As little girls, we are encouraged to dream big and told we can become whatever we wish when we grow older. We hold tight to our fairytale-like dreams with excitement, joy, and wild abandon. However, somewhere on the brink of the precipice of womanhood, something becomes askew. Our amorous fantasies we shared with friends during our youth have given way to backbiting and rivalry. We get lost in the abyss of competition; succumbing to society’s conditioning of “in it to win it no matter the cost.” Whether it is playing the role of “mean girl” or using deceitfully-infused antics to get ahead in one’s career —character assassination, lying, guilt trips, or ruthlessness —the need to be the best can destroy another’s reputation or life if we aren’t careful. The results? Disingenuousness, callousness, trust-issues, sometimes crippling anxiety, and utter exhaustion.
I don’t know about you, but I think it is time to wave the flag of surrender. We need to break the cycle of “too much/not enough.” This persona we have garbed ourselves with is faulty at best. What we need to do is change the old tapes of self-doubt and others’ expectations and attune our thinking to begin championing other women and become a “force for good.” Praising, encouraging, and esteeming our fellow sisterhood is crucial. When I discover like-minded women who adhere to this philosophy, I want to share it with the masses!
Jamie Kern Lima is one such woman. Her down-to-earth authenticity is magnetic and I am so grateful for the wisdom she imparts to others. Jamie is a present day-pioneer, creating sacred space and paving the way for women to grow in personal and professional development. She is the “It Girl”—a self-made entrepreneur made of grit, grace, and gumption. She went from a waitress at Denny’s to creating a luxury cosmetic company that helps everyday women address skin challenges, encourages them to embrace their uniqueness, and ultimately, feel comfortable in their own skin. Jamie possesses a humble spirit even when she has skyrocketed to the highest highs. She was the first woman CEO in L’Oréal’s 100-year history to sell her company for $1.2 billion. Her new book, “𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝐼𝑡! 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝐺𝑜 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑈𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑈𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒” takes readers on a journey through Jamie’s multifaceted levels of incredulity, curating lessons on how she faced years of adversity, uncertainty, insecurity, body-shaming, identity crisis, infertility, endless rejection, faith struggles, and overwhelm. The book goes on to show how she uses these interactions and sucker-punches as fuel to push through the naysayers, pressure, and end up on the side of positivity, belief, courage, and resolve. Jamie has given her followers’ up-close scrutiny of her vulnerabilities and opposition. In turn, she has created a support system that rallies around her in encouragement and sincerity—ones who are so damn proud of her for staying true to herself and showing up in full, authentic measure.
Jamie’s book exhibits what an inspiring and dynamic lady she truly is. Her story beckons readers to partake in mentorship, availability, and makes them feel as if they are a valuable part of the family instead of peons to be stepped on to climb the ladder of success. Her genuineness is evident and her book made me feel like she could be a “true-blue bosom friend” like Anne and Diana from Anne of Green Gables— except Jamie is more of a hip, futuristic, badass girlfriend. Jamie is the epitome of “never look down on someone unless you are extending your hand to lift them toward blessings.”
Dear reader, I felt ALL THE FEELS—to the CORE of my being. I am not kidding when I say God used Jamie to impact my life through her story. Her book is now one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES. It is inspiring, difference-making, life-changing. Every question I was thinking as I read Jamie’s story, she answered intentionally as she revealed a little more on each page. Sooo many lessons I am tucking into the crevices of my heart—holding dear to treasure for years to come.
I implore you to read, buy, and share the wonderfulness of this book with others! It is culture-shifting, empowering, and endearing. Our girl, Jamie, has been given a gift! I know other writers possess it, but I TRULY feel like I had an earth-shattering, yet quiet and humbling, felt acknowledged, SEEN, and “soul sister” moment with Jamie as she did with Oprah. (Read the book to find out why).
I always felt called to “greater things” in my life. I felt self-conscious saying that out loud because I felt my life messages were to “shrink back.” I often felt frustrated with God in this area. Reframing my mindset, taking away the pressure from my inner critic, and knowing it’s OKAY to doubt and challenge my faith to show up is a battle —but something I continuously do—because I do NOT want to waste my life on frivolous things. It is time to affirm our inner child; to allow ourselves the freedom to dream, to discover our passions, and then pursue them with fervor, purpose, and productivity.
MY LIFE QUOTE: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” —Maya Angelou
May I humbly take these precious, treasured lessons from Jamie, mull them over, share them, implement them in my life, and see the impact made, the ripple-effect spread forth in glorious and grateful ways.
Sincerely, sincerely, thankful for you, Jamie Kern Lima.
May every person who reads this story be blessed a million times over.
“We all have the power to give…if you want friendship in your life, be a friend. If you’re feeling lonely, give community to someone else. If you feel like your voice isn’t being heard, ask someone to share their story and fully listen…see the beauty in others…notice them…share with those in need…if you have something you want or need, give it. Then watch what happens.” —Jamie Kern Lima
