The Worn Out Woman: When Life is Full and Your Spirit is Empty

by Steve Stephens, Alice Gray

For the growing number of women who want to drop out because they are stressed out, this easy read provides practical solutions. Women can immediately apply these tools and strategies for limiting commitments, identifying gifts, dealing with emotions, nurturing the spirit, burying anxieties, facing the past, celebrating accomplishments, developing a support network, and protecting dreams. The Worn-Out Woman will help the reader trade in a life of running on empty for a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. She will find and recapture her passion, finally realizing the great potential God gave her.

You’ve come a long way... maybe.

“Most days I feel overwhelmed.”

“I want to run away and start over.”

“The joy and excitement are gone.”

There are more than 60 million worn-out women in the U.S. today. If you’re among them, this book will be like a retreat for your soul.

One short chapter at a time, you’ll find simple steps to bring back the joy and energy of a rich life. What’s more, you’ll finally understand and learn to manage the sources of your exhaustion—perfectionism, guilt, unrealistic expectations, and difficult people—in a healthy way.

Story Behind the Book

We have written this book because it will provide the worn out women of today’s society with practical solutions to those who want to drop out because they are stressed out. Although some of you will look for quick checklists… wanting to jump to the “just let me unclutter my life” sections… we know the value of uncluttering you heart first. For that reason, we’ve included chapters for all areas of your life—emotional, mental, social, physical and spiritual. Most other books focus on learning to say no, simplifying your lifestyle, organization, and nurturing your spirit. Our book is unique because it includes all of these but also covers solutions for the root causes of why women do too much.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Womens, Self Help, Religion, Faith

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2004

Reviews

[Latricia Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I'm learning that I'm not alone in my feelings of being tired most times. Life can do that to you. But God is our strength and He really understands. I'm also learning that I don't have to be perfect for anybody...not even to myself.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dutiful wife and mom, I found myself worn out. Mentally, and emotionally exhausted. This book helped me learn to make time for myself. Do things I enjoy even if I am alone in doing them. This book came into my life at a time when I needed it most. If you feel more of a take from your life than people giving to you, this book is wonderful for resetting those boundaries and the “how to” for making time for you.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this book from the library when life was a little crazier...but things changed and August ended up being much quieter for us than anticipated; so maybe it was just the wrong time for me to glean a new insight from this book. It is loaded with practical suggestions but felt a bit dated - 2004 was a long time ago in the tech/distractions world.

[GF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this nonfiction self help book several times, and I continue to find the narrative and guidance very helpful. The world is full of women who continually give to others and need and want to feed and nurture themselves. I like the way the book is set up with reflective questions at the end of each chapter. This book would make a good gift for others or for oneself. It also would be a good book to use for a personal workshop to use for activities and journaling.

[Patricia Miner · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have borrowed this book out to young moms as i am a grandma that is very active & i got a lot out of it even at my age of 62 i can overdo it on volunteering , taking care of everyone else’s needs & my needs & just with everyday life . I have tried for years to find balance & this book has helped me in setting boundaries & thinking of my health & happiness too ! Would recommend for anyone at any age & stage in life .

[Amy Jayasuriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think if you really take the time to contemplate the action items at the end of each chapter it will help you see ways to reduce your stress and overwhelm. From identifying ways to streamline daily tasks to lightening your mental load, if you take the actions seriously it will help in big and small ways.

[Lo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written for women whose weariness comes from busyness rather than from emotional pain. It's a good reminder on the importance on being centered in joy, purpose, and simplicity.

[Nita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it was pretty good and had some good ideas.

[Jennifer Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave me helpful ideas on how to readjust my chaotic worn out life. So much so that I bought one for. A friend in my same situation of being worn out!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like some of the insights, but overall it fid seem like common sense (sleep more, talk to friends, take stuff off your plate). There was no profound new knowledge in this book.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

read as part of a church women's weekly group. I thought it was an overall good read but light and "fluffy". I did like the scripture listed and wished there was more of that.

[Anne Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offered several ideas to help the worn out woman. The authors had some good insight and experience with women with too much to do and not enough day in which to do it. It's well written and very down to earth. There were a few little gems like "Though other people leave footprints on our lives, they don't have the ultimate power to direct our steps. No matter who has influenced your past, with God's help you have the ability to reshape your future through your own choices and through people and influences you choose to have in your life now." Overall I feel it would be a good read for a woman who feels at wits end, even if she only applies some of the offered advice, it's a start.

[Annetta Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so encouraging. The tips were helpful & very practical. When reading it, Dr Stephens didnt make me feel ashamed for feeling worn out. I didn’t sense him saying, “snap out of it”. One of the helpful themes described was journaling. I use to journal often. Really not sure why I stopped. In each chapter, helpful advice was given for whatever stage you are experiencing. At the end of book was helpful questions you could journal about. I am looking forward to re-kindling my journaling (starting with these follow up thoughts). As well as gradually making suggested changes toward a more energizing life.

[Silvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku ini saya temukan ketika saya merasa sangat lelah di tahun 2008 dan membukakan suatu kebenaran bahwa ‘tidak ada seorangpun yang bisa membereskan kehidupannya tanpa membereskan hatinya.’ Buku ini juga mengingatkan saya bahwa saya ‘tidak dapat melakukan semuanya’ dan ‘tidak perlu melakukan semuanya.’ Dalam buku ini diberikan langkah-langkah praktis mempraktekkan kebenaran, hidup dalam kesederhanaan dan rasa syukur, melepaskan kekecewaan, mendapat lebih banyak waktu, serta menikmati hidup.Isilah kembali gelas yang telah kosong dan mulai mengering, perbaharui jiwa kita. =p

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't sometimes feel like their life is full but their spirit is empty?
I really enjoyed this book and the many helpful things the authors had to say about de-stressing and organizing your life. The gentle hopeful tone of the book was encouraging and I thought it was well balanced between convicting truths and practical tips for change. It is definitely not a quick read in the sense that you'll want to muse on what they say each chapter and evaluate changes you may need to implement in you life.

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I picked this up at the airport when my Nook battery died and I was over 5 hours delayed heading back after a week-long business trip. I was definitely in "worn out woman" mode. The first several chapters amazed me as they described my situations and tendancies very well. It's like they read my mail. I enjoyed reading this, because it met me right at my point of need in the moment. Although some of the practical tips are a bit hokey (make a pillow or bookmark,) some are very helpful reminders. I especially will continue to work on getting to more Simple Living.

[Suzan Oktaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setiap kali membaca satu bab singkat ini , ada langkah-langkah sederhana untuk menghadirkan kembali sukacita dan energi dari sebuah kehidupan yang kaya. Buku ini mengajak mengelola sumber-sumber kelelahan menjadi kesempurnaan, perasaan bersalah, harapan-harapan yang tidak realistis, dan orang-orang yang sulit dengan cara yang sehat.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the book, but it really didn't give me any great insights or tell me anything I didn't already know. The authors have a comfortable writing style, and it has a few good passages. I liked that the "Something to try" at the end of each chapter included a variety of items, which means that different people could try different suggestions.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that was both encouraging and full of practical advice of little things to do to help balance a schedule or relieve stress. A lot of was just reassurance in the space/time that I need, my desire for a simpler life, and some of it was new ideas to help achieve a lack of stress. I'm looking forward to applying some of the principles/ideas in the next few months.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. Full of practical tips and strategies to renew and revive your spirit and your life. I refer to this book again and again. This book offers hope and help for those who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Written as though you are chatting with a friend, The Worn Out Woman is a great resource.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading The Worn Out Woman. There were times when I wanted to stop reading and be alone and drink a tea and talk to someone. While I know the concepts of simplicity, I think that this book serves as a great reminder for any woman with responsibilities! At the end of each chapter, there are questions for reflection, so it's like a workbook! I would read this again.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most women will not learn anything new from this book, however, this advice taken to heart could change their lives. Practically written, this book provides hope and help for a woman who needs to be refreshed. I look forward to discussing this book in a group setting this summer.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's another book on learning personal boundaries and dealing with priorities vs saying no to things that tie you down.
It's an easy read and quotes a lot of outside sources and other authors.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great book to read with good ideas to get back on track

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women seeking balance and renewal will find good advice and topics for group discussion here. Offers both "hope and help" using compassion and inspiration.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just o.k. The topic of each chapter was interesting but I tired of the fact that each chapter was a list of things to think/do.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually don't like the title. I do like the part about developing your God given talents.

[Dian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bagus banget buku ini^^ I give 4 stars..

[Dana Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to help the weary woman. I actually liked it very much.

[Elizabeth Boring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved. I refer back to it often