I felt stuck. Maybe paralyzed. The walls were closing in, but they weren't moving.
This is the feeling I had five years ago working in Corporate America. Three months before this moment, I was working in the front office of an NBA team, but what once was a dream job quickly turned sour. A year later, I was fired.
My mama isn't Oprah and I had less than $100 in my bank account. Money needed to be made and quick, so I started working for a financial institution. In my isolation, I began to think. Sheesh, what am I going to do with my life? I didn't want to chase the executive suite in the sporting world anymore, and this job wasn't cutting it either.
Purpose. A buzzword you hate to hear when you feel that you don't have your life together. But it became the quest that changed my life forever. The journey started when I began reading books. I used to get thrown off because there were few authors that looked like me or could relate to me as a black woman. I began to find different authors, and it opened my mind to set me on a journey to inspire others through writing.
Though you might think pursuing your purpose or finding meaning in life is a complicated process, these four black women have written books to help you figure it out:
1.'Don't Settle for Safe' by Sarah Jakes Roberts
Chile, our big sis (in our heads) snatches our edges with this one. Oftentimes we are afraid of risk, which keeps us from pursuing our purpose. In this book, Sarah challenges us to move beyond our comfort zone and go after the dream that God placed in our hearts.
2.'Successful Women Think Differently: 9 Habits to Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient' by Valorie Burton
Purpose starts with your mindset. If we don't believe our dreams will ever become reality, they won't. Valorie, a life coach, interviews women who were just like you. She shows what difference the mindset makes and how to develop the transition to achieve success in your life.
3.'The Roller Coaster Effect: How to Turn Your Fear Into Fuel, Your Passion Into Your Purpose, and Enjoy the Ride of Life' by Jasamine Hill
It's crazy that the moment you decide to pursue your purpose, fear and doubt show up out of nowhere. That duo is enough to make you run the fastest you can in the opposite direction. As a life coach and founder of The Fear Hurdler, I used my wittiness and story-telling abilities to help you uncover your purpose, conquer your fears, and live the life you always dreamed of.
4.'Believe Bigger' by Marshawn Evans Daniels
How do you rebound when the life you planned goes to shit? Marshawn illustrates how she bounced back from a unexpected blow that led her to her life's purpose.
Well sis, there you have it. No more excuses. Pick up one of these great books and get your life together.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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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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