In This the Thing, Shane Jackson discussed how we can discover our purpose and find joy in life. He begins the book by exploring the topic we all hate to think about and our afraid to discuss. This is death. We don’t like to go to funeral and we don’t care to be reminded of our sadness. In life, we are meant to pause and enjoy the rituals such as marriage, an achievement, or an event. He shared how a funeral is for the living. We are faced with the notion to take better care of ourselves, we need to call someone more often, pondering what people will say about us when we are gone, all of this causes us to ponder and reexamine our lives. We can instead choose to cherish every moment.


There is a chapter discussing mantra and exercises on how on have a clear statement on bringing decisions into your life. This takes readers through a journey on writing down your life, including stories, interviewing yourself, conducting a rule book, listing your strengths, exploring the different seasons, and lastly learning how to leave a legacy. This chapter was very beneficial in learning to make the most in your life and to discovering your mantra and to leave a legacy.


I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to live out their purpose and to go after a life they want to live. He encouraged readers not to settle for anything less than the best life has to offer. He wants to help us live in the moment and to focus on what truly matters in life.

I'm not often the biggest reader of Nonfiction. - most I find to be boring and superficial at best, but I am so beyond glad that I gave this book a shot because it was truly SO good.

Shane was not afraid of being vunerable at all, and the interest in a leader showing that side of himself is truly remarkable and it makes you believe in what he says. He shared the failures, the triumphs, the ultimate path to truly living his joy - even when it was hard. He didn't sugar coat any of it, nor did he hide the struggles or reality. The process for finding your own joy and passion is really simple - but oh so hard - the simple exercises felt realistic to do and the meaning was all laid out as to how they would help. It helped to make goals and resolutions in a way in which they can actually be achieved and I really enjoyed the work that went into me writing my own simple purpose statement - that I've written in my planner and on the top of my to-do list in order to keep me on track.

This has a very easy to follow writing style, with actual recommendations, and insight that I truly appreciated.

So very grateful to Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

"This Is the Thing" by Shane Jackson is a transformative guide focusing on finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in life.
Here are my key takeaways from the book:
1. Intentional Living: The book emphasizes making conscious choices about how we spend our time and energy.
2. Self-Discovery: Jackson encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-reflection and gain clarity about their goals and values.
3. Purpose-Driven Life: The book guides readers in discovering and owning their purpose to experience genuine fulfillment.
4. Cultivating Joy: It offers insights on finding and creating joy in everyday experiences.
5. Serving Others: Jackson highlights the importance of helping others as a path to finding meaning in one's own life.
6. Embracing Challenges: The book likely encourages viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.
7. Authentic Living: It promotes aligning one's actions with personal values for greater authenticity.
8. Practical Application: Jackson provides actionable steps and exercises for readers to apply the concepts to their own lives.
9. Universal Appeal: While Jackson shares his personal convictions, the book's message transcends specific religious or cultural boundaries.
10. Legacy and Impact: The book prompts readers to consider their long-term impact and the legacy they want to leave.
These takeaways reflect the book's focus on personal growth, intentional living, and finding purpose through self-reflection and service to others

This Is The Thing by Shane Jackson is an empowering and thought-provoking read—perfect for kicking off a new year with intention and clarity. As a twenty-something navigating the early stages of a communications career, I’m constantly evaluating and redefining my sense of purpose. Life evolves, and with it, so does my understanding of what drives me.

One quote that deeply resonated with me was: “All of us have a purpose, but our individual purposes aren’t the same. Each of us has a unique makeup that was created in a unique context.” This single line captures the essence of Jackson’s message beautifully.

Throughout the book, Jackson—self-described as an “intention enthusiast”—explores the profound questions we often grapple with: Why are we here? How can we live with purpose and joy? He skillfully unpacks these big ideas, touching on relationships, decision-making, and how we spend our time. Each chapter offers a blend of personal experience, thoughtful reflection, and actionable insights, leaving readers with a roadmap for finding fulfillment in their own lives.

This book provided valuable lessons that I’ve already started applying to my own journey. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!