Erase Self-Doubt With These 5 Books

Although this quarantine has provided us with a lot of free time, it has also given us extra time to doubt ourselves.

Unfortunately, we have more time to doubt our abilities, our skills, and our competence. And while doubt takes over and we become stagnant--time keeps moving on without us. I'm learning everyday to not allow my fears or my doubts to take over my life and am constantly searching for new ways to combat them. Here are five books that have aided me in the fight against fear and doubt.

1. The Power of Positive Thinking by, Norman Vincent Peale

Our mind is oftentimes our greatest enemy. Negativity creeps in and is detrimental to our careers, relationships and goals. The Power of Positivity Thinking aims to change that mentality in order to lead a better, positive, more fulfilling life. I find myself re-reading this book every couple of months to reboot my brain.

2. The Alchemist by, Paolo Coelho

You've probably heard of this book by now and for good reason--it's amazing. Coelho paints an inspirational and beautiful story about a boy on a journey to discover his true purpose in life or "personal legend.” This tale teaches readers various life lessons along the way including overcoming fear and encourages us to follow and embrace our own unique, personal legend.

3. You are a Badass by, Jen Sincero

After I read this, I did indeed, feel like a badass. This book reinforces the sentiment that you can truly do anything you put your mind to. Through Sincero's very clever and engaging writing style, she encourages confidence and challenges you to overcome your insecurities and self-doubt.

4. The Four Agreements by, Don Miguel Ruiz

This is my most recent and probably my most influential read. The Four Agreements is a short, yet powerful book intended to eliminate the excessive agreements or beliefs that society has forced onto us and narrow them down to a simple four. I won’t reveal these agreements (although you can just google them) but I highly encourage you read this book so you can see them explained in full detail. It’s short, sweet, and helps us realize that much of our doubt and fear stem from outside influences.

5. The Gifts of Imperfection by, Brené Brown

I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you but, you aren't perfect. In fact, none of us are. The quicker we accept that, the less we experience self-doubt and our lives become exponentially easier to live. Brown teaches readers how to overcome shame, pursue gratitude, and embrace imperfections in an oftentimes overwhelming, perfection seeking society.

Bonus Book:

Becoming by, Michelle Obama

I had to throw this one in here because I genuinely, whole-heartedly, adore Michelle Obama (and this picture, teehee). The former first lady grants readers an inside look at her life while providing inspirational insights expressed through her raw authenticity. This is a must read!!

6 ways to instantly look cute when you're feeling lazy

Do you ever have one of those days where you have zero energy to put into your appearance? All you want to do is throw something on and call it a day but look decent enough you don't have to hide in the off chance your run into someone you know. Well, worry not. Here are 6 ways you can elevate a bummy look and turn the most random of clothes into an actual fit.

1. Jewelry

An outfit can dramatically change once a staple piece of jewelry is added to it. Throw on some statement earrings and you will turn hobo into hobo-chic!

2. Blazer/Jacket

A nice coat or blazer can go a long way. This is an especially easy task during the colder seasons. You can pair it with a t-shirt and some jeans and voila! You instantly look like you put in some effort.

3. Shoes

Shoes. Shoes are my favorite subject and might be the easiest way to distract someone from your possibly disheveled look. A unique and stunning pair of shoes are guaranteed to elevate the simplest of ensembles.

4. Purse

For this one--the bigger the bag the better. Although there are a plethora of small and beautiful bags, to really make a purse or a bag the center of your outfit it needs to call attention. Pair a statement bag with any top, jeans and some sneakers and you have what I like to call, A LUK.

5. Glasses

When in doubt, throw on a pair of cute glasses. Personally, when I don't feel like doing my makeup, I pop my contacts out and throw my glasses on. Whether they be eyeglasses or sunglasses either option is guaranteed to make you look fabulous. Bonus tip: If you wear your sunglasses indoors people might even think you're famous!

6. Hair and Makeup

Last but definitely not least, hair and makeup! One of the things my mother always stressed growing up was to, "Make sure your face and hair are neat and your outfit will fall into place." I know, I know, you're feeling lazy, the last thing you want to do is your hair and especially not your makeup. But hear me out, if you do it, it might be the only thing you really have to do! Sure, you have to throw some clothes on as well but with your facial region looking fantastic, who's even looking at your outfit?

Are Dogs More Respected Than Black People?

We live in a country where a canine is held at a higher regard than a black person.

In a recent incident, Amy Cooper, a white woman, was filmed in Central Park making a manufactured distress call to the police on black birdwatcher, Stephen Cooper. Despite the subject of the video--the false police report-- the state of her dog seemed to be more concerning than the black man she put in a possibly fatal situation.

In 2007, Michael Vick was convicted of dog fighting and spent 21 months in federal prison. In 2016, Kelontre Barefield, a black man, was sentenced to 45 years in prison after killing a police dog. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way justifying these situations. They were guilty, and both Vick and Barefield were rightfully, convicted for their crimes. My question is: Why are black people not awarded this same justice when they are murdered?

In 2014, Tamir Rice, an African-American boy, was only 12, when he was gunned down by police while playing with a toy gun in the park.

The killer, Timothy Loehmann, white, was never fired despite the clear negligence involving the case. He was eventually dismissed years later but for an entirely different reason. In 2019, a black Sheriff's Deputy in Arkansas was immediately fired after shooting at a hyper chihuahua---and it survived. Why are the consequences for injuring a dog more severe than murdering a black child?

Is it because we don't walk on all fours and wag our tails?

Why is it that two white civilians were able to murder a black man, Ahmaud Arbery, and remain in the comfort of their homes for months afterwards; only arrested after the entire nation forced a call to action? Why is it that George Zimmerman got away with stalking and killing Trayvon Martin? Why is it that police officers get away with murdering unarmed black people on a daily basis? Why, when it comes to black lives, is receiving justice a strenuous process? To me, the answer is simple; power and race.

Power and race are key elements when examining the outcome of many situations.

It took the intense outcry of citizens and public figures to force the arrest of the two white men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. Why? One of the men was a former cop and the other was his son. It was their power that postponed their imprisonment and it was their race that made them feel entitled to stalk and kill a black man.

Power is essential and it is undeniable that power is monopolized by the white race. According to Pew Research, white people make up 78 percent of Congress and 61 percent of the US population. Meaning, White Americans are vastly over represented. Black Americans---minorities in general---need to be placed in positions where they can restructure white dominated establishments and create change from within; change to law enforcement, justice systems, government departments and agencies, sports organizations, media companies and much more. We need to have the opportunity to obtain power and demand justice.

Because the thing is, black people aren't dogs. We shouldn’t be treated in the same manner and definitely not worse. A revolution is necessary to ensure black lives actually matter. However, it’s not just up to us. It’s up to everyone to make certain the society we live in is drastically altered so that black men and women no longer fear for their life or the lives of their children. It’s imperative that every person of every race does their part in building a better future.

What is going on in the world--- what has been going on in the world, is not a political matter. It’s a human rights matter. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best,“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”