Fearless in 21 Days: A Survivor's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

by Sarah E. Ball

Fearless in 21 Days is a testimony of hope and a day-by-day guide to healing the mind using mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual applications for those bound by crippling fear, anxiety, panic disorders, and depression. In the summer of 2013, family and friends watched helplessly as author Sarah E. Ball spiraled into the darkest season of her life. A passionate woman of God, wife, mom of five, and popular blogger, Sarah nevertheless found herself abruptly taken captive by a severe anxiety and panic disorder that left her bedridden for months. Those around her were shocked at her fast derailment because she had always been a very strong, dependable woman. With time and perseverance, her determination and faith in God led her out of anxiety and into a place of complete freedom. After Sarah found deliverance from mental illness she was determined to reach back into the pit and pull the next person out. She began sharing the intimate details of her breakdown and recovery with her readers, creating an online series Fearless in 21 Days as a daily guide to overcoming anxiety. After the series gained an increasing amount of attention, Sarah expanded the series into an award-winning full book manuscript.In Fearless in 21 Days, Sarah takes the readers through 21 revelations that focus on healing the whole self-body, mind, and soul-and bridging the gap between effective mental health therapies and Scripture. The book begins with practical tips that can dramatically reduce the immediate symptoms of anxiety and then dives deeper into spiritual and mental truths to create a hope-filled guide to freedom from anxiety so that readers may boldly and bravely fulfill their purpose in Christ-fearlessly.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2018

Reviews

[Vinnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was God's gift to me in a season of intense pain and suffering. Aside from the bible there is no book that has touched my life in the way this one has.

In the last year I've lived through a panic disorder and beginning OCD. I prayed, cried and despaired, but my loving saviour didn't leave my side. Just before I left for Greece this August, I browsed through Netgalley for some books to read on the holiday and there one especially caught my attention. It was called: "Fearless in 21 days". At first I was hesitant to click on it. I had read books about fear and they all told me to trust the Lord and I already tried to do that. Also it said "in 21 days" … so was it trustworthy? Nevertheless I clicked on it and began reading Sarah's story.
I knew then that the Lord had given me a gift. The introduction made me tear up and I was so touched by his provision. He had given me the story of a woman who had lived through the hell, I had lived through. But he had also given me the story of a woman who had persevered and conquered. It made me hopeful. I began reading the book on the trip and several times I had to put it away, because it was so painful. But I knew it was the way to healing.
And it was.

Sarah has such a hopeful and encouraging writing style and it is exactly what people suffering from anxiety need. This book is light in darkness. It is hope in despair. It is literally life-saving.

If you are suffering from panic attacks and panic/ anxiety disorder - read this book! It helps you in very practical ways, but also in profound spiritual ways. I can't say much more - the rest is in the book. Just read it. There may be times, you want to put it away, because Sarah describes her past illness very vividly and you are reminded of your pain and it's ok to put it away for a while (I certainly didn't read it in 21 days!), but keep reading, I'm sure it will be an instrument the Lord will use for your healing.

You will be stronger after this. Believe me. I am.

Thank you, Sarah E. Ball for writing this book and sharing your story of pain and redemption, - it has been a blessing in my life in a way I could have never imagined.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Loved this book. A book that actually tells you how to move forward in God's grace when an anxiety disorder sidelines your life. Wish I could give it to the 20 yr old me and give her a hug. ❤️

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

FEARLESS IN 21 DAYS: A Survivor's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety” by Sarah Ball is an inspiring handbook for anxiety recovery. The author, a wife, mom of five, popular blogger, and woman of strong faith, suffered such a crippling form of anxiety and panic disorder in the summer of 2013 that she was rendered bedridden for months.

After she recovered she began sharing the details of her illness and healing with readers, creating an online series as a daily recovery guide. This book is an expanded version. It offers helpful tips for reducing the immediate symptoms, then explores spiritual and mental truths for healing using mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual applications. Highly recommended!

Pub Date 23 Jan 2018

Thanks to FaithWords and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#FearlessIn21Days #NetGalley

[♡ Mária]

"No jeden z najznepokojujúcejších symptómov, s akými som zápasila, bola depersonalizácia - pocit, že ste odpojený od svojho ja spojený s akýmsi prehnaným uvedomovaním si svojho ja a všetkého naokolo. Je to takmer ako pocit, že ste mimo svojho tela. Takáto depersonalizácia - aj keď nie je nebezpečná a nie je ani znakom zhoršujúceho sa duševného zdravotného stavu - bola veľmi nepríjemná. Osoba bojujúca s depersonalizáciou cíti každý fyzický vnem, ktorý prežíva jej telo. Uvedomuje si svoje žmurkanie, uvedomuje si svoje dýchanie, dokonca si uvedomuje aj tlkot svojho vlastného srdca, svoj vlastný hlas, ba aj svoje správanie. Všetko naokolo je akoby zosilnené, zvuky vystupujú do popredia, tikanie hodín je rytmické a silnejšie. Aj pachy a vône sú silnejšie. Človek výraznejšie vníma aj rôzne opakujúce sa veci - a nie vždy v dobrom - a zakrátko akoby stratí schopnosť zúčastňovať sa na živote. Stáva sa kritickým a úzkostlivým pozorovateľom seba samého."

[♛primadonna♛ · Rating 2 out of 5]

★☆☆☆☆½ stars rounded up to 2.

What was supposed to be a 21 day read turned into a 2 year read for me.
I never found myself wanting to pick it up the very next day and instead picked it up sometimes once every month or so.
Finally I decided to DNF when the author tells the reader to not practice mindfulness only prayer. I use mindfulness for my mental health, have talked to my priest about the different things that help me cope with my mental health, and mindfulness and prayer have been working for me for years. I know this is a Christian book and because I am a Christian/Catholic I decided to read it. But to tell readers that mindfulness/to empty your mind is a sin....I won't be continuing. Not for me. DNF.





Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where anxiety and depression is the highest mental health disorder diagnosed daily, Sarah Ball writes "Fearless in 21 Days" with a brave voice. She is fearless in addressing issues that are taboo in society and that people don't want to talk about or afraid to expose of their lives. She isn't afraid to get her hands messy and share about panic attacks, medication or what it takes to face crippling anxiety and pressing forward to a life of freedom. She makes no qualms about the journey, but doesn't stay stuck on the negative either. She is realistic and bold. With practical truth, tools and humor, this book is refreshing. This book will not only help hundreds, but thousands who have been held captive for so long who aren't sure how to handle their deepest wounds. Sarah has written a book that has the reader learn to live fearlessly and joyfully. Her approach is different and is one that applies to your entire being; mind, soul and body. This is a great a book and wonderful resource. I highly recommend this book and truly enjoyed it. I give this book 5/5 stars.

[Dawnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the authors for giving me a free e-copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review!*

This is defiantly a good book to read if you are suffering through anxiety and panic attacks and feel as if you might be alone with your struggles.

I loved that the author very honestly shares her personal struggles, shares how she fought and how she managed to find her way out of her panic attacks and anxiety struggles.

I do think that its not one of those books that will really help you loose your fear or overcome your anxiety in 21 days. It can defiantly help you, give you comfort and ideas on how to help you overcome your fears.

If you are someone that wants to find ideas and inspiration -as well as someone that can understand what you are going through- give this book a try.

But be realistic about your expectations about what a book can actually help.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely helpful and encouraging. This is the story and advice from one woman's experience with anxiety, so I do think it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. She is not a doctor or counselor. Everyone's story will look different.

However, it is a very practical book on how to deal with anxiety on a personal level, focusing not only on our physical and mental needs, but also our spiritual needs.

The author invites the reader to read one section per day and focus on bite-sized things that we can do to help with anxiety. Obviously, you won't be fearless in 21 days.. but will be given daily ideas and tools that may be helpful in your anxiety journey.

She shares a nicely balanced perspective of the need of working with professionals via medication and counseling while also focusing on daily habits and our relationship with Christ.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have a free digital ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I really appreciated the author freely sharing her story of her mental breakdown. She was a very overworked wife and mother who finally reached her breaking point and suffered panic attacks several times a day. In this book, she gives very practical advice on how to overcome anxiety through good advice and scripture. She has wonderful advice on how to better take care of your physical body as well as your mind, emotions, and spiritual self.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is or has ever suffered from anxiety or has a loved one who has went through it.

[natasja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight from the heart, recognisable and applicable. A book, not only for people who are depressed, but also for their environment.
A story of a woman who dares to be open and vulnerable, by writing this book, in which many women will recognize themselves. An encouragement, which can bring about a transformation, if you are open to God and His healing. Also good to read for people who have nothing to do with faith.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok this was far more preachy than i expected from the first few pages. However, regardless of one's faith and spirituality the principles are the same. Ball takes the reader through a 21 day proxess of changing habits and learning to embrace the gifts that come from anxiety, including making friends with it to overcome fear.

[Ruby Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing.

It was an uncomfortable yet very life changing reading. Thank you Sarah Ball, for sharing your testimony. Before reading this book, I felt alone to what I was experiencing; God is faithful and he is a way maker.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you fear your emotions, worry about life or panic without understanding why and what to do about it this is a wonderful read. I will always be glad I read it.

[Karen Deblieck]

Will rate shortly.

[Jonathan Puddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, holistic approach to getting free from depression and anxiety. Matched my recovery very closely. Highly recommended.

[Pía López Copetti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk for others but I really couldn’t get past the whole religious approach. I initially thought it was going to be somewhat neutral but heck how wrong I was...

[Michael Candia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of this book was good and helpful but it was lacking and boring in a few places as well. I would say it is worth reading if you struggle with anxiety.

[Angie Vallejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my “to read” list since it was released, so I was glad for the opportunity to review it through NetGalley. It was the title that intrigued me before ever learning the details of what the book was about.

It is so refreshing to see more articles and books written on anxiety and depression from a Christian point of view. Even in the church community, there is such a stigma to these mental illnesses, which becomes a secret and a hidden shame, creating a protective barrier, separating even trusted friends and family.
Sarah is very transparent in this book about her battle with severe anxiety and the medical, physical and spiritual ways in which she has overcome the worst of it. There is no sugar-coating in her unfolding of how her anxiety issues morphed into poor health, panic attacks, and the fear that she was literally going crazy.
The book is set up in 21 chapters, one chapter each day for 21 days. Each day/chapter she approaches all the aspects of anxiety – what it is, why it happens, and how to face it, along with learning how to find rest, joy and discipline in the journey toward health. She does encourage the reader to seek medical help and professional counseling.

While reading this book, it’s evident that the author “gets you” and is all about assisting the reader through the same exhausting journey that she has walked through with victory. Written from the Christian point of view, it gives the reader even more hope of healing as each of the author’s successes are referenced back to what she learned in Scripture along the way.

Especially helpful is a chapter that is written directly to a friend or family member who is walking through this storm with the one suffering from the illness of anxiety or depression. A sufferer cannot explain what they are going through, and as with depression, may often not even realize that they are having an episode of illness. This chapter gives good reference on what to look for, what steps to take and especially, what not to do or say.
While my issues don’t include such severe anxiety, this book is still beneficial to those who also may be struggling with depression or other areas of mental bondage.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearless in 21 Days by Sarah E. Ball is a guide to surviving panic attacks from someone who has lived with them. In this book, the author brings to life the overwhelming sensations of what it is like to have a panic attack. She shares what she has learned from her journey, particularly the importance of paying attention to all parts of yourself-- physical, spiritual, and mental. Anxiety in different forms is a struggle for many. This book would be an asset to anyone struggling with anxiety. In it, the author brings hope and walks alongside you, leading you to God's power and providing the wisdom she has learned on her journey. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

[CaptureEveryChapter]

I truly love this book. It is very practical. I have read books about depression and anxiety but they all deal with those feeling with spiritual healing, although that can help also but what is written in this book is a practical step-by-step solution and the fact that the author also experienced those feelings, that is so relatable. I recommend this for those who are struggling with anxiety.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I am always reading books for personal development and the title of this one drew me in. The author shares her personal story about her own mental breakdown and recovery; how tough it is being a wife, a mother, and succumbing to the strains of real life. It came out of no where for her so it was interesting how to read how she dealt with it and how she deals with it to this day. She provides excellent advice on how to deal with panic attacks and anxiety that pops up in life. It won't be fixed in 21 days (nothing ever is) but learning how to deal with anxiety and panic attacks is a good start to the rest of your life, getting anxiety under control, and living your best life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley #fearlessin21days

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book. Reading this book felt like having a best friend by my side, walking me through my daily fears/ frustrations, being a cheerleader telling me I can get through this thing called life! Ms. Ball comes at this from her own personal experiences, and has Scripture that pertain to everything she went through. What a great resource to have on one's bookcase for when one feel's the pressure's of the world! I highly recommend this book!