Book fits the bill for this frazzled mom

I have read a lot of books over the years about being a better mom, loving yourself, getting control over your life, etc.

I just wish I would have read “Replenish: Experiencing Calm and True Vitality in Your Every Day Life” by Lisa Grace Byrne when I was in the early stages of motherhood with a 1-year-old and newborn. I wish I would have had her suggestions, calming words, and insight 12 years ago. But, I have them now and even in this stage of my life, these were just the words I needed to hear.  I am completely out of the diaper, night-time feeding stage of motherhood but I am smack dab in the middle of crazy schedules, teenage angst, and sibling squabbles. I am a “yes” person who has over-committed herself, and most days I can't see the end of the tunnel.

No matter what stage your life is in, this book can help you. I remember being so worn out and sleep deprived and frustrated that it overshadowed the fun times we had. My husband told me a story just the other day from when the boys were little and I was shocked because I didn't remember a second of it. After reading this book, I realized my brain was so overwhelmed that it had shut out those memories and that makes me sad. What else have I forgotten?

For new moms and those in the toddler stages of motherhood now , there are so many ways to connect and get ideas as to how to mother. Some of those are great and I wish I had been exposed to them, but others can force us to live up to unreachable standards or ones that don't apply to us. Pinterest, Facebook and mommy blogs can be a great source for ideas, but comparison and one-upping will only send you drowning in a sea of media imposed expectations.

This book does none of that. Byrne has been there. She's been depressed, has not showered for days, yelled at her kids, lived off sugar and caffeine and has come through the other side and you can too. If you can relate, keep reading.

Lately, I have been feeling more and more overwhelmed and anxious over the things I am committed to, our schedule and the numerous tasks I need to get done around the house. I have actually felt my chest tighten and a headache growing as the anxiety inside was brewing. I knew that I needed to find a way to handle those internal feelings, but I didn't know how, until now.

As I read, “Replenish,” I felt like the author was taking the words right out of my mouth. Things like, “I love being a mother. I just hate living the life of a mother sometimes.” Or, “Most days I'm just putting out the fires as they ignite.” I knew she was going to understand my struggles and get me on the right path.

Byrne covers seven core essentials that you need for your well-being: a calm mind, controlled thoughts, healthy nourishment, restorative rest, joyful movement, quiet, and true connections. By filling your tank with these seven core essentials, you will be able to give more of your true self and have a higher capacity to get things done with more concentration and energy.

The tips and directions in this book at the time can seem like such a simple idea, but the impact of truly implementing them into your routine can be life-changing. Just by reading this book, I felt like someone understood me and could truly grasp the scattered and at times, frazzled life that I lead.  If you are connecting at all with what I am saying, I have absolutely no doubt that you will benefit from parts, if not all, of this book. Every core essential is broken down with the “Why You Need It” to the “How to Get it and Keep It” as part of your daily routine. It couldn't be more simple and refreshing to implement these into your life. You can start receiving the benefits immediately.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, frazzled or just simply need support, this book will fill your heart and mind with a peace that will allow you to move forward, feeling nourished and nurtured.

Stacey Gorkow review books on her blog: Sincerlystacie.com. She lives in Benton County with her husband and three children.