Three Books to Read When You Need a Reset
Does anyone else have those days when they just feel “bleh”? For those of you that have been there, you already know already it’s hard to find the words to describe exactly what “bleh” feels like. But there are some telltale signs. Maybe you are starting to have the feeling that everyone in your life is more successful than you. You might be unsure of the next step to take towards your goals. Perhaps, you are struggling to even identify your goals. Overall, just “bleh”. The good news is: this feeling doesn’t last forever. Change is on the horizon and it begins with a reset. When you’re in this type of funk, learning about others’ stories reassures you that it is possible to reset. Here are three books that have helped guide me when I needed to reset.
The Alchemist
By Paulo Coelho
This may not be your first time seeing this highly discussed novel on a book list but hear me out before you make any sudden moves. Believe me, I didn’t want to believe the hype either but this book’s influence is undeniable. The Alchemist is a book I read at least once every year. This classic novel is full of inspiring, quotable prose that you’ll want to write on post-it notes around your home. It tells the story of a young man named Santiago who is chasing after a material treasure but finds something much more valuable in the journey. The Alchemist reminds us that the paths we take may lead us to unexpected, but necessary destinations.
The Sun and Her Flowers
By Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur is the author who changed my mind about poetry. I always found it difficult to connect with poetry because I viewed it as far too abstract and conceptual. However, when I first discovered this writer my mind was officially changed for the better. The Sun and Her Flowers, which is a sequel to her first release Milk & Honey, tells the story of the author’s life up until the present, mimicking the life cycle of a flower. Kaur’s poems speak directly to those that made her, hurt her, shamed her, and shaped her into the woman she is today. She may have begun to wilt but in the end, she bloomed. Reading this collection of poems may inspire you to do the same.
More than Enough
By Elaine Welteroth
Elaine Welteroth made history in 2012 when she was appointed as the first Black beauty editor at Teen Vogue (1). This news propelled her to become a household name in journalism but would you believe it if I told you that she was getting started? Welteroth endured personal and professional challenges throughout her journey to success. More than Enough tells the story of the way she built a seat for herself at a table where there were none waiting for her. This autobiography is a particularly great resource for those who aspire to create their own blueprint to success. If your reset needs to be kickstarted by an inspiring Black woman entrepreneur, then this is the read for you.
Depending on the type of reset you’re in need of, you may find value in one of these books more than the others. But I can assure you that they all have meaningful lessons that are waiting to be discovered. Hopefully, this list of reset reads points you in the direction of your destiny. You may not have all the answers in the end but at least you’ll feel more prepared to make a change.