3 Books that Changed my Life

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I use to be an avid reader, then nursing school happened. Up until roughly a year ago, I was not reading consistently for leisure. I started focusing on myself and knew the biggest contributor to my growth would be books. I started compiling my list of “to read” books. It was just at the time that I decided to try my hand at new things-business ventures and a relaunch of my blog. My optimism led me to seek mentors (known and unknown). One thing was true between them all. They all made book suggestions and plenty of them. It became clear to me that I would need to get back into reading primarily for knowledge and motivation.

I discovered a blog about books by a beautiful, black queen named Keira. I don’t remember how I even stumbled across her page. She’s an avid reader and essentially allows you to be able to purchase books through her site. She had compiled a list of must-read books, and I took to the list searching for each book present. If I was able to borrow the book from the library, that’s what I did either via book or audiobook. Did you know that you can borrow books through your local library system that you download to your device of choice? Can we say game changer? That has made all the difference for me as I’ve journeyed back into the land of reading. Visit her site here and get some recommendations of your own.

Now let’s discuss a few books that I’ve read this year and what I took from them. They were all easy reads and are books you could finish within a week if I’m being honest.

Did you know that, apparently, 85% of millionaires read two or more books per month? If your goal is to ever be better than you currently are, reading will become one of your newest pastimes. One of my 2020 goals was to read at least 1-2 books per month. I didn’t start out strong but found out that audiobooks work for me due to the busyness of life. I’ve read several books that were very impactful this year but for the sake of time I’ll include 3 today.

1) Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

This book was great at fostering a change in negative self talk. I remember reading this book and thinking how she hit every nail on the head. This book is motivation to chase your dreams and not let your past dictate your future. I interact frequently with women who are notorious for discussing their shortcomings and not celebrating their accolades. Accolades don’t have to be monumental to be celebrated. Girl, we have to start giving ourselves credit.

I’d recommend this book if you need a reminder that womanhood isn’t easy and that you don’t need to be perfect. Perfection doesn’t exist anyway, right! It’s a book that will give you perspective if you’re at a place where you’re you need a reminder that things can always look up. It can be borrowed from the library or purchased here.

“Girl, Stop Apologizing” is the next book in the series. It’s on my “to-read” list for 2020. Purchase it here.

2) Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry

So I have to be honest here. I felt that I read this book too late and that it should have been read 5-10 years ago. Reading it then would’ve aided in making better financial plans and decisions. If you’re not financially savvy or could use some education in basic finance knowledge, I highly recommend this book. This book discussed everything from credit scores to student loans to basic investing. This book was a game changer for me. It made do a complete overhaul of my finances.

I’ve always been a saver but was also a heavy consumer. I had convinced myself that it was okay to blow money as long as I saved some. I can assure you that the road to wealth isn’t through consumerism. This book was a reminder that living paycheck to paycheck was unacceptable and that financial literacy should begin in youth.

I, unfortunately, know many millennials that are financially struggling whether it be from student loans or simply poor financial decisions. I stand firm that finance needs to be at the top of everyone’s goal list. Go here to read my previous post where I touch on financial goals. You’ll see this book referenced there as well. Did I say that this book was a game changer? Oh ok. Moving on then.

3) You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

I don’t quite recall where I got the referral for this book but I’m so glad I read it. During 2019, I began to take a hard look at myself and my circumstances. I was making a decent salary but felt I had nothing to show for it. Not being able to account for your money is never a good thing. It is known that people with money can find themselves “broke” and that’s where I was. I knew that I was in need of a mental overhaul to began shifting into the life I desired. Yes life was good but I wanted more. I was striving for greatness.

Jen Sincero’s “You are a Badass at Making Money” is a book, like “Broke Millennial” that was a game changer simply to how you look at money. The book teaches you that you are entitled to having more and gives you tools to learn how to manifest your desires. This book will not tell you how to make money but will shine light on the way you see money. Understanding your relationship with money will absolutely help you have more of it. If changing your relationship with money is a goal, purchase this book here.

As stated in the beginning, I’ve read a lot of amazing books in the past year. A couple others include New York Best Seller’s “Becoming” by Michelle Obama and “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown. I won’t ruin these amazing books for you, but I stand firm in putting them on the read-worthy list. Get your copy here and here.

For the past few years, every year my goal had been to read one book per month and I failed miserably at it. I couldn’t understand how people were reading 1-2 books a week. Was I that busy? Probably not. I’m learning to prioritize knowledge building and self-improvement, and now I’m able to get up to 3-4 books in a month. While sometimes you have to read for fun, remember to incorporate books that light a fire in you and make you want to be a better version of yourself. You couldn’t possibly regret it.