Book Review and Thoughts on Find Your People by Jennie Allen
I had this book on my reading wish list. And was at Target and saw it on the shelf for 30% off so I decided to buy it. Finding my people is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time now. Although I’m sure the ways I tried to go about it before never really worked for me. I think being self-conscious, shy, and looking in the wrong places or not looking at all for fear of being rejected held me back.
A few of the concepts in the book I knew. Like how much time you have to actually spend with people to become real friends and not just acquaintances. And I know in the past I never really put myself out there long enough to become real friends with people and build meaningful relationships.
This loneliness has caused me a lot of depression and only made my comparisons to others worse. And that is something I plan on trying really hard to work on this year. I know it won’t be easy for me especially since I am so quiet and not used to sharing much about myself (Unless it is blogging) But, I genuinely want to try to put myself out there and keep putting myself out there even if it is hard and awkward.
Now for the book, I really enjoyed it. I read it quite fast in 4 hours. I probably could have finished it in a day or two if I was more diligent but am trying to get back on track with my reading. Last year was sporadic with my reading habits.
I thought the book was no-nonsense and honest. I loved that she mentions how we should always assume the best about others. Which, is something I try to do most of the time. But, I’m human and sometimes I falter in this.
“We all need a network of regular people who are present in our daily lives.”Jennie Allen Pg. 73
I read this quote and was screaming yes to myself. I believe this is true. I’ve actually thought about this for a long time. It is hard to be independent and try to do everything on your own even though that is something I struggle with.
“We are not meant to go through our days alone.” Jennie Allen Page 58
In the book, Jennie Allen talks about finding a group-your group-and sticking with those people no matter what. Just making the choice that you won’t quit them. In the past as soon as I feared rejection I would walk away. As soon as the little voice in my head would tell me I’m not good enough and no one likes me anyway I would convince myself that I should just move on because I’ll never have any friends anyway. This voice tempted me once again this week. And it had nothing to do with anyone else and everything to do with my own fear and insecurity. Obviously, I recognized this about myself and decided I would be in it for the long haul.
Overall, I give the book 5 stars and I would read more from this author. I found the book to be more self-help in the Christian category. Which, I know can be off-putting to some. At least that is what I read on Goodreads but it actually is helping me to get closer to my walk in faith and wanting to be closer to others who walk in faith as well.
