Unglued

Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions

by Lysa Terkeurst

4.7(3,395 ratings)

13 min read

Brief overview

This book explores how to handle frustrating situations without letting emotions run wild. It offers relatable examples of both messy and calm reactions, and shows a step-by-step way to replace guilt or shame with practical hope. By embracing small yet meaningful changes, readers discover growth, a steady reliance on faith, and real transformation in everyday relationships.

Introduction

Have you ever felt on the verge of an emotional meltdown over something as simple as missing car keys or a lukewarm cup of coffee? This introduction explores how these stress points reveal deeper issues within us. We often feel guilty about snapping or see ourselves as forever bound to strong reactions.

Here, we begin to see there is an invitation for honest self-reflection. Rather than ignoring or justifying our raw emotions, we can start a journey of recognizing them as alerts for growth. This book calls that process “imperfect progress.”

Imperfect progress means taking incremental steps to respond differently—shifting chaos into clarity and frustration into maturity. It is about gently chiseling away old habits while allowing faith and perspective to reshape our day-to-day responses.

Above all, this journey involves hope. No matter how often we’ve lost our temper or stuffed our feelings elsewhere, there is a new way—a way of grace, where genuine change and forgiveness are possible.

Even the most chaotic moments can become stepping stones toward calm and growth.

Understanding Raw Emotions

Raw emotions are those sudden flashes of anger or worry that catch us off guard. Sometimes it’s not the big crisis but rather a missing shoe, a rude email, or a careless remark. These daily irritations may seem harmless, yet they can stir up unresolved stress.

We often define our reactions in two broad ways: *exploding* or *stuffing*. Exploding is the outward blast of words, tears, or anger. Stuffing is the inward press of disappointment or bitterness. Both can harm our well-being if they become patterns.

When we explode, we might regret our words the moment we say them. But when we stuff, the weight of unspoken hurt can pile up and produce resentment. A big step is simply noticing these tendencies and acknowledging them without shame.

Understanding how your heart handles stress is the first key to choosing a different path. There is no need to pretend. We can start small by pausing—catching that nagging feeling before it hijacks our reactions.

Looking to dive deeper into Unglued?

Download our app to unlock every key idea and gain full access.

What is Unglued about?

"Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions" by Lysa TerKeurst is a compelling guide that navigates the turbulent waters of emotional reactions. This book delves deeply into the everyday triggers that lead us to explode or silently seethe, offering practical spiritual insights for managing these raw feelings. Central to its message is the notion of 'imperfect progress', a gentle yet impactful approach to personal growth. By focusing on consistent small changes and embracing faith, readers learn to replace their emotional turmoil with hope, clarity, and constructive action.

The author presents refreshing perspectives on the nature of emotions, encouraging readers to view them as tools for growth rather than obstacles. Through relatable anecdotes and spiritually grounded advice, TerKeurst illuminates a path toward transforming relationships with oneself, others, and God. Each chapter holds transformative lessons that underscore the power of consistent, small steps and the grace-filled possibility of change within everyday life.

Review of Unglued

"Unglued" stands out as a beacon of emotional wisdom and practical spirituality. Lysa TerKeurst's writing effortlessly marries humor and humility, creating an inviting space where readers feel understood and encouraged. The book's key strength lies in its relatability; by sharing authentic personal experiences, TerKeurst compassionately addresses common emotional trials while providing viable alternatives for improvement.

The insights offered are accessible yet profoundly transformative, with immediate real-world applications. From devising response templates to understanding communication styles, each takeaway is actionable and designed for sustained progress. Yet, what truly differentiates this book is its emphasis on incremental change, fostering hope rather than guilt, and grace over condemnation. The writing style is digestible, ensuring broad accessibility, ensuring readers from various backgrounds find it engaging and enlightening.

Targeting individuals seeking emotional maturity within a faith context, "Unglued" serves as a roadmap to more nurturing relationships and healthier self-dialogue. Through vivid analogies and gentle guidance, the book offers a sanctuary for those yearning to move beyond past patterns of emotional upheaval. It comes highly recommended for anyone looking to transform emotional responses into intentional actions, cultivating a more vibrant and spiritually anchored life.

Who should read Unglued?

Professionals seeking improved emotional intelligence to enhance personal and workplace interactions, enabling them to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Parents exploring ways to manage stress and communicate effectively with their children, fostering a nurturing and peaceful family environment.
Faith-driven individuals looking to deepen their spiritual practice, drawing on religious principles to guide emotional responses and make wise decisions.
Individuals dealing with relationship challenges who wish to develop healthier communication habits and establish stronger, more empathetic connections.
Personal development enthusiasts keen on self-reflection and growth, especially those committed to the ongoing process of replacing negative behavior patterns with intentional, fulfilling actions.

About the author

Lysa TerKeurst is a renowned Christian author and the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with over 6 million copies sold across her 21 books, including "Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions". Lysa has extensive experience in biblical studies, spending hours each week with theological experts and having studied in the Holy Land. She is also a featured keynote presenter at numerous events across North America and has appeared on the Today Show multiple times.