Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be

Right from the beginning of the introduction it grabbed me! “You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.” Guys how powerful is that?!? So the basic premise of the book is Rachel addressing 20 lies that have been instrumental in her life. At the end of each chapter, she discusses three specific, tangible ways she addressed that lie. The overall goal is to teach you self-awareness to identify the lies you tell yourself and to target those head on. Although I did not identify with each and every lie during this season of my life, I got a little something out of every chapter. I can totally see myself re-reading this book once or twice a year and gaining something new every time. At first I was afraid that because I don’t have children I wouldn’t get anything from the book, but that is totally not true! Yes, Rachel talks about her children and being a mother but that’s not what the book is about. This book came along at the perfect time in my life to slap me in the face and light a fire under my butt. Seriously, I needed motivation some kind of bad and this book was life changing for me. I also loved that Rachel dropped in little religious tidbits. It wasn’t necessarily a “Christian book” but had just enough in there to let me know Jesus sent this book my way. Rachel is real and raw and in your face but at this season in my life that’s what I needed. Don’t pick it up if you’re passive about making some changes. Or maybe do pick it up and it’ll slap you around like it did me. Either way every woman needs this book whether you’re 18 or 80 there truly is something for everyone. Top three things I learned from this book: 1. Stop making and keeping promises to everyone else and start keeping promises to your own dang self! 2. No one decides how big your dreams can be but YOU. Also write down your goals and speak them aloud 3. Gods has perfect timing. 4. Ok one more because I can’t narrow it down to three – EMBRACE THE CHAOS AND LOVE THE LIFE YOU ARE LIVING, RIGHT NOW, TODAY! I could sit here and quote this whole book because it’s that good but because I want you to go out and buy it for yourself, I’m going to leave you with some of my favorite quotes/advice/ “You must choose to be happy, grateful and fulfilled. If you make that choice every single day, regardless of where you are or what’s happening, you will be happy.” “You are in charge of your own life, and there’s not one thing in it that you’re not allowing to be there.” “Nobody – not a voice of authority, not your mama, not the foremost expert in your arena – gets to tell you how big your dreams can be. They can talk all they want…but you get to decide if you’re willing to listen to them” “Your dream is worth fighting for, and while you’re not in control of what life throws at you, you are in control of the fight.” “Nothing that lasts is accomplished quickly. Nobody’s entire legacy is based on a single moment, but rather the collection of one’s experiences. If you’re lucky, your legacy will be a lifetime in the making.” “Pretty good is way better than trying to fake perfection any day of the week.” “God has perfect timing. Maybe that goal wasn’t ever meant to be yours. Maybe you have to walk through this space that you’re in to be ready for that. Nothing is wasted. Every single moment is preparing you for the next.” “Someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business.” “Don’t hide your light under a bushel because you’re too afraid someone won’t like the glare.” Okay I’m going to stop now because seriously there’s just too much good stuff in this book! Go pick it up for yourself! Borrow it from the library if you have to. Several chapters from the audiobook are listed on Rachel’s podcast, Rise, which is also awesome all by itself. Instagram @mrsrachelhollis Website: thechicsite.com Podcast: Rise by Rachel Hollis

I first heard this as an audio tape... Read by the author. But let's back up... A friend of mine on Facebook had asked if anyone was reading this, apparently it was new and she bought it and LOVED it, she wanted to see if anyone else was reading it and if someone wanted to discuss it with her as they went. I don't have the time for mini book clubs, but I figured that I do enjoy a good book, so I commented that if she recommended it so highly, I was going to look at it- everyone on that thread commented back to me that I "needed it," and how "wonderful" and "relatable" it was. Some time passed and I didn't have much time to sit down, but I ran across the free audiobook somewhere and was pleasantly surprised that Rachel Hollis reads it HERSELF. Not only did that make the book far more relatable because you could hear raw emotions, but it also made it to where I felt compelled to reference certain parts in the book. After I completed the audiobook the first time, I ordered the book, read it, and then listened to the audiobook again. This book is VERY well put together, and although I typically do not like 'fad reading material,' I found this book to be VERY compelling. There's something about the text that makes it relatable, even for someone who has not gone through a situation... For those of us who HAVE gone through situations, this book discusses; relationships (failing and successful as well as growing), suicide, adoption, children, marriage, and so much more. A friend of mine talked to me about changes he saw in a family member, he told me his concerns and I told him that I felt this book would be helpful. I sent him a review I had seen on it, and he told me he was checking the local book store- I am certain that he forgot to get it for the family member, but I think this book would be very helpful for the young lady still. Honestly, for anyone who feels like they are in a low place, or even a medium place, this book is a great idea. I know there is a second book coming soon, I am undecided if I want to read that one at this point, but this book really lifted my spirits. I would recommend buying this, in fact, I may order it for another person I know who needs to be reminded that they are worth everything, on all days.

What I liked about this book is that it gave some valuable advice. It is well written and thought provoking. I liked how the author brought us into her private life and didn't hold anything back. I would recommend this book to my sister. It is nice to relate to the author.

Thank you so much , this book is a game changer really I can’t wait for the book in French that way all my girlfriends here could read it

Easy to read and really funny too! Written as if you were sat down in the coffee shop face to face with the author. She gets on your level and helps you pick yourself up and be who you were made to be. I've read it 3 times already...

I was skeptical that this "perfect" looking and religious woman could have anything to say that would pertain to my life. I was so wrong, because EVERYTHING she says pertains to me. Rachel manages to be hilarious and heart-warming even when talking about horrible tragedies. I love knowing that someone who seems to have such a perfect life actually is just like everyone else out there, with her own struggles. I didn't find her religious view annoying at all (having very different religious views from her). I love how she shows how much she understands the things we struggle with, but doesn't stand for it, instead showing us strategies for getting past them and becoming the best person that we were meant to be. I couldn't put it down, and now that I've read through it once, I'm starting it over immediately. Can't recommend it enough!

I loved this book. So many times I felt like Rachel was talking directly to me, like it was written especially for me. So many great life lessons. A great read.

Between the writer and the character of this book, I plump for the writer. It is one one of most interesting books than I have ever read. The protagonist break the rules in the good site so that many women can manage with real life. Needless to say that we never settle for less than we deserve. Hence, this book showed me with love and good advice.