Slay: Killed it. Succeed in something amazing. (urban
dictionary)
In a world where the #BeyHive reigns supreme; everyone wants
to possess the superpower to SLAY. Whether it’s informing your hairdresser to
slay your hair to the Gawds or with a new dress from Forever 21; the objective
is always to kill it. With our careers, business, relationships, and
spirituality hold no exception to this rule.
When we pick up a book it allows us to stretch beyond our
current knowledge and begin to think out of the box. As an African American
woman it seems to be more challenging for us as we have to fight against BOTH
minorities (woman and ethnicity). Many of us want to SLAY throughout our life
but have no idea of how to start. Well girl here is the ammo to slay your
year…I mean knowledge IS power.
1. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and
Start Living an Awesome Life
by Jen Sincero
I’m pretty sure that I have given my copy of this book out
close to 34032895 times. To say that I loved it would be an
understatement. In hilarious chapters
Jen teaches us to identify bad self-talk, and to take action in order to create
the life that we want NOW! And to never forget to always LOVE YOURSELF!
2. Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich: 75 Avoidable Mistakes Women Make
with Money
by Lois P. Frankel
Nobody wants to be broke? Well at least that is what we say.
But do our words match our actions (let me answer for you…NO). Especially as
women we are taught negative messages regarding money at an early age; i.e. to
let the man handle finances. Lois Frankel provides us with tips to get our
finances all the way together. My favorite part was how to negotiate for the
pay that we DESERVE rather than accept anything.
3. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter – And How to
Make the Most of Them Now
by Meg Jay
This book was one of the first to let me know “hey girl you
need to get your life together.” Even though it low key called me out it also
showed me that I was not alone. People continue to rely the message that our 20
something years are a time to turn up and be wild. But Meg Jay communicates
that we should make the most of our time instead of throwing down the drain.
Why wait later when you can act NOW. The stories from her clients are so
relatable that I saw myself in each one (talk about being all in my Kool aid).
4. What I Know For Sure
by Oprah Winfrey
How could this be a list to slay your year without including
Auntie O (Well Oprah is my Aunt in my head). Even years after the Oprah Show
concluded she continues to drop several gems in this easy to read goodie. Oprah
shares from past life lessons in an essay format divided into several themes to
encourage us to be the best version of ourselves.
5. All the Joy You Can Stand: 101 Sacred Power Principles for
Making Joy Real in Your Life
by Debrena Jackson Gandy
Girl, after I read this book I wanted to run outside and hit
a number from “You Got Served” in the rain. Filled with personal stories
Debrena Jackson Gandy instructs us on how to transform our life. Not just any
transformation but starting on the inside to free yourself in order to reach
your highest potential.
6. The Personal Touch
by Terrie Williams
When at the bottom our dreams can seem as if they are too
far out of reach. Terrie Williams shows how she created a powerhouse PR firm
representing large names such as Eddie Murphey from nothing but a dream. It
doesn’t matter where you start from but you can make your goals and dreams
reality with just a little bit of the personal touch.
7. The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for
Black Women
by Elaine Meryl Brown Marsha Haygood, Rhonda Joy McLean
With so many strikes against us from the jump; navigating
the business world is a little different for us than what our counterparts
face. You don’t want to get the label of being a mad black woman but you don’t
want to be a doormat either. These three highly successful African American
executives share their advice on how to make it to the top. As they describe it
“a mentor in your pocket.”
8. Year of Yes: How to
Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes the creator of everyone’s’ favorite shows
(Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy) shares as only she
can how one statement from her sister changed her life. In a very transparent,
witty way, and along with the right dash of humor, Shonda shows us how to
become comfortable with the uncomfortable.
9. The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of
Black Women in America
by Tamara Winfrey Harris
“What’s wrong with the black woman? Simple answer: Not a
damned thing. We’re not perfect, but we’re no more flawed than anyone else…..We
have facets like diamonds. The trouble is the people
who refuse to see us
sparkling.” – Tamara Winfrey Harris
Seriously if I could Oprah this book (you get this book, you
get this book, evvvvvveerrry body gets this book) for every Black woman I
really would (let me put this on my to do list). Why? If you don’t understand
your history you allow ANYONE (the media especially) to tell you who you are,
how you’re supposed to feel and act. So instead of embracing it…self-hate takes
over.
Tamara Winfrey Harris takes us on a trip back in history and
acquaints us with the origins of the stereotypes: Mammy, Sapphire, and the
Jezebel. She explores deep into the various connotations within every aspect of
life; from beauty, sex and marriage to strength. Interviewing women with
different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life you see that we all face the
same -ish.
10. Fervent
by Pricilla Shirer
Is it just me or when I pray I can get in a habit and it
becomes very generic. You know, like the little books that you buy for a
newborn. (well unless suffering from a major hangover and promise God that I
will NEVER do it again…he still working on me).
Based on the movie War Room Pricilla lays out a very
practical and strategic plan for prayer. She provides a step by step guide to
fight the real enemy (Satan) that includes scripture, relatable situations
(even the friend that you can’t stand), and cards in which you are able to
create your own prayer wall. After completion you will feel equiped to guard
yourself from any attack that heads your way.
Comments
Post a Comment