This article has nothing to do with gut health, diet, celiac, autoimmune or the like. No, this article is a book review. A book report, if you will. Not my usual topic of conversation, but one that I hope resonates with this community. Why? Because personal development books are the best. If you don’t believe me, pick up a copy of ‘Girl Stop Apologizing‘ by Rachael Hollis and then let’s talk.
If you’re not familiar with Rachael Hollis, I highly suggest you spend a few minutes on her blog or Instagram getting to know her. She is a wife, mother, New York Times bestselling author, blogger, inspiration. She’s witty, ambitious and she’s made a career out of inspiring women to stop apologizing for their dreams and start achieving them.
So, what does this have to do with the JUICED community? Physical health is only half the battle. You can eat clean, take your vitamins, prioritize physical activity, get eight hours of sleep, but if your mental health is suffering, your overall health is suffering. And a big part of your mental health is the relationship you have with yourself.
Do you believe in yourself enough to allow yourself to pursue your dreams? Do you recognize that you deserve to be happy? Do you understand the importance of prioritizing your wellbeing above the needs of your significant other, kids, boss and $.25 cent pet goldfish? Yes, even the fish.
If not, I highly recommend you read this book. Rachel (I just decided her and I are on a first name basis) knows exactly how to light a fire under your butt and a passion in your heart. The first part of the book discusses the self-sabotaging behaviors and excuses so many of use every day, plus how to overcome them. You don’t have time to pursue your dreams? Lie. You’re afraid of failure? It’s part of the process. You’re afraid what people will think? People will judge you regardless.
There are so many lies that we tell ourselves every day that hold us back from living the lives we secretly, quietly crave. Once we recognize them and see them to be what they really are (lies!), we can open the door to move past them.
The second half of the book is about adopting the skills and behaviors that will allow you to achieve the dreams you’ve been too scared to pursue. Honor the ambitious side of yourself! Focus on building your confidence. And stop being afraid to ask for help. Nobody knows everything about everything, including you!
The first time I read this book it was December of 2020. I picked up the book not really knowing what I wasn’t apologizing for. However, I am a SUCKER for a good self-improvement book so, to the cash register I went! I read the book the first time without a clear idea of exactly what goal I had in mind for myself. However, I did know that the status quo of my current lifestyle was not what I wanted for myself long term.
Over the next year I spent a lot of time trying to get to the crux of what my goal was. I had a corporate job that I enjoyed. But I had a passion for health. For wellness. For learning as much as I could about the human body. Gut health. Autoimmune disease. Mindfulness. I was spending a majority of my free time reading and soaking up everything I could on the topic.
Armed with a lot of information, a passion to share it, but no audience to share it with, the idea for JUICED was born. Fast forward to December of 2021, I picked up the book again. This time with my goal of starting a health and wellness blog already in action. The second time reading this book offered a whole new perspective, thanks to being in a different place in my life.
I share this story because I think this book has something to offer to everyone, regardless of where you are at in your life. If you’ve read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts below! Or if you have suggestions for other personal development books, let’s hear the recs!
Interested in reading Girl, Stop Apologizing? Follow the link here and happy reading!
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