When I got Emily the book, “You are a Badass” for Christmas, it was largely because I had no other decent ideas (Sorry Emily, it’s time you knew the truth). I do, in fact, think she’s a badass and I had heard great things about the book but I hadn’t actually read it myself. I thought she might enjoy it, and then I moved tf on. I was somewhat surprised to find out Emily had quickly finished the book and so had our mom. This peaked my interest, and I promptly started reading my own copy.

This book is a game-changer. It’s a “self-help” book, but it’s also good vibes, love, and light from start to finish without being a big ole ball of cheese. It is also written in a very causal and easy to read format, which is perfect for that after work/before bed/Sunday afternoon don’t-want-to-use-my-brain downtime.

I have literally bought 3 copies of this book given it out to friends. THAT is how good it is. If you want to be happier, feel better about your life, and/or practice good self-care, this book is a must read. It’s one of those books that I want to be reading all the time — after finishing the book, I started at the beginning again.

Also there’s a chapter called, “your brain is your bitch” … what more could you want?

There are five sections to the book: How You Got This Way, How to Embrace Your Inner Badass, How to Tap Into the Motherlode, How to Get Over Your B.S. Already, and How to Kick Some Ass. In each chapter the author gives anecdotes, some overarching info/guidelines, and then she lists out real tangible ways for you to work toward the theme of the chapter. It is brilliant.

My top takeaways:

Imagine how different your reality would be (and the reality of everyone surrounding you) if you woke up every morning certain of your own lovability and your critically important role on this planet.

*praise hands* yes yes all the yes. Let’s all just do this.

This is good because…

There is so much power in gratitude and in finding the positive in a situation. Repeating negative things just makes you a negative person and nobody likes a whiner.  Changing the way we say things to ourselves can turn a shitty day into a good one. This mindset takes time and practice, but there is endless benefit to changing your inner dialogue from, “I hate that I have a 20 minute commute to work every day” to “This commute is good because I can drink a full cup of coffee and listen to a podcast on my way into work.” Be thankful that you have the time/physical ability/energy/luxury etc. to go about your day and put energy into thinking like (and thus, being) a grateful person.

[on forgiveness] Whatever happened, happened. Holding on will not change this fact, it will just keep the negative feelings from the past alive, keep you a prisoner to your pain, and lower your frequency.

Forgiveness is SO hard for me. I can hold a grudge with the best of them, but does it contribute to my life in any positive way? Of course not. This entire chapter on forgiveness was hard but so important. Letting bullshit fester only takes away from the here and now. It’s time to make like Elsa and freakin let. it. go.

When it comes to the creatures you love and the things you love and the life you love, what on earth could possibly be more important than soaking them up right now while you still have the opportunity? … Your life is happening right now. Do not snooze and lose.

One of the hardest things for me is being a slave to what I feel like I ‘should be’ doing. I am notorious for feeling guilty after a carefree evening/weekend because I feel like I should have been doing xyz. This section of the book is a fantastic reminder that what you should be doing is whatever the hell you want to be doing. And mostly, you owe it to yourself to soak in the love around you.

Once something moves from our brains to our bones, that’s when we can use it to change our lives.

You gotta believe it. Whatever “it” is for you. Eat, sleep, and breathe it.

Love yourself. It’s the holy grail of happiness.

I think I’ll get this tattooed on my forehead (I’m kidding mom).

Buy it here and thank me later.