Coffee & A Good Book: “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis

Several years ago I picked up “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis, and it ended up being the book that helped me rediscover my love of reading. What makes the book powerful is how Hollis structures it around the lies we believe about ourselves and then challenges those lies with honesty and real-life experience.

The first idea that stands out is the lie that we’re not enough. Many leaders quietly carry that belief. Board members hesitate to share ideas, team members doubt their value, and leaders feel pressure to have all the answers. Hollis reminds us that growth doesn’t start with perfection — it starts with the willingness to step forward.

The second lesson is about personal responsibility. Hollis talks openly about how we cannot control everything that happens to us, but we can control what we do next. This idea translates directly into leadership and teamwork. When organizations take ownership instead of placing blame, progress happens faster.

The third takeaway is the importance of continuing to show up. Leadership and teamwork are rarely perfect. Plans shift, people disagree, and projects evolve. But organizations that continue showing up together build resilience and trust.

I see this frequently when working with nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders. The strongest teams aren’t the ones who avoid challenges — they’re the ones who learn to grow through them.

So here’s a reflection question: what belief about yourself might be holding you back from stepping into leadership in a bigger way? Sometimes the first step toward change is simply recognizing the story we’ve been telling ourselves.

I’m here to help if you need me!