Member Reviews

It's the one question that someone can ask that can go in so many different directions, and with so many different responses. This book could be useful for some people but may be too much for others. Personally I thought this book was a bit too much for myself.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This book is great, but in my opinion, is not for everyone. Since it has some heavy topics and if the person it's not ready to heal or talk about those situations it could be painful. So my advice: Be honest before start reading the book. Debra Fileta opens up and talks about her own experience from a painful situation that triggers unexpected anxiety attacks and some other situations she mentions through the chapters. Divided into four parts, this book is meant to be read slowly, to take time, to work on each chapter, and not rushing. In part one she talks about emotional health and how that impacts everything we do, the importance to recognize patterns in our life. In part two she talks about spiritual health and how my view of God shapes the way I view and treat others. My favorite and the one I found most surprising was part three, mental health, and here she explains about cognitive distortions and how is necessary to see the truth from lies. In chapter eight she demolishes the myth and lies about anxiety and depression. And finally, but least important, in part four she mentions the importance of physical health and the need to set healthy boundaries in the different areas of our lives determine the cost over the sacrifice that will mean to you or your loved ones. In the last chapter or epilogue, which is a name 365 days from now she mentions the importance of taking a stand and a firm decision on taking the right steps to be healthy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy for review, all opinions are my own.

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I have read a number of self help books on well being. This one may very well be the best I've seen in a while. It is very informative and is written with compassion and insight.

Fileta covers all aspects of being, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical, because they all work together. She helps us investigate the influence from the past, how we understand our identity and relationships, identifies cognitive distortions, writes on trauma, and much more. I appreciate her strategy of calling us to awareness first, taking inventory, and then intentional living, giving practical ideas and strategies. She includes insightful and thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. This is a book to work through, not just read. You'll need a journal or notebook as Fileta prescribes lots of writing.

One surprise for me was about emotions. Being in tune with our emotions is not something we are born knowing how to do. It is a skill we must learn. Fileta suggests using the tool of expressive writing as a practical way of developing the skill.

Fileta writes in a very personal way. She shares many of her own experiences, such as her struggle with depression and the trauma of a miscarriage. Her openness is encouraging, convincing this reader to be better at not hiding behind just saying I'm OK.

This is a book for Christians who are not afraid to get pushed out of their comfort zones. Fileta asks us to get out from under the facade and be honest with all aspects of our lives. She asks us to stop pretending because we are Christians and we are supposed to have it all together. If you are ready to get below that facade and work on your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health, grab a journal and get to work with this book.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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Debra Fileta is a licensed counselor who has released this book at just the right time! After the happenings of the past few years, the title of this book is very appropriate. I appreciate that Fileta included so much Scripture in her book and made it very personal. In this book, she discusses the importance of being healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This was an easy read and one I would suggest to anyone who is having a difficult time.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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I have read Debra Fileta’s other books and I appreciate her approach to bettering oneself. Unfortunately, the church as a whole has only recently started accepting therapy as a valid path to wholeness; many Christians don’t understand that you can’t just pray away your pain, or anxiety, or depression. As a Christian therapist, Debra offers practical steps to figuring out what went wrong, how to identify your feelings, and how to move forward.

This book offered a some really good resources and helps guide you through a plan to start a path of healing. Each section delved into a different area: emotional health, spiritual health, mental health, and physical health; and each chapter had journaling questions to help you reflect on what you may be feeling.

I think this book is a great introduction to mental health for someone that may be hesitant to find a therapist, especially if they come from a religious background.

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- Synopsis: In this memoir mixed with third person accounts, Christian counselor Debra Fileta breaks down the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of depression and anxiety.
- My Thoughts: As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, and who is a Christian, I liked the mix of both medical and spiritual guidance. However, I did feel that this book was a little wordy in regards to the details in the personal accounts.

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