Rediscovering the Forgotten You: Take Back Your Passion, Reignite Your Dreams, and Embrace the Life You Were Created to Live

by Joel Osteen

Reclaim the version of yourself that you once knew – the one with hopes and dreams, optimism and confidence. Then step into the best version of yourself – the one you haven’t met yet!

Life throws so much at us. Disappointments, failures, challenges, and even devastating loss. In the process of living, we begin to feel so out of touch with ourselves that we no longer recognize ourselves. In the midst of all that we experience, we forget to remember that we cannot live an authentic life if we’ve forgotten who we truly are.

Pastor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen wants us to know that God has promised us that He will recover what has been lost and fix what has been broken. He reminds us that we were create not just to survive but to live in full bloom But first, Joel says, we must come out of hiding and reclaim those parts of ourselves that have been withered by the fires of life. We must actively choose to lay aside the bitterness, the shame, the self-defeating messages we tell ourselves and then embrace, in faith, the vision of who and what we can become – the very best version of ourselves.

Rich with scriptural teaching as well as personal testimonies that will uplift and enlighten, Rediscovering the Forgotten You is the reminder you need to help you rediscover and then become the person you were created to be.
God has so much more in store for you when you remember the hopeful, positive you you once knew.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

JOEL OSTEEN is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers. He is the senior pastor of America's largest congregation, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. More than 45,000 people attend services there every week. His televised messages are seen by more than 10 million viewers each week in the United States, and millions more in 100 nations around the world. His 24-hour channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and millions of social media followers have prompted numerous publications to name him as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting and encouraging, with a few repetitive moments.

Joel Osteen delivers another positive, faith-filled message in Rediscovering the Forgotten You. This book reminds readers that we often bury our true selves under layers of doubt, past mistakes, and other people’s expectations — and that God wants to help us rediscover the person He created us to be. The core message is hopeful and motivating: you are not stuck, you are not defined by your failures, and it’s never too late to step into the dreams and destiny God has for you.

I especially appreciated the practical encouragement and the many real-life stories Osteen shares. His warm, conversational writing style makes it feel like you’re sitting in one of his services. The reminders to speak life over yourself, let go of negativity, and trust God’s plan are timely and inspiring.

The reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that some points felt a bit repetitive after a while, and I would have loved a few more deeper biblical examples or practical action steps. Still, overall it left me feeling encouraged and reminded of God’s goodness.

If you’re going through a season where you feel overlooked, forgotten, or disconnected from your purpose, this book offers a much-needed boost of hope and faith. Worth reading when you need a reminder of who you really are in God’s eyes.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one may expect from Osteen's books, this is uplifting and encouraging. In this book, he encourages readers to let go of negativity and reclaim the identity that God has lined up for them. There are some repetitious portions, but at its core, this book serves as a reminder that God wants to help us be the person He created us to be. And that does not change based on other people's expectations, regrets, or past mistakes. It's never too late. The tone of this book is conversational, like listening to his sermon messages. it would have been nice if there had been a few more practical steps or if Osteen had gone a bit deeper into some areas, but this is a hope-filled book overall.

[Katherina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Joel Osteen is a christian motivational speaker. I do not hesitate to pick up any of his books, this one included. They always seem to get me out of the doldrums.
Thank you t0 NetGalley and FaithWords for the complementary ARC. This is my true opinion.
Publish date: April 7, 2026

[Linda Tendler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Joel Osteen!!💕

[Dustin Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Joel Osteen. If you have read any of his books and enjoyed them, you’ll no doubt enjoy this one as well. A rather quick read just under 200 pages, but a book that’s filled with encouragement and uplifting messages and insights.