Looking for a Sign? These 4 Books Were Mine (And Might Be Exactly What You Need Right Now)

Sometimes a book isn’t for the chapter you’re in—but it’s the one you want others to have when they’re just starting to turn the page.

Throughout the years, a few books found me at exactly at the right moment— and in some ways gave me the words I didn’t even know I was looking for. These aren’t just books I liked. They’re books that shifted something in me and for me.

Whether you’re craving clarity, courage, inspiration or just one solid “YES, this!” in your day—maybe start here:

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
When you’re waiting for the fear to go away before you start.

Big Magic isn’t just about creativity—it’s about permission. To try. To fail. To do the thing even if your inner critic’s yelling. Elizabeth Gilbert takes fear off the pedestal and reminds us that you can be scared and still move forward.

My Take: This book hit me during a time when I was secretly sitting on a bunch of bold ideas and quietly talking myself out of them. Reading Big Magic reminded me that fear doesn’t get to drive your car. It might come along for the ride, but it doesn’t get the steering wheel. A must-read if you’re waiting for “ready” to arrive.

2. The Middle Finger Project by Ash Ambirge
When you’re done being “nice” and ready to be real—and bold.

This one is like a wake-up call in book form. Ash’s voice is raw, hilarious, and wildly empowering. She’s here to help you unlearn the rules that were never meant for women like us in the first place—and get on with building a life that feels like yours.

My take: I felt like this book reached through the pages, grabbed me by the shoulders, and said, “Let’s go.” I loved her humour, her gutsiness, and yes—her use of well-placed F-bombs. It’s especially powerful if you’ve been playing small to keep others comfortable. This one doesn’t just hand you confidence—it dares you to claim it.

3. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
When you’re afraid that being vulnerable makes you weak.

Daring Greatly is a research-based, heart-centered manifesto on why vulnerability is the opposite of weakness—it’s the root of courage, trust, creativity, and connection. Brené teaches that shame is the biggest barrier to daring leadership, and shows us how to move through it.

My Take: As someone who’s led major system changes, pitched big ideas, and taken wild leaps, I’ve felt vulnerable a lot. This book gave me the language to understand that courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid—it means you show up despite it. I bring this into so much of my coaching with women who are stepping into bigger arenas.

4. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
When you need permission to trust your instincts—and stop pleasing everyone else.

Untamed is a liberation anthem. It’s about refusing to live a life built on should haves. It’s about waking up, listening to your own knowing, and making bold choices that honour who you really are.

My Take: By the time I read Untamed, I had already broken free from many of the cages Glennon writes about. But what struck me was how clearly, how fiercely, she put into words what I had come to know through experience: freedom is worth it. I immediately bought copies for my daughter, my daughters-in-law, and other young women I care about. They devoured it. Sometimes a book isn’t the one you need anymore—but it’s exactly the one you want to pass on.

Books won’t do the work for you—but the right one can light the match.

Before You Add to These to Your Cart…
Books are powerful—but they’re not magic spells. You still have to take action. But if you’re ready to start thinking differently, dreaming bolder, or finally acting on that quiet desire you’ve been sitting on, one of these might be the spark you need.

And if you're ready to go beyond books and want someone who's been there, who gets it, and who knows how to help you move forward—you know where to find me.

One More Thing…
There’s actually one book I never read—but always wanted to.

I’ve read a ton of leadership books. Truly, a ton. And while many were valuable, they were also… big. Dense. A bit dry. Most lacked humor. They offered deep wisdom, yes—but sometimes I felt like I needed a second degree just to apply what I was reading. And I was often reading them in the middle of trying to do the very things they were teaching me:

• Motivate a team

• Navigate tough conversations

• Pitch bold ideas

• Influence up without selling out

• Build trust

• Manage setbacks

• Lead change

• Stay human while being “the boss”

What I craved—and never found—was a leadership book that was actually usable. Something practical. Digestible. Real.

Short bursts of wisdom. Topics that mattered. Tools I could try between chapters. Something I could read at the end of a long day and still feel energized by—not drained. And a voice that made me laugh, not just think.

I’ve never read that book.

So maybe…I need to write it.

(That’s the thing I always tell other women, isn’t it? Find the void. Fill the void.)

Alright, challenge accepted. Yikes!