“This was the worst garbage. I picked this up as an audiobook to listen to. Her voice is exceptionally annoying.” This was one of many similar reviews of my second book. While there were lots of kind reviews, all I could hear was that I should not ever narrate an audiobook again because my nasally voice irritated people. I was embarrassed that I had ever considered doing it myself. So guess what I did? I told my publishers that I didn’t want to narrate my third book and they hired a professional voice artist to record it. Over the past 5+ years since my third book came out, God has done a lot of life-altering work in my heart. He’s helped me to stop living my life to please, appease, and perform for others. He’s taught me that I don’t need to chase after the approval or affirmation of others. That I don’t need 5-star reviews or glowing accolades to be enough. I am enough in Him. He loves me for exactly who I am because of Whose I am. And I can stand confident in Christ and live as loved, because I am already pre-approved by Him. And that’s why I stopped letting negative reviews stifle me in insecurity. Maybe my voice isn’t professional voice actor level, but I’m not going to let that hold me back from sharing the message God has laid on my heart through live video, Instagram story, and podcasts. I want to improve and grow and work on honing my craft, but I’m not going to sit around and wait until I can please everyone to show up on video and podcasts. Because if I wait until I can please everyone, I’ll be waiting the rest of my life. Recently, I had the privilege of recording the audiobook for my soon-to-be-released book, Love-Centered Parenting. As I spent hours behind this mic, I felt such quiet confidence, passion, and excitement for this message... and such gratitude that I no longer have to live in fear of what others will think. I am loved by my Heavenly Father and that is enough. Period. This week on the podcast, Jesse and I sit down and have a conversation where I share more about this journey and why I'm not living in dread of the negative reviews I know will be coming for my new book. If you've ever experienced negative reviews or critical comments of any kind, I think this episode will encourage you. Plus, we also talk about the Bible reading plans we are using right now, a 5-star book I recently read, being the parents of a newly-16-year-old, and a tip from one of our listeners on jalapenos. In This Episode: [01:10] We are now the parents of a 16-year-old. What?? [03:03] Some quick tips to make jalapenos less spicy from one of our listeners. [05:19] The She Reads Truth/He Reads Truth Devotional Bible plans are saving our lives. [10:51] I’ve been reading Something Needs to Change by David Platt. [13:05] Learn more about the 10-day challenge that I ran for becoming a happier mom. [14:56] We are talking about negative reviews. Learn why! [17:37] Why I looked at the 1-star reviews of my past audiobooks. [19:58] It’s so important for me to realize that we can’t please everyone and that’s okay. [22:44] Don’t make it the goal to offend people but know that you aren’t for everyone. [23:47] What to do when you get negative feedback. [27:15] Negative reviews also do their job in keeping you humble. Links and Resources: She Reads Truth He Reads Truth Something Needs to Change by David Platt 10-Days to Be a Happier Mom Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List MoneySavingMom.com My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!) Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected] Our Sponsors:* Check out KiwiCo and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://kiwico.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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