Unruly: A Guide to Reclaiming Your True Self

by Shelah Marie

A guide for women of all shapes and sizes who are in the bold process of going beyond stereotypes to find the truth of who they are

There’s a new generation of multicultural women who refuse to conform to the “serene and calm” model of spirituality. “We’re Black and white. We’re feminists who twerk. We’re spiritual and take tequila shots. We’re unruly… and our tribe is growing strong,” says women’s wellness influencer Shelah Marie. Yet breaking the mold only gets us so far—what’s needed is a road map for creating a life that embraces our contradictions and lets us shine in our unique glory. In Unruly, Shelah shares a guide “for that little girl who never quite fit in, and all my other naturally unruly ladies.”
With respect and relatability—no gurus here, sisters—Shelah shares how to become the architect of your life, using a culmination of her best tried-and-true teachings from her retreats, courses, and online programs. The 10-step guided journey mixes story, prescriptive content, and structured practices, opening you up to a new level of agency, self-acceptance, and confidence. “I want you to see the best and highest parts of yourself reflected on each page,” she says. “I want you to say YES to your life and your dreams.”
Finding your true self is an act of love, and expressing it is an act of liberation. “If you join me on this journey,” Shelah promises, “you’ll grow past feeling guilt, shame, or a need to fit in—and you’ll move through life with grace, strength, and unshakable authenticity.”

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

SHELAH MARIE is a speaker and founder who went from struggling with severe depression and crippling anxiety to creating an online community of more than a quarter of a million women that promotes healing, authenticity, and self-love.

Reviews

[Janae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not the book for me. It was very slow

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelah Marie’s new book, “UNRULY: A Guide to Reclaiming Your True Self,” is a heartfelt call for Black women to take back their stories and live their truth. Releasing on October 22nd, this book is a must-read! As the founder of Curvy, Curly, Conscious, Shelah knows a thing or two about creating spaces for healing and growth. In this guide, she talks about the power of embracing every part of who you are, encouraging readers to let go of society’s expectations and fully accept themselves. With personal stories, practical exercises, and meditations, Shelah shows how to face your past with kindness, let go of shame, and step into your own power. She believes that true empowerment comes from loving and accepting all parts of yourself, including your strengths and what you might see as weaknesses.

Shelah gets real about her own mental health journey, sharing her struggles with anxiety in a way that feels relatable and comforting. She uses the idea of theatre to help us think about the different roles we’ve played in our lives and introduces inner archetypes to help integrate painful experiences and dream big. Her approach fits perfectly with narrative therapy, which is all about finding new, empowering stories in the midst of trauma and loss. By shedding the scripts others have written for us and embracing our unruly selves, we can become the stars, writers, and directors of our own life stories. “UNRULY” is more than a self help book that aims to encourage your self healing practice —it’s a warm invitation to discovering and loving your true self. How can we become more true? By unbecoming all that we were told we have to be that’s not in alignment with what we know to be true about our wants, needs, and deepest truths.

A big thank you to Shelah and her publisher, Sounds True, for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelah Marie's book "Unruly: A Guide to Reclaiming Your True Self" is a powerful and transformative read that encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves without apology. Marie, an advocate for Unruly women everywhere, empowers and educates her audience to challenge their beliefs about themselves and embrace all aspects of their identity. The book is a "no-nonsense and loving guide" that offers a compassionate acceptance of one's inner diversity. Marie teaches the Unruly Philosophy, which is not about changing oneself but rather building a life where no part of yourself is left behind. "Unruly" as a powerful guide for anyone ready to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true, authentic self. The book is a must-read for those seeking to reclaim their sense of self and live a life true to their values and desires.

[Shabray Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot on my mind, going through the seasons, change effecting me emotionally, BUT this book offered redirection and relaxation.

Have read this book years ago and it ment more today than it did months ago!

[Ron Frampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about how to except yourself the way you are.

[Melis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out really slow, I kept picking it up and putting it back down. But the second half was so good and such a quick read. I loved the manifestation tips.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you've ever gotten advice from your auntie or another knowledgeable relative that you didn't know you needed? That's what Shelah Marie wrote. A good read that confirms that it's fine to be our true authentic selves and there's no need to apologize for it. Words that are powerful and tips that will carry you through.