Thank you to everyone for your AMAZING support of the launch of my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. Your encouraging emails, comments, and reviews has blessed me so very much.
I loved this email that I received from a reader:
I thoroughly enjoyed the sample chapter from your new book, Crystal, and I was elated when my copy arrived just one day after the launch! However, over and over I see reviews written from Type A, over-achieving, busy-loving, and chaotic-enduring moms.
I’m not one of them. I am introverted, am constantly turning down “opportunities,” and am already trying to live a minimalist-style schedule. Even so, your book is for people like me, too!
We were hit hard last year with financial strain, three life-changing medical diagnoses, and a new baby (he is a blessing!), all while home schooling, living in a high-cost-of-living area, and sharing a single car despite being a 6-member family. On top of that, we’ve had to squeeze in multiple ER visits, several hospital stays, and numerous doctor’s appointments. To say that we’re in survival mode right now is an understatement!
Your suggestions to develop simple routines, to set goals and evaluate ministry opportunities in light of our future ambitions, and to admit to personal failures in an effort to improve are all very valuable, even to someone like me who is not currently bogged down with sports involvement, Bible study participation, or many other good-but-not-best endeavors.
Thank you for sharing your heart, for being honest with us (LOVED the part where you secretly wanted a pat on the back for your Supermom efforts!), and for your encouragement to thrive instead of survive, no matter what our current stage of life may be. -a reader
If you haven’t ordered your copy yet and want a sneak peek at the contents of the book, you can download a free chapter here. In this chapter, I share:
- A little background on why I wrote this book
- My own personal spiral to hitting rock bottom
- The words my husband said when I was in the pit of despair that changed my life
- Why I stopped using my personal Facebook profile
- The importance of creating a Personal Priorities List
- The four C’s to creating margin
If you haven’t ordered your copy of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode yet, you can order your copy on Amazon or through many other retailers here.
Melanie says
Wow! I’m so happy to read this review. I had ordered the book and I am slowly working my way through it, but I was struggling for a little bit, because I really felt the same as the reader in the post, as I have discovered I’m so much more of an introvert than I used to think.
I’m halfway decent at setting goals and have achieved a few major ones in my life, so sometimes it feels like I’m halfway between survival mode and the life I really want to live.
One thing that I was super surprised to discover because of reading the chapter about priorities, is that there is a huge difference between things I enjoy doing and things I do because I take pride in doing. For instance, cooking! I’ve been stressing myself out for over a year now trying to become a “real-food” cook, but the truth is, I do.NOT.like to cook!!!
On the other hand, I love to sew, knit and do handiwork. I LOVE it and it makes me happy, leaves me fulfilled and relaxes me. However, I never take time to sew. Why? It has a lot to do with the fact that it doesn’t really seem to do others that much good, or not as much good as it does me.
So, I do what I take pride in doing, cooking, because it will do others good and to be quite honest it totally makes me feel like I have something to offer that people want, but I enjoy and love sewing.
In her book, Crystal talked about not letting the expectations of others or what I think I *should* do influence my priority list. So, thanks to Crystal and Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, I realized that I am going to be re-working my time and priorities to allow for some sewing time!!!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for sharing this… such great thoughts!
Carrie L says
I’ve hesitated buying your book for three reasons – 1.) I, too, have wondered if this is more for just extroverted, over-achiever types. I’m a SAH, homeschooling mom of 5 with a full plate just homeschooling!! 😉 I’m somewhat organized, but not great at goal setting. This may sound silly, but I’ve been slightly afraid that reading this book will make me feel like I’m not measuring up. I know – that’s the whole point of the book, right?!? (Told you it was silly)
2.) My dh will not be on the same page. He is not a goal setter at.all! I don’t like getting all psyched up about something just to have him rain on my parade. He won’t do it on purpose… he just won’t see it like I do.
3.) I’ve gotta save up enough Swagbucks! 🙂
I am very excited for you, Crystal! You are a huge blessing to me and many others!
Crystal Paine says
I’d love to send you a copy. Can you email me your mailing address? [email protected]
And thank you for your sweet encouragement!
Pamela says
Just got notice that my library accepted my request and is purchasing your book! Looking forward to reading it 🙂
Crystal Paine says
YAY!!!
annie says
another type B, introvert here too!
love jennifers’s story!
mariah says
After reading the first few chapters I’ve gleaned a lot. I’ve learned not to compare others goals when I’m setting my goals. After a few days of stewing on it, I keep noticing what a “keynote” habit would be in my life and which ones I really need to implement. I’m SOOO thankful for this tip. I’ve learned SO much more, but I don’t want to give away all the tips in the book! I can’t wait to finish it. 😀 Thanks Crystal, I think you’re right that this is the message women need. I am the non-busy, introvert that tries to have a minimal schedule and home atmosphere. I agree with the readers’ words about the book being relevant to us too!
Brittan Macdonald says
I just read a review about your book in the newspaper (the Deseret News) and immediately ordered it. I can’t wait to read it. I also just discovered your blog and am so looking forward to progressing as a wife and mother and as a disciple of Christ. Thank you for your work and counsel!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much!
Jennifer says
I could not agree more!!! I have been reading MSM since Jan 2010, and I have wholeheartedly followed much of your advice already! I am currently a working, single mom (but your blog has followed me from being a student, graduated, opening a home daycare, and then closing it and moving to a school, then getting an office job (pension and employer paid health insurance! Amen!). I have kept things simple, since my life has been hectic. In 2011, I started goal setting. In 2012, I started Project Life and a reading list (those were big blessings, because in 2012 I closed my business and ended a relationship – hard times!!). In 2013, I kept planning, budgeting, reading, taking pictures, making time for God, and loving my life. I honestly, truly, do not think I would be where I am today if it was not for Crystal. I am a 29 year old single mom (my little guy is 6) with two savings accounts, several years worth of pictures documented, a simple, organized home and routines, a menu plan, envelopes in my wallet. I am at a better place in my life than so many people in “better” circumstances… But that’s the thing Crystal says ALL THE TIME: do what you can, with what you have, when you can.
So, I did. And, it changed my life.
Jennifer says
Oh, my whole point was to say, even though I am a long time reader and implementer (but NOT naturally organized), I was blessed by the book too. 🙂
mariah says
you give me hope! I haven’t had it nearly as rough as you, but we have moved 9 times in the past 10 years…across the country 4 times. I was 18 were I married and had 3 kids within a 3.5 year gap. I have felt like I’ve been surviving, just barely, for so long. I’m just starting to read this book. I have hope for it to get better soon.
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} I just prayed for some encouragement for you today.
Crystal Paine says
WOW! This comment just blessed me more than words can say!
I am so proud of you, Jennifer. You’ve been through a LOT and yet you’ve not become a victim of your circumstances but a VICTOR in those circumstances. You are an inspiration!
Megan says
Totally agree. I bought the book (and read it in one day!) and I was apprehensive that I wouldn’t get as much out of it because I too am an introverted, slow-paced, schedule-more-empty-than-full type–but I’m also a super unorganized type, and it’s been a huge help to me in that regard! I think anyone who needs improvement in finding structure and purpose in their life will glean a lot from the book.
Crystal Paine says
I am so very grateful! Thank you for your kind encouragement! This comment really blessed me!