Try Softer Book Review: Embrace Rest and Connection in Life’s Busyness

The book Try Softer was extremely helpful for me as both a counselor and a person. I’m sure you all have heard the phrase, “try harder”. This is a slogan I often heard in my life during my youth specifically in sports and in the classroom. It often makes me feel more overwhelmed than motivated. Don’t hear me incorrectly, I believe hard work is essential in almost every part of life. You’re probably reading this after a hard day’s work of school, parenting, job, sports, relationships… fill in the blank. I believe this book provides a way to work harder toward rest in your heart and soul while continuing on your daily rhythms. This book beautifully provides both practical therapeutic ways to lean into rest while also including a Christian perspective in each chapter. This book reminded to be kind to myself in the busyness of life while also resting in the God of the universe.

At the end of each chapter, there is a reflection that you get to partake in to take steps into a life of connection and joy. My favorite reflection that I did came after chapter one which set me up well for the rest of the book. The reflection asks you to make a timeline of your life. You then, write down the bigger moments or themes then the ordinary ones, marking losses, accomplishments, best days, and transitions. When I participated in making the timeline, I personally began to register and reveal parts of myself that were overlooked and invalidated! I found how important it is to slow down and remember to make meaning of my story and put Christ back in the center. I would recommend trying this exercise when you have a moment to take a break and try softer.

This book covers how our brain reacts to stress, trauma, attachment, boundaries, resilience, and much much more! If you are starting up the school year coming from summer already feeling burnt out, grab a copy of try softer! Finally, if you need an ear and heart to listen, I would be honored to jump in on that journey with you!

This book covers how our brain reacts to stress, trauma, attachment, boundaries, resilience, and much much more! If you are starting up the school year coming from summer already feeling burnt out, grab a copy of try softer! Finally, if you need an ear and heart to listen, I would be honored to jump in on that journey with you!

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