Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You

by Janell Rardon

As a trauma-informed professional life coach, Janell Rardon spends a good deal of her day-to-day work with brokenness--broken families, broken relationships, broken hearts and souls. In response to the pleas of her clients, she developed a set of emotional health tools that help them repair the broken parts of their lives. In Stronger Every Day , she shares those powerful tools with you.

In this heartlifting book, she helps you to
- transform pain into meaning
- experience secure attachment with God
- shape healthy thoughts
- shift from shame to self-compassion
- practice healthy assertiveness
- set mental and emotional boundaries
- understand triggers and defense mechanisms
- regulate emotional highs and lows
- cultivate healthy human connection

With inspiring Scriptures, quotes, prayers, personal stories, and case studies, Rardon sets you on the path of emotional health so that you can be stronger than ever--every day.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2021

About the author

It's true. At age 50, I took a literal and figurative daring leap of faith and returned to school to get my Masters in Counseling (2012) and Board Certification in Professional Life Coaching (2014). Upon graduating, I opened my private practice, The Heartlift Practice, (Virginia). In January 2021, my newest book, "Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You," (Revell/Baker Publishing Group), is launching into the world. Yes, during a global pandemic. I believe timing is everything and that this book is RIGHT ON TIME. It is filled with an energizing, empowering, emotional and mental health BOOST. In 2017, "Overcoming Hurtful Words: Rewrite Your Own Story" was released and continues to be a relevant resource, as well, during these difficult days. I can't wait to serve as your very own professional Heartlifter and walk alongside of you on your emotional health journey. Visit me over on www.janellrardon.com and subscribe to even more FREE RESOURCES! I can't wait to connect.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tone and vibe of this book through the author's voice. She speaks as both a therapist and friend, with words that are full of hope, encouragement, and assurance. She believes in you and knows you can do it. Something unusual that I haven't encountered in other nonfiction books is the prayer guidance she provides. It feels like she is praying with and for the reader, offering specific phrases and thoughts to bring your prayers to a deeper level. The tools in the book are pertinent and will develop a strong foundation for healing and building. The metaphors for life that the author expounds upon are easy to relate to, for me especially the ones centered around home renovation and gardens. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone, but especially those looking to heal, grow, improve, or make changes.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Kat Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. It was like Ignatius, Brene Brown and Ruth Haley Barton had a baby that became an LPC and life coach.

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the strain on our mental health this past year, we could all use some help in becoming emotionally healthy. Reading the beautiful language in Stronger Every Day, I feel renewed and ready to take on the process of using the 9 Tools in this book. Though it appears to be a self-help book, it is so much more. Using the Heartlift Method, the author shows us how to create a life filled with meaning.

The Heartlift Method is “a threefold cognitive, emotional, and spiritual healing process that involves reflecting, reframing, and reauthoring your history of hurts into a vision of victory.” The author does talk a great deal using terms that are new to many of us. She provides a glossary to help, because we can always learn better with true understanding.

I love the Resources that are scattered throughout the book. As she discusses studying the book with other women, there is a link to her website with resources to make that easy and more thorough. She shares many emotional journeys and travels that influenced her in her walk with God. She teaches about the importance of relationships and the community of Christ. I plan to read this book again, using some of the author’s resources to learn all apply all of the 9 Tools in my personal life.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Angela Kreais · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book goes with multiple other sources including a 21 Day Heartlift Journey email. I decided to read the book along with the suggested author's daily messages. This was a little encouragement and a scripture with a prompt to find 3 ways to add positive things to your day. I did enjoy the 3 weeks of emails. They were quick ways to set mind and heart intentionally on scripture and the journey to being Stronger Every Day.

I definitely did a lot of journaling while reading this book. I highlighted scriptures in my YouVersion Bible app and wrote them down in my notebook scribbling the daily affirmations. I BELIEVE in speaking life but it just seemed so hard to do lately when talking about myself. Stronger Every Day did help me focus more positively on what I really want in life right now and giving me the push to admit what I do not and remove it.

One thing that frustrated me was it’s not a straightforward book. The author references her website for additional information: resources, ideas, audio but the website didn’t make it clear to locate and the search function wasn’t very helpful. It’s a little frustrating and making for slow progress. May be more helpful to instead have a companion journal with additional information. When the author tells you to listen to this audio clip on a website, look up this quote, create a list, write down a different narrative, et cetera, I did! It took a lot longer to get through than I had planned. Maybe this isn't the right time to try to read it, especially since I'm really busy and mentally overloaded until April 15th.

I put in the work, I did notice considerable benefit, but it took a lot of effort.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bringing together her professional experience and personal stories, woven together with quotes and resources (chief among them, the Bible), author Janell Rardon shares nine tools - and the various practices around them - that have proven helpful in building emotional strength for her and her clients. With an overarching concept of what she terms a “heartlift,” Rardon lays out the basis for these tools, with an emphasis on faith and taking both the soul and practicalities into consideration.

While the ideas around these tools for emotional strength are interesting – and could such a book be more timely? – they sometimes felt overwhelmed by stories and other sources being quoted. This is a book to sit with, to examine and work out how to personally apply these tools for emotional strength. Recommended with the suggestion to seek out a sample to read and determine if the writing and the approach suit you and your situation.

This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own, honest opinions.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past year has really had many suffering with their Emotional and Mental Health. I know of a few friends and family members who have had Mental Health issues prior to COVID and they are really struggling right now.

Stronger Every Day by Janell Rardon is a Christian Self Help Book that encourages and gives sound advice on those who are struggling Mentally and Emotionally. Janell Rardon is Trauma-informed therapist, author and Professional Heartlifter.

Our household struggles with Anxiety and Mental Health issues all the time, especially my 18yr old son. I found this book helpful and gave me some insight on how to help him when he is in between Therapy appointments. The author has 9 tools for healing which include:
-transform pain into meaning
- experience secure attachment with God
- shape healthy thoughts
- shift from shame to self-compassion
- practice healthy assertiveness
- set mental and emotional boundaries
- understand triggers and defense mechanisms
- regulate emotional highs and lows
- cultivate healthy human connection

The book is divided into Sections and Chapters. Each Chapter focuses on one of the Healing tools. Scripture and Personal Stories related to the Healing tool. There is also thought provoking questions, prayers and affirmations including in each Chapter.

I really gained a wealth of knowledge from reading Janell Rardon's Stronger Every Day book. I felt that it is extremely encouraging and really makes the reader deep think about their own situation. The personal stories help the reader know that they are not alone with battling Mental Health Issues. Janell Rardon does a WONDERFUL job at writing a book that is much needed in today's society. I highly encourage this book for anyone who is suffering from Mental Health or has a family member who could use this encouragement.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janell Rardon's Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You might be just the book of tools you need to heal, grow, and make progress. Written from a Christian perspective, Rardon utilizes the imagery of a tool box and presents to the reader 9 tools for healing: Meaningfulness; Secure Attachment; Cognitive Reframing; Self-Compassion; Healthy Assertiveness; Spiritual Growth; Memory Reconsolidation; Emotion Regulation; and Human Connection. We might be familiar with many of these on the surface, but in each chapter, the author unpacks definition, life effects, and issues we may have. And then, she gives many helps to build healthy and healing in our hearts and lives.

I truly found pathways to healing as I read Janell's book. As a book lover myself I so appreciated the literary references (and the psychological ones) that helped divulge more meaning to each chapter. I learned about CBT (finally! after hearing about it for ages!) and understand a process for it. I learned how to connect emotional responses with thoughts and bring both into a place of truth. I learned about healthy attachment and how to pursue it and build it in myself. I loved Janell's focus on extending compassion to ourselves, and learning to recognize my own limiting beliefs. I learned about emotion regulation, and why unhealed trauma can try to freeze us where we stand and keep us from moving forward. Sometimes, we have to learn to get out of our own way.

Prepare for an intense, gentle season of healing with this book. Take time with it & do the work. You will be thankful you did...and healthier at the end of it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger Every Day by Janell Rardon combines Christian spirituality with modern mental health practices. I currently see a therapist once a week and we explored together the material presented in this book. In both our opinions, the content is solid and healthy.

I found Stronger Every Day by Janell Rardon immensely helpful as I continue to navigate my post-trauma life and strive to grow emotional healthier. The introduction presents Janell Rardon’s ideology and specific “Heartlifting” practices. I loved that crafting a vision for victory sits at the start. Once I began this book, I spent greater time with my journal, writing out my thoughts, experiences, and questions.

Following the introduction, each chapter presents one emotional health tool (secure attachment, cognitive reframing, healthy assertiveness, etc). The chapters begin with an explanatory portion that includes stories, Scripture, and examples. The final three parts of the chapter are loaded with specific intentions: envision, educate, and establish. These sections include various responsive prompts: prayers, affirmations, reflection questions, journal prompts, etc. With gentleness and care, the author encourages the reader to consider thought-provoking questions (which led to more journaling for me). Stronger Every Day requires mental effort and time investment, but I found the rewards worthy of the effort.

I recommend Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You by Janell Rardon to anyone who want to improve his or her mental and emotional health.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger Every Day was a literal toolbox of helpful information in dealing with the different situations you experience in life. I loved her personal stories and how up front and honest she was, it made the book more authentic. The 9 tools were broken down and explained in easy-to-understand ways with nuggets of truth and different ways to stop and reflect on the application of the tools to my life personally.
Oddly enough one of my favorite passages was on page 100. In it Janell Rardon gave voice to one of my biggest questions in life, “Where is God story for my life? How do I know that I am following it?”. Her explanation and examination in that chapter helped me better understand the answer to that question and I so appreciate it!

This book was beautifully done, and I really enjoyed taking the time to read Janell Rardon’s insights. I am looking forward to seeing what other topics she writes on. 4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read the book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Valerie HappiestWhileReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the cover to the final page, Stronger Every Day shares the message that we can heal even though we are broken in mind, body, and spirit. Life coach, speaker, podcaster, and author Janell Rardon provides nine tools in the framework of Envision, Educate, and Establish to help Christians heal from emotional trauma. After the past 12 months, I think most of us could benefit from some emotional restoration.

In her writing, the author is incredibly vulnerable, sharing deeply personal experiences that are effective in illustrating her messages. This book is well researched with extensive footnotes available for further reading. I appreciated that several sources I respect were cited including Brene Brown, Ian Morgan Cron, Bessel van der Kolk, Richard Rohr, the Enneagram, and most importantly, the Bible.

Reading a non-fiction book of this type via ebook makes it difficult to make notes and fully appreciate charts and diagrams, so I recommend reading a paper copy. While I appreciated the concepts, I found it challenging to resonate with some of the terminology used consistently throughout the text.

Janell Rardon's passion for helping people and families live richer, fuller lives is genuine on every page. Readers who seek healing from emotional trauma will be well served by the practical principles and exercises in Stronger Every Day.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Blessed & Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger Every Day is a great source of inspiring and practical tools for the Christian woman in search of healing and restoration. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique blend of scriptural insights and psychological techniques to help identify our emotional shortcomings and work to improve our emotional health. This book leaves you feeling empowered and capable of implementing the author's suggestions into your own story.  
I especially enjoyed following the narrative of the Samaritan woman and her life-changing experience with Jesus. I gained new insight on how this Sunday school favorite can apply to my life and the burdens I carry. Although I was saved several years ago, I found myself craving that living, transforming water again. 
I feel this is a book you will come back to many times. Don't forget to highlight the parts that speak to you the most--I know I have quite a few!
Be prepared to be honest with yourself and to commit to changing your thought processes. A healthier emotional state is in your future!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely different than I expected it to be. It was a thought out guideline to healing and spiritual growth that my spirit has been craving and needing. The author's insight and experience helped put perspective to things we probably all experience in some way or another while walking you through how to change our thinking and adding inspirational heartfelt prayers to draw us closer to God and healing.

[Cara BookShelfMomma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy taking bits and pieces from different self help books. As a mother who has had post partum in the past and with the current pandemic and date of this world it is important to really to take care of my emotional health. When books like this line up with my Christian faith that is the best!!

This author shares with you a Christian perspective and gives you 9 tools to help you get ahold of your life. I appreciated the scripture and the prayers. But when she puts in her own personal stories it felt more relatable than other “self help” books.

This is a “tool” I will keep on my shelf and reference back to for a long while.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! There is a lot of great stuff in this book.
This is the kind of book I read slowly so I can think through each chapter and begin to apply it to my life. No matter where we are in life, the outlook of getting stronger every day is wise mindset and the way to a better tomorrow.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the last year that we have each had... strong is perhaps the least accurate description to describe what we are feeling about ourselves right now... and that is perhaps just why this book is so very needed! Stronger Every Day is like strength training for the soul, and that's something we can all benefit from. It gives us 9 practical tools to help us better our emotional health. It does so through a well-written blend of scriptural and faith based messages with personal stories and professional case studies and knowledge. While it is still personal, that professional aspect of it really makes me feel like she truly knows a little something about this, and perhaps we as readers should take note! I think this will appeal to a variety of readers capturing both those who prefer the more practical application type of books and those who prefer more personal stories.

I must admit that when it comes to nonfiction, my mind can tend to wander a bit more than it does with fiction. As such I always appreciate when a book's format helps better keep me on track and I felt this one did. Throughout there were a lot of bullet points, tables and even graphics that helped to keep things organized and to keep me focused. I truly appreciated that.

Overall, this was a very informative read that I believe many of us can benefit from.

**Complimentary copy received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever stopped to think about the wonder of how God made each of us? From the way every organ in our body works together to keep us alive to the way our minds work to our emotions, God put every detail in place.

And the enemy will attack wherever he can, whether it be in our health, or emotional state, or in our minds. In Stronger Every Day, Janell Rardon gives readers practical and tested ways (tools) to combat attacks on our well-being.

Using a combination of personal stories, scientific research, and Scripture, Rardon fills our toolbox, so we can repair the damage done to our beliefs about our selves and our emotions. Whether you are battling pain, shame, guilt, or loneliness, this book will encourage and equip you to gain more emotional strength…every day.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[aviva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger Every Day : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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This book is so timely ! A source of inspiration and practice tips for any woman Desiring healing. I love that this book has biblical/spiritual techniques and psychological tips because we need both.
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This book is very empowering and encouraging . After each chapter You are left feeling motivated and strengthen to not only face your struggles head on but to face the enemy and his tactics. I love the biblical stories that are intertwined throughout , the author gives you a fresh look at these moments and how the same work Jesus did back then he is still doing it today.
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This is the refreshing that I need, to take me back to that place where I first met Jesus, to actively pursue a relationship with him. Just as the woman at the well, I want that life giving water , that no one but Jesus can give.
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Thank to the publisher for the free copy of this boom. All opinions are my own.

[Nancy Larimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Stronger Every Day# is by Janell Rardon. This book is a nonfiction Christian living book. Janell is an author. She is also a trauma certified life coach , an educator. She has a website, blog and does podcasts. She is very personal and helpful. Her book is a wonderful resource to heal brokenness. She speaks from her heart. These strategies will help people cope with their areas of pain and trouble. Her strategies will help with reader: transform their pain into meaning, experience secure attachment with God, shift from shame to compassion, practice assertiveness, self regulate , set boundaries. She shares her personal stories and includes her helpful strategies. This book is a helpful resource for any Christian. This book is a rich resource for any counselor. I like the way she includes Christian principles with her strategies. Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. This book will give people strength and renewal in these difficult days.

[Keabetswe Sithole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Janell writes with this warmth and it's comforting, you can feel when reading that she really wants to see you get well. I appreciate this book. And will be using the tools to become more emotionally well. A 5/5 for me. Highly recommend ❤️

[Amy Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stronger Everyday by Janell Rardon explains the author’s Hearlift Method as a way to deal with emotional traumas. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in this book. I didn’t feel like I got much of anything out of it and felt like she was constantly pushing you to go to an external resource.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

[Bon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chock full of great ideas, helps, and encouragement. I have several ‘favorite’ take-always from it, like the poem, “Come Sit by the Well.”

[Veronika Vetter]

very academic. i understood what the tools were but was unclear on how to apply them to my own life. maybe better understood when partnering with a counselor/therapist to guide.