Every woman should allow themselves the opportunity to rest, reset, reflect, and renew any area of their life that serves their purpose. When the load gets heavy, and you feel like you’re doing it all, it’s okay to give it a rest. If you’re still striving to become the best version of yourself but something isn’t working, it’s okay to reset. When you finally get to where you’re going and can say, “Girl I did that”, you won’t be afraid to reflect on past struggles because you’ve reawakened as the renewed and empowered woman you were always meant to be.
If you’re looking for a blueprint, here is a list of empowering reads by women with relatable experiences that can show you how to control your narrative, find your freedom, trust your gut, give a little attitude, and remember why you’re doing it in the first place.
Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble by Deesha Dyer
“Our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared.”
-Deesha Dyer
Without credentials or connections, Deesha Dyer landed the role of a lifetime as the White House social secretary to former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. How often is a regular ‘around the way girl’ with no political background given the opportunity to intern at the White House? Battling with imposter syndrome, negative self-talk, and finding her place in the world, Deesha invites us on her unique journey of overcoming self-doubt, learning to appreciate her authentic self, and proving to the world nothing is out of reach for a dreamer.
Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative by Keke Palmer
“Don’t be afraid to bring all your talents to the table, because the only thing too much is the limitations we place on ourselves.
-Keke Palmer
Award-winning entertainer Keke Palmer blessed the book community with an experience we’ll never forget. With raw humor and authenticity, Keke talks about how she learned to be the master of herself and control the narrative of her life so no one or nothing could have power over her. She’s honest about her personal struggles and takes ownership of the boundaries she didn’t set that influenced her actions and some for those around her. Throughout the book, you’ll be presented with affirmations, prompts, and questions to guide you through your own personal challenges. Master of Me empowers readers to harness their vulnerability, accept nothing less than what they deserve, understand self-awareness is power, and learn how to become the master of their own life in all aspects.
Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Chronic Stress, and Find Your Freedom by Jasmine Marie
“It’s never too late for you to choose a new story of who you’ll be and how you’ll show up in the world.”
-Jasmine Marie
The power of breathing never felt so good. Jasmine Marie was in her therapeutic bag when she created this guide for Black women. Offering you the power of breathwork and the nature of slowing down and turning inward, Black Girls Breathing will help you uncover hidden traumas, bottled up emotions, and discover how stress can impact your mind, body, and health. If you’re looking to reconnect with your body, give yourself permission to rest, or heal from chronic stress, allow this book to be your guiding light to rebuilding a sense of self.
Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Tunde Oyeneyin
“We have to be in the driver’s seat of our own lives. Whatever it is that makes you want to hide, you have two choices—learn to love it or change it. We can’t let fear steer our course.”
-Tunde Oyeneyin
Delivering a motivational masterpiece, popular Peleton instructor, Tunde Oyeneyin’s self-help memoir will leave you feeling inspired and seen. Broken down into the SPEAK an acronym for Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge, Tunde talks about her personal experiences with body image, failed relationships, building self-confidence, never accepting failure as an option, and learning to transform grief so you can live a life with purpose. Speak sends a powerful message letting readers know to never give up on themselves. If you’re not satisfied with your current situation, speak up for what you want otherwise, you’ll never receive what you desire.
Black Chameleon: Memory, Womanhood, and Myth by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
“It is easier to forget what you cannot see. It is harder to sell what is already damaged.”
-Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
Playful but incendiary, this is an engrossing memoir like nothing you’ve ever read before. With the use of Black girl magic and a mythological approach Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton explores themes of womanhood, family, motherhood, growing up Black in America, being the daughter of a preacher, and the harsh realities for Black women. Like Mouton, you may be in search of a story you can connect with or to find someone with a shared experience. Allow Black Chameleon to help you find your place in the world and live in your truth.
How do you define living a life of confidence without compromise?
For me personally, living a life of confidence without compromise means I’m doing what I want, when I want, and how I want regardless of what anyone else thinks. I shouldn’t have to change or conform to someone else’s expectations to feel valued or accepted. I’ll never settle for anything that doesn’t serve me or aligns with me living in my truth. I’m always going to show up for myself whether there’s ten people in the room to support or simply just me.
