale.
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Friends, true to its title, Exhale is like one big release. It’s like finally taking a moment to pause and intentionally inhale a deep breath in, in order to exhale all of the weight, baggage, stress, etc out of your body. It’s letting go of everything that is holding you back so you can discover the person God created you to be. Aligning your life with God’s assignment will lead you to love who you are and live your life with complete fulfillment while freeing yourself of all of the things that are not a part of God’s plan.
Exhale is so practical, applicable and relatable. In fact, the https://www.exhalebook.com website offers a bunch of tools for the reader to further explore and sensibly adapt to their individual life.
Each chapter of this book was alternatively written between the authors so the reader is gifted with two distinctive viewpoints and stories. Personally, I related so much to Cheri Gregory’s personality type but also enjoyed reading Amy’s contributions. In particular, I found Amy’s take on paraphrasing and humanizing the voices of scripture to be very instructional (my favorite was her portrayal of Rebekah). Nonetheless, both authors contribute perspectives that women can relate to and accept wisdom from.
Exhale is a book I inhaled with great pleasure and relief. It allowed me to examine my goals, dreams and desires while considering my motivations and intentions. After reading Exhale, I felt like my weary soul was rejuvenated and my purpose redirected towards the things God has intended for my life. It reminded me that I can’t do everything but that God created me for a unique purpose to fulfill a specific assignment(s). Focusing on or doing too many things will only detour me off of the path God has paved for my individual purpose.
I recommend Exhale to any woman who is feeling overwhelmed and needs a well-overdue break. It is too easy to fall into the world’s trap of attempting to do too many things and/or be everything to all people. This book will remind you that that is not what God wants for your life. God’s best is available to you but it doesn’t come to you in this world through the way of more, it comes to you in the way of less.
Less of what the world has to offer and more of God’s goodness and rich blessings.
And with that, we can all exhale.
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
January 15, 2020
Cheri and Amy invite you to breath and begin again. Exhale was written from the perspective of two people who have gone through the process of losing who you are not, loving who you are, and living one life well and shared the path they took with the rest of us.
Exhale is full of insight from life and scriptures and written for you. Each section of the book guides you in the process of changing your mindset to live a fuller life. Part one guides you to release ways of thinking that hinder you, part two encourages you to see yourself as God sees you, and part three shows you how to seek God's direction.
You don't have to navigate the journey (or book) alone. There is a companion leader's guide for women who want to lead a small discussion group. This is a great way to share and encourage each other and no group is too small. Cheri and Amy have resources for anyone who wants to lead a small group study (http://exhalebook.com/study).
I bought my own copy of the book and study guide. I did participate in a manuscript development team and gave feedback on the book and study guide.
Exhale is full of insight from life and scriptures and written for you. Each section of the book guides you in the process of changing your mindset to live a fuller life. Part one guides you to release ways of thinking that hinder you, part two encourages you to see yourself as God sees you, and part three shows you how to seek God's direction.
You don't have to navigate the journey (or book) alone. There is a companion leader's guide for women who want to lead a small discussion group. This is a great way to share and encourage each other and no group is too small. Cheri and Amy have resources for anyone who wants to lead a small group study (http://exhalebook.com/study).
I bought my own copy of the book and study guide. I did participate in a manuscript development team and gave feedback on the book and study guide.
July 23, 2019
This book's subtitle is: lose who you're not, love who you are, live your one life well.
The book is divided into these three categories and it works. I read lots of spiritual growth/self help christian books, and this one stands out. The biggest difference is that this book addresses our mindset, and directly encourages us to change our mindset. But instead of describing a fixed versus growth mindset, as the world does. The authors choose to suggest we have a new mindset. And I see that new mindset as one who is a new creature in Christ, looking to God to lead not her own sin nature. It's the age old struggle of old vs. new, but sin vs. living in Christ.
The book shares biblical examples and scripture that fit the mindset we are to adopt. It is well formatted as each chapter ends with one of the three subtitles and a breathe moment which is a suggestion of how to take the concepts and move ahead. There are subtitles throughout the pages and it's so easy to read, not so easy to take the suggestions to heart, but I found them to be exactly what my heart and mind needs to grow.
This book I really enjoyed, but at the same time I had a hard time picking it up. As I got further and further into it, I figured out why. This is a book that you can't just read. It requires introspection. Self analysis. And it makes you accountable to think, process, and recognize your actions. The authors even link you to their website with extra tools ready to print and use. And my old nature didn't want me to stop and recognize things that could change, especially with self awareness and the power of the Holy Spirit.
It's a book that will be reviewed and reread over time. It would also make a good Bible study for a group and the authors have created one as well. Thankful to partner with Bethany House and review this very important new book for Christ following women.
The book is divided into these three categories and it works. I read lots of spiritual growth/self help christian books, and this one stands out. The biggest difference is that this book addresses our mindset, and directly encourages us to change our mindset. But instead of describing a fixed versus growth mindset, as the world does. The authors choose to suggest we have a new mindset. And I see that new mindset as one who is a new creature in Christ, looking to God to lead not her own sin nature. It's the age old struggle of old vs. new, but sin vs. living in Christ.
The book shares biblical examples and scripture that fit the mindset we are to adopt. It is well formatted as each chapter ends with one of the three subtitles and a breathe moment which is a suggestion of how to take the concepts and move ahead. There are subtitles throughout the pages and it's so easy to read, not so easy to take the suggestions to heart, but I found them to be exactly what my heart and mind needs to grow.
This book I really enjoyed, but at the same time I had a hard time picking it up. As I got further and further into it, I figured out why. This is a book that you can't just read. It requires introspection. Self analysis. And it makes you accountable to think, process, and recognize your actions. The authors even link you to their website with extra tools ready to print and use. And my old nature didn't want me to stop and recognize things that could change, especially with self awareness and the power of the Holy Spirit.
It's a book that will be reviewed and reread over time. It would also make a good Bible study for a group and the authors have created one as well. Thankful to partner with Bethany House and review this very important new book for Christ following women.
May 13, 2019
When I read the subtitle for this book: "Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your Own Life Well", I knew that the message of this book would timely for me, and I was right. I was sucked in from the moment that I read the first sentences of the introduction: "It's 2:37 a.m., and she's wide awake. Again. Her busy brain is rehearsing everything she didn't get done today. All the things she's got to do tomorrow (which, she realizes with a new jolt of anxiety, is now technically today)." I related to that experience, and if you do as well, you will want to pick up this book.
The book was split into three sections, one section for each part of the subtitle that I quoted above. The first section covers topics such as having boundaries, failure can be a learning experience, and not needing to feel responsible for everyone and everything. The second section dealt mostly with loving yourself: your calling, personality, uniqueness, along with a few other topics. Finally the third section addressed how to best live your life to the fullest potential.
One part of the book that really resonated with me was when the authors were talking about the story of the woman at the well, and how after talking to Jesus, despite her sinful past, she is able to leave her jar (her burdens) at the well. "Can't you just imagine her running pell-mell back into town, her heavy jar left behind with Jesus? Now ask yourself: What would it be like to be a woman who leaves her jar at the well?" This is what I want for my own life. To lay my burdens at Jesus' feet instead of carrying it all on me in the form of anxiety. This book was an encouragement to me to make steps in this area of my life.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
The book was split into three sections, one section for each part of the subtitle that I quoted above. The first section covers topics such as having boundaries, failure can be a learning experience, and not needing to feel responsible for everyone and everything. The second section dealt mostly with loving yourself: your calling, personality, uniqueness, along with a few other topics. Finally the third section addressed how to best live your life to the fullest potential.
One part of the book that really resonated with me was when the authors were talking about the story of the woman at the well, and how after talking to Jesus, despite her sinful past, she is able to leave her jar (her burdens) at the well. "Can't you just imagine her running pell-mell back into town, her heavy jar left behind with Jesus? Now ask yourself: What would it be like to be a woman who leaves her jar at the well?" This is what I want for my own life. To lay my burdens at Jesus' feet instead of carrying it all on me in the form of anxiety. This book was an encouragement to me to make steps in this area of my life.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well is like a breath of fresh air. And as an (often) overcommitted perfectionist, this book really spoke to me. Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory urge us to live our lives well by releasing those self-images and preconceived notions that hold us back and embracing fully our God-given gifts and accepting who we are. They ask us to cast aside the labels that have defined you – be it your role in life (wife, mother, daughter), occupation, or the ever-popular “Wonder Woman.” Instead, look toward the person you are, with unique gifts and talents, given by God’s grace. Live in God’s light, not the world’s, know your boundaries and personality, and above all trust God in all that you do.
Exhale is written in the alternating voices of Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, and this shifting perspectives allows the reader to identify aspects of each of their stories that are applicable to his or her own life. I appreciate that real-world examples are interwoven with Biblical stories and passages to aid in ultimate understanding. Perhaps the most vivid example of this is Cheri’s analogy of the basil plant. Like the basil plant that regenerates when pruned, we can flourish when we let go of expectations and focus on the gifts before us right now. I also found the brief exercises at the end of each chapter (called “now breathe” to be quite useful.
All in all, Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well, is a thoughtful, well-written book, that gives us Christ-centered reasons and approaches for slowing down and finding contentment right where we are.
Exhale is written in the alternating voices of Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, and this shifting perspectives allows the reader to identify aspects of each of their stories that are applicable to his or her own life. I appreciate that real-world examples are interwoven with Biblical stories and passages to aid in ultimate understanding. Perhaps the most vivid example of this is Cheri’s analogy of the basil plant. Like the basil plant that regenerates when pruned, we can flourish when we let go of expectations and focus on the gifts before us right now. I also found the brief exercises at the end of each chapter (called “now breathe” to be quite useful.
All in all, Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well, is a thoughtful, well-written book, that gives us Christ-centered reasons and approaches for slowing down and finding contentment right where we are.
July 23, 2019
As we’ve finally settled into life post-move and unpacking all the boxes, I find myself feeling like I should be able to run around at full capacity. And yet, I find myself struggling to keep up. I ran so hard for so long, and now I need some space to be able to recharge my batteries so to speak and breathe. I need to exhale.
The truth is, we can’t be all things to all people. We must learn to discern who we truly are, love who we are created to be and then live our lives in a way that matters.
In their book, Exhale, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory will walk you through that process. The three parts of Exhale will teach you to lose who you’re not, love who you are and live your one life well.
As a fellow perfectionist, I found myself on so many pages of this book. But because Carroll and Gregory have gone before me, the daunting task of setting aside the need for perfection didn’t seem so hard.
Exhale was a reminder that God created me to be who I am. Exactly me. The right here, right now me. And I get this one life to embrace the skills and abilities he’s given me. Carroll and Gregory give you permission to drop the things placed on you by the world. They invite you to examine the skills and abilities God gave you and then use those to bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
I was so encouraged reading Exhale. I think I’ll be reading it again soon to digest more of the wisdom Carroll and Gregory impart on these pages. And to continue on this journey to figuring out what I should be doing to live my one life well.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
The truth is, we can’t be all things to all people. We must learn to discern who we truly are, love who we are created to be and then live our lives in a way that matters.
In their book, Exhale, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory will walk you through that process. The three parts of Exhale will teach you to lose who you’re not, love who you are and live your one life well.
As a fellow perfectionist, I found myself on so many pages of this book. But because Carroll and Gregory have gone before me, the daunting task of setting aside the need for perfection didn’t seem so hard.
Exhale was a reminder that God created me to be who I am. Exactly me. The right here, right now me. And I get this one life to embrace the skills and abilities he’s given me. Carroll and Gregory give you permission to drop the things placed on you by the world. They invite you to examine the skills and abilities God gave you and then use those to bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
I was so encouraged reading Exhale. I think I’ll be reading it again soon to digest more of the wisdom Carroll and Gregory impart on these pages. And to continue on this journey to figuring out what I should be doing to live my one life well.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
September 18, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.
With an honest and very fresh approach to deep situations of the heart and character this book, which is divided into three parts more than a book in my case it feels like an ongoing journey. I must say that Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregori both of them did a great job.
Book parts:
1- Loose who you are not, and I must say It was eye-opening to see the truth about so many things. And how Jesus is in the middle of the process of change, all do they talk from their own experience is all center on what God says in the bible. I like that after each chapter we had to work deeper with God and a declaration to finish it.
2-love who you are, wow!!! This part of the book was truly powerful and important for me, being completely honest. I recently started liking myself and to read all this beautiful true were like a balm for my heart.
3- Live your one life well, which I believe is the biggest challenge of all, to accept, enjoy, be grateful even in the unknown and in our present life according to God's will and plans for us and not what we may think.
I recommend this book because I believe that what is on this book represent what God longs for each one of us, with practical, biblical and sound advice for the change we all want. To let go of all the weight, we need to take a step. This book is a great first step to be healed and whole in Christ.
Truly grateful to Bethany Publishers for the ARC of this book.
With an honest and very fresh approach to deep situations of the heart and character this book, which is divided into three parts more than a book in my case it feels like an ongoing journey. I must say that Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregori both of them did a great job.
Book parts:
1- Loose who you are not, and I must say It was eye-opening to see the truth about so many things. And how Jesus is in the middle of the process of change, all do they talk from their own experience is all center on what God says in the bible. I like that after each chapter we had to work deeper with God and a declaration to finish it.
2-love who you are, wow!!! This part of the book was truly powerful and important for me, being completely honest. I recently started liking myself and to read all this beautiful true were like a balm for my heart.
3- Live your one life well, which I believe is the biggest challenge of all, to accept, enjoy, be grateful even in the unknown and in our present life according to God's will and plans for us and not what we may think.
I recommend this book because I believe that what is on this book represent what God longs for each one of us, with practical, biblical and sound advice for the change we all want. To let go of all the weight, we need to take a step. This book is a great first step to be healed and whole in Christ.
Truly grateful to Bethany Publishers for the ARC of this book.
June 17, 2019
Take a deep breath and exhale all that you are not so you can enjoy all that you are!
This book being released as you start the summer is perfect timing! You can reboot your thought processes and allow yourself the freedom to love who you are! I had so many AH HA moments as I read.
Cheri and Amy are such a cohesive and dynamic duo! Their writing style and perspectives are a rhythmical pattern. They lay the groundwork as well as provide the tools you need to build on.
An area that really helped me was understanding "If a request falls within our calling, then fulfilling it will add to our purpose and truly help the other. That’s the definition of a legitimate expectation." Amy Carroll
Expectations are what keep me holding my breath and not fully living the life God has called me to.
If you and/or someone you know find it hard to breath while trying to meet perceived demands or even demands you signed up for it is time to EXHALE! You only have ONE life and God wants you to live it well!
This is a great small group and bible study resource as well! Exhale reminds me that ...
"I am no longer a girl gripped by fear; I am a woman held by faith" Cheri Gregory
This book being released as you start the summer is perfect timing! You can reboot your thought processes and allow yourself the freedom to love who you are! I had so many AH HA moments as I read.
Cheri and Amy are such a cohesive and dynamic duo! Their writing style and perspectives are a rhythmical pattern. They lay the groundwork as well as provide the tools you need to build on.
An area that really helped me was understanding "If a request falls within our calling, then fulfilling it will add to our purpose and truly help the other. That’s the definition of a legitimate expectation." Amy Carroll
Expectations are what keep me holding my breath and not fully living the life God has called me to.
If you and/or someone you know find it hard to breath while trying to meet perceived demands or even demands you signed up for it is time to EXHALE! You only have ONE life and God wants you to live it well!
This is a great small group and bible study resource as well! Exhale reminds me that ...
"I am no longer a girl gripped by fear; I am a woman held by faith" Cheri Gregory
July 9, 2019
Note: I received a copy of Exhale from the Publisher in return for my honest opinion.
Wow! By the end of reading Exhale: Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I admit it took me a few chapters to really get the feel of the book but by the end of Exhale, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be very helpful.
The entire book is set up in a very similar manner - with 3 parts, each chapter is written by one of the two authors and contains Scripture references, actions that readers can take (along with references to online worksheets to help you during your reading), and a part at the end of each chapter 'now breathe' so we can put into action what we read about in that chapter.
I recommend Exhale to those women who are struggling and are under pressure to do everything - at home, church, work, etc. Through Exhale readers will be able to start saying no to things they are not capable of handling or completing without feeling guilty. And readers will be on the journey to love themselves just as God loves them.
Wow! By the end of reading Exhale: Lose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I admit it took me a few chapters to really get the feel of the book but by the end of Exhale, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be very helpful.
The entire book is set up in a very similar manner - with 3 parts, each chapter is written by one of the two authors and contains Scripture references, actions that readers can take (along with references to online worksheets to help you during your reading), and a part at the end of each chapter 'now breathe' so we can put into action what we read about in that chapter.
I recommend Exhale to those women who are struggling and are under pressure to do everything - at home, church, work, etc. Through Exhale readers will be able to start saying no to things they are not capable of handling or completing without feeling guilty. And readers will be on the journey to love themselves just as God loves them.
June 9, 2019
If you're exhausted (and let's face it, maybe even a little grumpy) from trying to be all things to all people, this book is for you. While many books today should be renamed, You Can Do All The Things!!!, Exhale is the antidote to that mentality.
Co-authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory use Bible stories to remind us that not only CAN'T we do all the things, God never intended for us to in the first place!
Instead of showing us how to be all that we can be, they show us how to be all that we’re meant to be, not by adding more to our already full plates, but by embracing who we truly are (and saying, no thank you, to who we’re not).
And the best part? These two Jesus-loving girls walk with us, to encourage us and pass out bite-sized samples of practical application. (Think: a girlfriends’ trip through Costco on sample day; enough good bits to fill you up but not so much that you can’t move.)
Come along with Amy & Cheri, and feel your whole body Exhale!
P.S. — It would make a great choice for a women’s book study!
Co-authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory use Bible stories to remind us that not only CAN'T we do all the things, God never intended for us to in the first place!
Instead of showing us how to be all that we can be, they show us how to be all that we’re meant to be, not by adding more to our already full plates, but by embracing who we truly are (and saying, no thank you, to who we’re not).
And the best part? These two Jesus-loving girls walk with us, to encourage us and pass out bite-sized samples of practical application. (Think: a girlfriends’ trip through Costco on sample day; enough good bits to fill you up but not so much that you can’t move.)
Come along with Amy & Cheri, and feel your whole body Exhale!
P.S. — It would make a great choice for a women’s book study!
May 15, 2019
As a mom, wife and daughter I feel over the years I’ve lost who I was. This book spoke to me helping me to work on me. over time we become people we aren’t and lets face it, loving ourselves is hard (or at least for me it is). This book brought in Jesus’ story of the woman at the well. In the book it talks about how everyday this woman carries her jug to the well. Her jug represents all the baggage we all carry daily. But after she meets Jesus she leaves her jug and runs to tell others. How liberating, leaving all the things that weigh us down at the feet of Jesus.
If you are ready to exhale and start working on you, then its a must read for everyone. I look forward to starting this with a women’s study group as soon as possible!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2019
Do you ever feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders? That everyone is depending on you and you alone? That if you don't do "it" whatever it is absolutely won't get done? If so, this is the book for you. Amy Carroll & Cheri Gregory walk the reader through how to "Lose What You're Not," "Love Who You Are" and "Live Your One Life Well." With plenty of personal anecdotes, loads of scriptural references and even a bit of science this book is, entertaining, educational and enlightening. Carroll & Gregory have done a good job of using their individual voices in creating a book that emboldens and empowers the reader to make the changes necessary to live the life that their Creator wants them to live. This book works well as a stand alone personal development book however it will really shine as the basis of a small group study.
June 10, 2019
Over the course of our lives, we tend to collect a list of ideas about what we “should be doing” or what we “have to do.” Often, these lists leave us worn down and longing for space to breathe. Exhale is the book that shows you how to find that space.
Its authors, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, use candid illustrations describing their own experiences with being worn out and how they found freedom. Now, it’s clear they are on a mission to help others walk in that freedom, too.
Exhale is comprised of short, easy-to-read chapters. At the end of each chapter there is an action step, as well as a power thought to help readers, “lose who you’re not, love who you are, and live your one life well.”
Whether you’re looking for a new personal read or a book for your women’s Bible Study, I highly recommend Exhale – it’s excellent!
Its authors, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory, use candid illustrations describing their own experiences with being worn out and how they found freedom. Now, it’s clear they are on a mission to help others walk in that freedom, too.
Exhale is comprised of short, easy-to-read chapters. At the end of each chapter there is an action step, as well as a power thought to help readers, “lose who you’re not, love who you are, and live your one life well.”
Whether you’re looking for a new personal read or a book for your women’s Bible Study, I highly recommend Exhale – it’s excellent!
June 11, 2019
Amy & Cheri's book looks at common issues we have as women - being over committed, being afraid of making mistakes, being vulnerable, and trying to be everything for everyone. This book really helped me examine how I do that in my life and to replace that with recognizing who God made me to be and the life He created me to live. I have three daughters and I can see them already falling into those struggles. This book has encouraged me to call it out when I see it and discuss with my daughters the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes, identifying if expectations are legit or not, working to not be defined by relationships, setting healthy boundaries and most importantly to identify what passions they have that may be directing them in God's calling for their lives. I really appreciated this book and I know I will go back to it as a resource time and time again.
July 3, 2019
Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
What a joy this book was to work through this past month. I intentionally read it slowly to work through the process of losing, loving, and living. I think that the chapters written from two different people added much depth to the overall message. While these women are similar, there are also many differences, and I found that I could relate to different parts of their struggles and triumphs.
I think that the three distinct parts of this book, too, helped make it so beneficial. You have to work on losing roles not meant for you before you can go on to the next things that come with exhaling and being who God led you to be.
This book is out now, and I recommend it for women that are overwhelmed and need a moment of exhale.
What a joy this book was to work through this past month. I intentionally read it slowly to work through the process of losing, loving, and living. I think that the chapters written from two different people added much depth to the overall message. While these women are similar, there are also many differences, and I found that I could relate to different parts of their struggles and triumphs.
I think that the three distinct parts of this book, too, helped make it so beneficial. You have to work on losing roles not meant for you before you can go on to the next things that come with exhaling and being who God led you to be.
This book is out now, and I recommend it for women that are overwhelmed and need a moment of exhale.
June 3, 2019
To be honest, I wasn’t very sure if I would enjoy this book when I started reading it because I tend not to like books where the author changes from chapter to chapter (a change in the “voice” of the writer), but the book evolved nicely between the chapters and parts. Each chapter reads in a way that it could stand alone, so if you have to stop between chapters, it’s easy to pick up where you left off without feeling lost.
The message was a powerful one for people like me who try to be all things to all people, and there were a couple of times where the words felt particularly poignant and caused my eyes to tear. Overall, I’d say that this is a very good book - one that I’d read again more slowly, focusing on the chapters that spoke most to me.
The message was a powerful one for people like me who try to be all things to all people, and there were a couple of times where the words felt particularly poignant and caused my eyes to tear. Overall, I’d say that this is a very good book - one that I’d read again more slowly, focusing on the chapters that spoke most to me.
June 6, 2019
I had really been looking forward to reading this book, and it did not disappoint! Seeing the title and hearing what it was about, I figured it would be a really good message, and it was. Doing the “right” thing, but for the wrong reasons, is not what we’re made to do. God made us to have a specific purpose, and we are supposed to do that even if it means not blending in with what everyone else is doing.
I read this over a couple days, because it was very good and hard to put down! The writing is well done; each chapter switches off who writes it, but the book as a whole blends together well. I am going to go back through it again, more slowly now, to more fully answer the questions at the end of each chapter, and to look through the extra content I got from the website.
I read this over a couple days, because it was very good and hard to put down! The writing is well done; each chapter switches off who writes it, but the book as a whole blends together well. I am going to go back through it again, more slowly now, to more fully answer the questions at the end of each chapter, and to look through the extra content I got from the website.
June 19, 2019
From the first words of the introduction, I was certain the authors knew the feelings and internal struggles I was having - even the fact that I have difficulty sleeping at night!
In the conversational tone of friends who understand, Amy and Cheri outline a process to "move from running-on-empty to spent and content." They understand women who take on far too much responsibility for others, leading us to say far too many "yes"s.
Step by step, they lovingly show us how to let go of roles that don't fit well, take on the assignments that do fit the way God uniquely designed us, and rediscover joy and peace.
This book is a breath of fresh air, bringing relief for our exhausted spirits.
In the conversational tone of friends who understand, Amy and Cheri outline a process to "move from running-on-empty to spent and content." They understand women who take on far too much responsibility for others, leading us to say far too many "yes"s.
Step by step, they lovingly show us how to let go of roles that don't fit well, take on the assignments that do fit the way God uniquely designed us, and rediscover joy and peace.
This book is a breath of fresh air, bringing relief for our exhausted spirits.
June 27, 2019
What I most appreciated about this book was the willingness of the authors to share their own struggles. The book isn't written from a perspective of looking back on what once was because now they have total victory. It is written in a way that shares what they've learned and overcome, but also what they still deal with daily as they journey with Jesus. Their openness about how they are learning to accept themselves invited me to take a closer look at places I struggle to accept myself and how that limits my life and my ministry. Thank you, ladies! Well done.
June 3, 2019
I received a digital advance copy of this book to read as part of the launch team.
Authors Cheri Gregory and Amy Carroll bravely allow their readers to "look behind the curtain" at their own messy lives and show us through their foibles and misunderstandings what corrections we may need to make in our own lives. In each chapter they present a story from Scripture and relate it to modern day life, showing us how we can learn from the Biblical past how to live our lives well today.
Authors Cheri Gregory and Amy Carroll bravely allow their readers to "look behind the curtain" at their own messy lives and show us through their foibles and misunderstandings what corrections we may need to make in our own lives. In each chapter they present a story from Scripture and relate it to modern day life, showing us how we can learn from the Biblical past how to live our lives well today.
June 10, 2019
Thank you for giving women permission around the world to simply exhale. We aren’t meant to be all and everything for everyone. But, we are meant to serve Him with the calling and talents he’s given us. It’s ok to take a step back and reassess each item on our to do list.
“As it turns out, letting go of a dead dream can be an enormous relief.”
I received a free digital copy of this manuscript. :)
“As it turns out, letting go of a dead dream can be an enormous relief.”
I received a free digital copy of this manuscript. :)
June 22, 2019
This book had an amazing writing and compelling to read with that also will had a great story that will give you a hope and comfortable to have a life the way you should be living, to be good and doing good thing that came from your real heart and not to try to make yourself small to be fit in or convenient for everyone. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Bethany House for this review”.
June 26, 2019
It’s not an easy world, with all of the noise and distraction, to discern where God is calling you. The world can be demanding, inviting you to buy into the “lie” that you have to be who other people think you should be. This wonderful book truly lives up to the title: “Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well.” Not a book to be devoured in a short time, but better savored, pondered, internalized, re-visited.
May 30, 2019
I appreciated hearing about the topic from two different personalities, it helps remind us that while no two stories are the same, many of us share the common struggle.
I also learned about the square method of breathing for anxiety - exactly when I needed it for dealing with panic related to a phobia. Love a practical tool!!!!
I also learned about the square method of breathing for anxiety - exactly when I needed it for dealing with panic related to a phobia. Love a practical tool!!!!
January 10, 2021
I need to read this book a few more times to make sure it really sinks in. The idea that I'm loved for who I am vs. what I do is one I need to better internalize.
This book truly is a breath of fresh air. It's been a joy to work through it and I appreciate the practical approach at biblical application.
This book truly is a breath of fresh air. It's been a joy to work through it and I appreciate the practical approach at biblical application.
July 26, 2019
I did not need one more book on more things to do and this book was just the right read. I loved the process of releasing the pressure I've put on myself and living in the glorious love of God!
I love Amy and Cheri's stories. They make the principles real and realistically attainable for me. Excited to exhale and live the life you were created for!
I love Amy and Cheri's stories. They make the principles real and realistically attainable for me. Excited to exhale and live the life you were created for!
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