Hello 2023 I come in peace, and Happy New Year friends!
With a new year comes resolutions, and the thought of change. I think collectively we want to evolve as people, and become better versions of ourselves. So, this month I wanted my first blog of the year to be centered around change and growth. I am sharing my top books for transforming your mindset, routine, and perspective on life’s circumstances.
Book 1: Woman Evolve
By: Sarah Jakes Roberts
Let me start by saying Sarah Jakes Roberts lets us into her mind, and allows us front row seats to the vulnerable parts of her past. She reminds us to not be defined by our struggles, mishaps, or disappointments while integrating the story of Eve from the Bible. Sarah highlights the challenges that Eve faced while having to rebuild her life from a place of shame, a narrative that I think many of us know all too well. Her story telling offers us empathy for Eve and in turn ourselves. Sarah’s examples hook you, page after page. This book offers understanding, hope, faith and improvement into how you perceive yourself. If your past is still haunting you Woman Evolve will truly whip you into faithful shape, and you will no longer define yourself from the mistakes of your past.
Book 2: Atomic Habits
By: James Clear
Atomic Habits teaches you practical ways to build a better routine. When you are struggling with change, this is the book that will help with building a regimen that can change your life. What I learned from James is that the goal is to get a little better with each day. Personally, I love to learn, but when you have to set aside time after a 40 hour work week it almost seems impossible. So every morning before I start my day I use my Duolingo app, and do one lesson of Spanish, that’s it, that’s all (it can be as little as 3 minutes long), and as of today I am on a 76 day streak. I am learning slowly, but it is allowing me to stay consistent. In Atomic Habits, habit tracking is discussed, along with how it initiates a trigger to another action (i.e. after I use my app a fire emoji pops on the screen with the day of the streak which makes me want to remain consistent, and I believe I will). James discusses ways to eliminate procrastination, reveals how you can achieve more while putting in less effort, and offers so many more enriching tips to kick your routine into high gear. It is an eye opening read, laced with beautiful everyday examples to change how we approach life.
Book 3: Bamboozled By Jesus
By: Yvonne Orji
Prepare to be inspired, and reminded that timing is everything. Standup Comic, Actress, and Author, Yvonne Orji, takes us on her journey towards success and personal growth, as she weaves in bible stories to fit current themes in life. We get an inside into the ups and downs of dating, school, work, and taking the plunge to turn a dream into reality. Yvonne humorously nudges us to not get stuck on roadblocks and failures, and invites us to see it as redirection. Bamboozled By Jesus wonderfully reminded me that my plan is not God’s plan, but when my thoughts align with God’s that is when the magic happens, and when life seems to get better than what I could have even imagined for myself. This book is a reminder to take chances, to believe in ourselves, and to trust in God, all with the added bonus of laughing page after page.
Current Reads:
Book 4: Finding Me
By: Viola Davis
Finding Me highlights how despite life’s traumas, let downs and struggles what is meant for you will always be for you. Viola Davis has beautifully allowed us into her world, her inner child, and journey towards growing into the wonderfully made, beautifully, talented woman that graces Broadway, the television, the silver screen, magazine covers, and her own book! Reading about how someone has overcome so much sh*t, personally puts me in a place of hope. Viola Davis’ story lets you see that your current situation is most definitely not your final destination. Her story lets me know that hard work does eventually pay off, that it helps to bet on yourself, and to take a leap of faith and see what happens. This book shouts out, “You are more than your circumstances, if you simply allow yourself to see you as more!”
Book 5: 100 Days Of Believing Bigger
By: Marshawn Evans Daniels
100 Days Of Believing Bigger is a devotional journal. Each day starts with a bible verse, and a passage pertaining to the verse. This is followed up with a question that you answer, and ends with a prayer for the day. My friend and blogger, Tiffeny Rena gifted me this at the perfect time! Now, I am not usually into journaling, but I absolutely appreciate this journal, it has helped me to refocus, release negativity, and direct me towards faith. You will come to recognize some truths you may not want to be aware of, but truths that allow you to move closer to your purpose, because I believe that we all have one. Since I started the journal I have written in it every day whether I do it first thing in the morning, or the last thing before I head to sleep. It sets a hopeful tone for the day, and provides me with the much needed reminders that I need. I am currently on day 75, and I am looking forward to what will be revealed by day 100!
Evolving isn’t easy, it takes acknowledgement, hard work, commitment, and consistency. Don’t get bogged down by the setbacks, keep moving and grooving until you are at a place of peace and living a life that you deserve. I hope some of these books resonate with you as they did for me.
Friends let’s make 2023 a year of healing and change!
Peace out for now.
Your girl,
Gabrielle
Didn’t even know Viola had a book. Definetely looks like a good read.
Oh it is soooo good, I just finished it Sunday.
Thanks for sharing your top 5 books ,just finished Woman Evolve I found this book full of knowledge and will be revisiting it again. I am now reading BAMBOOZELD By Jesus thanks again
Such an amazing book!
As always, Your very wise and such a blessing too many at such a beautiful time in life. Your beyond your years young lady lady. Bravo