What I’m Reading: February 2018

Curling up with a good book isn’t just one of my favourite ways to kick back and relax, it’s also one of my 18 goals for 2018 (find the other 17 here).

This is the year I’m going to focus on making more time to enjoy the quiet and one of my very favourite ways to do a little less is settling in with a great new read.

Now, 18 books in one year probably doesn’t sound so lofty to you, but honestly friends, this is my attempt at being realistic. I am SUCH a big lover of books and reading. It truly is one of my very favourite ways to spend my time.

Though I dream about spending entire days with my nose in a book, in reality, it’s rare that I find even a few minutes to pick up a book through the day. More times than not, I’m crawling into bed, far later than I’d intended, struggling through yawns and tired eyes to remember that sentence I’ve read and re-read a hundred times.

I’m sure I’m not alone in my struggles to keep my eyes open through more than three pages at a time before I’m snoring away. No matter how enthralling the book in front of me, my exhaustion from the day always wins out.

And so, though I’d love to surpass this sad little goal of just 18 books this year, I’m going to make darn sure that at the very least, I’m finding the time (and energy) to kick back with 18 fabulous reads through 2018.

Just in case you’re looking for some ideas for your next read, here’s what I’ll be starting with this month…

one. You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
By: Jen Sincero

What Amazon has to say about it: In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.
By the end of You Are a Badass, you’ll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can’t change, how to change what you don’t love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.

My sweet Mother-in-law (who loves reading even more than I do and promises that I will once again find the time and energy to read more than 18 books a year) gifted this to me. I’m just a few chapters in, but already I’m loving the whitty writing style.
 
 

two. Braving the Wilderness: The quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone
By Brene Brown

What Amazon has to say about it: “True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are.” Social scientist Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives—experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. With her trademark mix of research, storytelling, and honesty, Brown will again change the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging.

Brown argues that we’re experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other. She writes, “True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone when necessary. But in a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts.” Brown offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and to each other. And that path cuts right through the wilderness. Brown writes, “The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.”

Brene Brown is a name that’s crossed my path often these last few months – I’ve heard such amazing things about all of her books and cannot wait to dig into my first!
 
 

three. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
By: Elizabeth Gilbert

What Amazon has to say about it: Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

This brilliant read has been on my reading list for ages now and I’m excited to finally open it up!
 
 

I’d love to know what’s on your reading list?
 

Wishing you such a lovely day!
 

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