6 Books To Read When Discovering Your Purpose
What are we here for? During the hustle and bustle of life, it's so easy to forget that we're all here for a reason. I know for me, the word "purpose" can get so intimidating that it creates pressure to discover what ours actually is, instead of realizing that we could very well be doing it already.
It's almost like clockwork to find ourselves comparing our lives and destinies to others in hopes of trying to pinpoint what we're meant to do. If you're on the path to self-discovery, or on the search for your purpose, these books could help you put the pieces together.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
'The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?' by Rick Warren
This is a classic and will always be an oldie but goodie. It goes beyond providing you with suggestions of what your purpose could be and encourages you to answer thought-provoking questions to make sure that you're living life driven by your purpose and not something, or someone, else. The bonus is that it has 40 chapters, one for each day, so you don't get overwhelmed or stagnant.
'Be Unapologetically You: A Self Love Guide for Women of Color' by Adeline Bird
Sis did something special with this one. It can be so easy for us to apologize for being amazing, strong and bold, and to just wish that we were something or someone else. I love this book because it pushes us to be our best selves, and to do it unapologetically. It inspires readers to dismiss the excuses and start making moves toward what we really want out of life. And it all starts with self-love. If you're on that journey, this is a must-read.
‘Crushing’ by T.D. Jakes
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Grab a tissue and get ready to discover what you were created for. T.D. Jakes shows us in such a compelling way how we can use life's biggest disappointments, setbacks and unexpected curveballs to our advantage. Through the pruning process of letting our disadvantages make us better, we have the potential to unearth not just the purpose of things that could have knocked us out, but the reason for our life in general.
'Girl, Wash Your Face' by Rachel Hollis
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It's no secret there can be a ton of mess and detours on this path of self-discovery and uncovering our purpose. This book by Rachel Hollis literally clears out all of the mess and makes room for who we were created to be. It speaks on 20 lies (many that we've already told ourselves) that have kept us from living our best life to the fullest, and then unearths the truth of who we really are, preparing us to embrace and use the abilities that we truly possess.
‘The Purpose Room: A Meeting Place Where You Discover, Birth And Accomplish Your God-Given Purpose’ by Heather Lindsey
Sometimes the question isn't what our purpose is, but how we're going to get there. The journey doesn't necessarily get easier just because we know where the finish line is; but this book motivates us during the race when we might be tempted to ease into another lane that's not meant for us. It encourages readers to stay the course in every stage of our purpose from discovery to fulfillment and beyond.
‘Restless: Because You Were Made For More’ by Jennie Allen
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I can testify that this book lives up to the hype. I borrowed it from a friend years ago and I'm ashamed to say she has yet to get it back. The book itself empowers us to not just recognize our gifts and passions but to use them daily, realizing that we have them for a reason. Whatever it is you feel that you might be missing can be discovered through this book. Plus, there's a workbook that helps us tap into our purpose in a way we can't deny.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
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4 Millennial Women of Color Talk Finding Their Purpose
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage