Issue #42: 5 Personal Development and Wellness Books Written By Black Women
Issue #42: 5 Personal Development and Wellness Books Written By Black Women
Because representation matters for adults too.
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Hey friend!
One of my favorite stress-free activities to do in my free time is walking around Barnes and Noble. There are very few things that I love more than the smell of books and the roasted coffee beans at Starbucks.
And it’s not just the amazing aroma that welcomes me in.
I want to eventually write more books than I can carry. Becoming an author has been a goal of mine since I was a small child so my walks through Barnes & Noble aren’t just an activity that I do to help pass the time. It’s more of a manifestation practice. As I walk through the store I imagine my books sitting on the “new releases” table at the front. I imagine the exact moment and the emotions that I would feel after seeing my book alongside some of my favorite authors for the first time. And I envision what my first in-store book signing would look like.
It’s a full-body experience that consistently reminds me of my ultimate goal.
But I can’t lie, sometimes these trips do feed into my imposter syndrome. If you walk down the health, personal development, or even religion aisle, you’ll see that many of the shelves are filled with the memoirs of beautiful, blond-haired white women.
Walk down the career or business aisle and you’ll see books written by every tech bro imaginable on how he went from idea to building a “multi-million-trillion” dollar business.
I’m not saying that they don’t deserve to be in these spaces BUT as a black woman who has big dreams of writing several books that will prayerfully one day be seen on these shelves, it sometimes makes me question, am I qualified?
It’s hard to imagine success when you rarely see someone who looks like you in the spaces that you want to occupy.
That’s why representation matters. When we see people who look like us doing what we one day dream of accomplishing, they show us that it’s possible. There is a sense of belonging that encourages us to keep going.
So this week, I wanted to share 5 personal development and wellness books that have been recently written by black women.
DON’T LET FEAR HAVE ALL THE FUN
Is fear stopping you from going after what you want the most? In “Don’t Let Fear Have All The Fun,” Monique Malcolm shows you why being fearless isn’t the goal, how to build courage in small doses, what FAILURE really means, and of course, practical advice on how to stop letting fear have all the fun.
WE’LL ALL BE FREE
In We’ll All Be Free, Caroline J. Sumlin reveals the force that keeps all of us, whether we are part of a marginalized group or not, from freely expressing who we are as image bearers of God: white supremacy culture. According to Caroline, If you have struggled with perfectionism, self-doubt, unworthiness, or the unrelenting pressure to pursue someone else's version of "success," you will find here the tools you need to silence the voices that seek to keep you down and to value yourself as never before.
INNER WORKOUT
Consider this one the ultimate self-care guide. In Inner Workout, Taylor Elyse Morrison guides you through discovering what “self-care” truly means and how to cultivate a dynamic relationship with your whole being. She also addresses issues like body positivity, burnout, brain fog, self-confidence, and more.
STOP WAITING FOR PERFECT
Is Imposter syndrome or perfectionism holding you back? In Stop Waiting For Perfect, L’Oreal Thompson Payton forces you to stop playing small and encourages you to fully step into your power and walk in your purpose. You can also listen to my interview with L’Oreal in a previous newsletter!
LIVING OVER EXISTING
I wrote this book over 7 years ago and recently decided to edit and re-release it because I feel like women entrepreneurs need it now more than ever. In Living Over Existing, I show women entrepreneurs how to push past the mental barriers that are holding them back from getting started. Whether it be fear, doubt, or comparison, I provide simple but actionable tips to help you finally launch that business out into the world.
Representation isn’t just important for children. There is something truly powerful when we see people in our space who look like us!
If you purchase any of these books, be sure to snap a photo and tag the authors! Word of mouth is still one of the best forms of marketing.
Cheers to an incredible week!
– Alisha
GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
🎥 Did you hear? I’m back on youtube and taking you through my journey as I figure out and build Mind Body Brand! Check out my latest vlog!
💳 Ready to get your first adult credit card? Here’s what to apply for based on your actual goals.
❌ If you’re preparing to quit your job, don’t start celebrating yet! Here are 10 things you should do BEFORE you resign.
🛑 Want to live a more WELL life? Set better boundaries.
♥️ Let’s talk about it. Maybe those dating apps aren’t good for your mental health.
DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE
