So I've shared before and said that I have a solid support system. There's people who hold me together and keep my life together who I am superbly grateful for. That circle is expanding and for that I'm grateful. But besides my pipos, I have books.
There are a few books which I call revision books. Here are my top four and the key things that stood out for me. I regularly go back to these and re-read, re - highlight and remember why I liked them the first time.
Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In
It still dazzles me sometimes that I report to Sheryl's org especially because of how important the book Lean In has been to my life. Gifted by my BFFE (Best Friend Forever and Ever) EST '98 on graduation day.
Sheryl essentially seeks to encourage more women to stay in the workforce and how to find a way to do life and work together.
As you may appreciate, we've discovered that work anchors me and Sheryl speaks about careers being a jungle gym, not a ladder. Sometimes you have to take turns, steps down and unconventional routes; but unlike what we like to think, life isn't linear. There's no one way to do life and Sheryl speaks to that. MDQ speaks of the possibility of two things being true at the same time.
Being an avid planner and overthinker, I like how Sheryl says, don't leave before you leave. While the context is in relationships and work, I find this relevant for life. You're always aiming for the next thing, looking to take down the next goal, forgetting to be present and appreciate where you've come from. How far you've come. How much progress you've made. She says,
“Anyone lucky enough to have options should keep them open. Don’t enter the workforce already looking for the exit. Don’t put on the brakes. Accelerate. Keep a foot on the gas pedal until a decision must be made. That’s the only way to ensure that when that day comes, there will be a real decision to make.”
Can I add, options are everything! Having options is a privilege and you should not take it for granted. Options also comes from having levels of your Maslow needs sorted out.
P.s. If ever in doubt, pick the one that gives you more options.
Oprah Winfrey's What I know for Sure
I'll be honest and say, this one wasn't bought with me in mind. But I got it from my personal person as she had to join a call during our burger date, rude! (hehe!) But she eventually willingly gifted it to me.
In this book, Aunty Oprah speaks about how she's written the piece 'What I know Sure' for O Magazine for years - every single Sunday. Each section is focused on introspective reflections on what she knows for sure and it ranges across several themes including : connection, resilience, joy, clarity, power etc. An absolute phenomenal and impactful read.
On presence, Aunty Oprah says,
I hope you aren't so wrapped up in nonessential stuff that you forget to really enjoy yourself - because this moment is about to end.
Christine Hassler's Twenty Something - Twenty Everything
I gifted this gem myself when I turned twenty five because I thought wow, quarter life crisis, wharrizthat.
The book is divided into three key subjects: The Twenties Triangle, Building a Secure Foundation and Relationships and Career During your Quarter Life. There's a list of several exercises that require introspection and reflection. This, is great for building self awareness and gaining clarity of mind. It makes wading through life much easier because you know exactly who you are, what you want, what you like and what you aspire to.
I'm a heavy highlighter especially when the words speak to me so you can only imagine how hard it is to pick a key quote from all the highlighted segments, but here goes.
We can remind ourselves that just making the best decisions that we can every day is good enough. If we stop, take a deep breath and check in with the present moment more often, a lot of the knots in our stomachs will loosen.
Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes!
My close friend gifted me this in early 2017 and the book changed my life. It is my all time most favorite book and most gifted too, just because, I LOVE THIS BOOK!
let's start with a disclaimer, even before I got the book I loved Shonda. I'm one of those people who love Queen Shonda. In her book she speaks of church of Oprah, I speak of Church of Shonda. I love Grey's Anatomy, still do. My favoritest bits of the show are the opening and closing monologues! I just feel like they speak to me and at times would even speak to whatever situation I was going through in life, as in! You see why the memoir would easily be my fave.
Anyway, Shonda decides to say yes to everything she is asked to do in that year and records the happenings through this read. She goes through the motions, makes note of what needs to change and documents her Yes'es.
She speaks about ALOT that I resonate to around introspection, getting help, building a support system, being introverted, being your own sun, being FOD, place of work in our lives and perfectionism. But this quote, this one is my all time fave.
“I'm not merely lucky. No one who succeeds is merely lucky. Lucky implies I didn't do anything. Lucky implies something was given to me. Lucky implies that I was handed something I did not earn, that I did not work hard for. I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don't call me lucky. Call me a badass.”
Parting Shot
I deeply believe that there is nothing new in the world. You just need to ask someone who's gone through it before, listen keenly when older or more experienced people speak or pick up a book on it. I love and have loved these reads because they resonate with me so deeply and personally.
I've been watching the latest Love is Blind season and beside all the 'What!!'s' I have, I also like how they blend in the right lyric of the right song at the right time. I'm not huge on music as some of my peoples but I am a sucker for goof RnB and Pop Rock. Especially when the lyrics hit right.
I recently re - listened to Avril Lavigne's Head Above Water and remember listening to it last year during a difficult time. It is great to see how impactful music can be and how it can resonate with what you are unable to vocalize.
No experience is wasted. - Me
Have a great week y'all! And a Happy New Month! 2/12 done✌️