When I was a teenager, I somehow formed the opinion that motivational books were full of fluff, that they were fake and are not really helpful in real-life situations. I thought also that they are often quoted out of context and used to make people feel good in the moment until they go back home to their giant problems.
I cannot recall how or why I formed this opinion, but for a really long time, I turned my nose on those type of materials and on those who consumed them. It didn’t matter to me the value motivational materials added to the lives of those around me, especially my women friends. They always testified and persuaded me to give it a try, and my answer is always is resounding no.
Two years ago, things changed when one of my friends convinced me to listen to a TED Talk by Shonda Rhimes. In my opinion, it was clearly a “positive thinking, you can do it” kind of talk. Even though I went to it with all the scepticism in the world, that talk did something to me, and once I got that first taste, I wanted more, and as time went on, I realised that motivation/inspiration can be found in anything, and when I found the ones specific to me as a woman, books and videos made by women who have lived before me, it was finding a guide through the confusion of navigating adulthood.
Here are some of the books, videos and films I have seen recently that has impacted my life.
And Still, I Rise- Maya Angelou documentary
The title of this documentary on the life of Maya Angelou is a line from one of her famous poems, and it is also fitting for her life story, she was really, phenomenally woman! This documentary is on Netflix, it will literally make you cry, and laugh, it will shake up your core, but in the end, it will give you strength to live, and to live phenomenally.
Can We Have It All?- Annie-Marie Slaughter
Any woman with a career and a family has asked this question at least once in their life. So can we have it all? The Job, and the family? can we create the balance? How do you know when to sacrifice one for the other? Or can there be a balance? Listen to Annie-Marie, she has some answers.
Becoming- Michelle Obama
What was it like to be the wife of the first black president of the United States? In this book, Michelle came out straight and told facts as they are, she shared her truths and struggles to become the woman we all admire. There are life lessons, quotes to paste on your mirror, things you must remind yourself of as you go through wife. Michelle is a brilliant woman, a lawyer, a mother, and wife and has been brilliant in all the many roles she has played in life. If you haven’t read this book, get on it now. Learn from one of the best to have done it.