Exhale
Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well
About
Move from running-on-empty to spent-and-content.
Exhale is for the woman suffocating under the pressure of being all things to all people; of filling every unfilled spot at church, work, and home; of trying to do it all right, make decisions that benefit everyone else, and keep everyone happy.
Rather than adding more to your to-do list, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory show you how to
· lose the ill-fitting roles you've been trying to fill so that you can be lighter and freer,
· love your truest, God-created self with all your glorious gifts instead of trying to shove yourself into a mold, and
· live your one and only life in a way that you know truly matters.
This isn't a time-management book filled with how-to lists and calendar tools. Instead, it walks you through a process that releases you from the things that have created unbearable pressure. Then you'll be able to live the combination we all long for: fulfilling the desires of your heart, loving your people well, and bringing glory to God.
Live the life you were created for.
Amy Carroll is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of Breaking Up with Perfect, and a cohost for the podcast Grit 'n' Grace. Amy and her husband live in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Find out more at www.amycarroll.org.
Cheri Gregory is a frequent speaker and the coauthor, with Kathi Lipp, of You Don't Have to Try So Hard and Overwhelmed. She's also a contributor to the (in)courage Devotional Bible. She lives with her family on the central California coast. Learn more at www.cherigregory.com.
Endorsements
"Freedom. That is what I am beginning to grasp. Through the reading of Exhale, I found myself sensing new freedom in my life as I began to put into practice the principles Amy and Cheri lay out so clearly. I'm taking new steps toward losing who I'm not, loving who I am, and living my one life well thanks to this book! I'm so grateful for it!"
Lynn Cowell, Proverbs 31 speaker; author, Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures
"In a culture saturated with pressure to always do more and be more, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory offer a different way. Like fresh air to women who can't catch a breath, Exhale lifts the burdens you were never meant to bear and then infuses your day with compassion, wisdom, and practical steps to live your one life well. This book isn't one more to-do; it's permission to do less."
Michele Cushatt, author, I Am: A 60-Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is
"With hard-won wisdom, authenticity, and hearts for the truth of Scripture, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory deliver an approachable empowerment to spiritual and emotional growth. In these pages discover that you're not alone, change is possible, and hope can infuse your present and future life. A well-written, practical book."
Mary DeMuth, author, We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis
"Exhale feels like a good friend who just walked through the door and invited you to rest. That friend knows how tired you are, how exhausted you are from trying to be all, do all. I love how gentle and funny and wise this book is, and I highly recommend it to any woman needing a deep, refreshing breath of clarity."
Suzanne Eller, international speaker; bestselling author; cohost, More Than Small Talk podcast
"Amy and Cheri are the wise friends who have been there and who will take you by the hand, fix you a cup of tea, and share just what you need to hear to begin a journey of empowerment to finding your fullest life in Christ. You are created for less--less worry, less self-judging, and less second-guessing. You are also created for more--more joy, more happiness, and more fulfillment. Exhale is a beautiful guide, full of wisdom and grace, to a better you. I can't wait to read it again!"
Susy Flory, New York Times bestselling author; director, West Coast Christian Writers Conference
"Take a deep breath. You officially have permission to stop being 'Super Woman,' doing all the things, and instead bask in exactly who God has made you to be. In Exhale, Amy and Cheri have given us a precious gift. It's the gift of Bible stories showing us what pieces of ourselves we can ditch, practical advice on how to ditch them, and the beautiful hope that emerges in us when we allow God to transform us. You do not want to miss this book. Every page is like a breath of fresh air."
Maria Furlough, speaker; author, Breaking the Fear Cycle and Confident Moms, Confident Daughters
"Have you ever suddenly realized you're holding your breath? Your stomach is tight, your shoulders tense, your smile forced. Then, whoosh, you breathe and everything changes. This book is like that for a stressed-out woman's heart. You read and everything changes."
Holley Gerth, bestselling author, You're Already Amazing
"This book is the breath of fresh air we've all been longing and looking for. If you're feeling burned out or overwhelmed, Exhale will show you how to leave your frazzled ways behind to embrace a life of fulfillment and freedom."
Lauren Gaskill, founder and president, She Found Joy; author, Into the Deep: Diving Into a Life of Courageous Faith
"Amy and Cheri shine here. Their conversational style makes this a breeze to read, yet the impact is life-changing. How many women do you know who truly celebrate--and steward--how God made them? Want to become that woman? Then Exhale is a must-read."
Lisa T. Grimes, coauthor, Remember Who You Are; managing director, Habergeon
"I know what it's like to be so exhausted from trying to meet everyone's expectations, so stressed by circumstances, and so beaten down by problems and people that simply breathing feels like a challenge. Exhale is a book I so could have benefited from during those trying seasons. Amy and Cheri's tips and encouragement help us all learn to breathe again as we discover how to rest in who we are and whose we are, so we can fully embrace and enjoy the life God has given us."
Tracie Miles, author and Proverbs 31 speaker; director, COMPEL Training
"Maybe you long to lay down heavy burdens or embrace the future with hope and optimism. Exhale will serve as your friendly and practical guide. It's time to step out into the life you were meant to live."
Arlene Pellicane, speaker and podcaster; author, 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife
"Hey, you. The one gripping your list, making your plan. Worrying, stressing, and wondering how you'll ever please everyone and get it right. Aren't you tired of holding your breath? Aren't you ready to exhale? With humor, kindness, vulnerability, and joy, Amy and Cheri pack each chapter of this book with precious and powerful insights from God's Word, along with tender guidance on how we can exhale, move forward, and breathe."
Shannon Popkin, speaker and blogger; author, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible
"Carroll and Gregory pour out hard-won wisdom like a balm for dependable women. Through candid stories, pivotal observations, and aha moments, Exhale delivers clarity and assurance. Breathe deeply of God's love and walk confidently, with purpose, as you interact with this gold mine of goodness."
Katie M. Reid, Bible teacher; author, Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done
"Amy and Cheri are the friends I wish I had in my real life--the kind who love you enough not to leave you in the pit and who offer a hug as they help you navigate your way forward with practical tools, simple swaps, and honest encouragement."
Crystal Stine, speaker and blogger; author, Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life
"Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory use their personal experiences to expose the common potholes that trip too many of us on our journey to becoming and appreciating who we are. Their understanding and helpful guidance will add chuckles and insights to improve your trek and keep you on track."
Debbie W. Wilson, cofounder, Lighthouse Ministries; author, Little Women, Big God
The Authors
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Amy Carroll
Amy Carroll is a speaker and writer from Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of Breaking Up with Perfect, and a cohost for the podcast Grit 'n' Grace. Amy and her husband live in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Find out more at www.amycarroll.org.
Continue reading about Amy Carroll
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Cheri Gregory
Cheri Gregory is a frequent speaker and the coauthor, with Kathi Lipp, of You Don't Have to Try So Hard and Overwhelmed. She's also a contributor to the upcoming (in)courage devotional Bible for women. She lives with her family on the central...
Continue reading about Cheri Gregory