"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!