 A running log of what I've been reading or watching this year... books, poems, articles and even documentaries compiled from my monthly email newsletter. What you are reading or watching? I'd love to hear your recommendations! Email me or leave a comment. Atomic Habits by James Clear This book is outstanding. I already passed along this great article about how to stick to habits by James Clear, which was taken from this very book. After reading the article, I bought the book. It's so, so, so good. If you want to set healthier habits, break bad ones, improve your efficiency, and get a fresh perspective on motivation, drive, and why some habits stick and some don't, read this book! I cannot recommend it enough. After every chapter I was invigorated to revamp or review my life and it has truly changed my perspective and given me a huge breath of fresh air with my habits. One major takeaway that I loved: habits won't stick unless they are fun/rewarding/satisfying. I like that because it made me think outside the box on how to make habits more fun. If you're already shying away from it because it sounds like just another self-help book that will bore you to tears— fear not. He gives many personal stories, references to interesting case studies, and down to earth advice that makes it enjoyable to read as well. Documentary Recommendation... Won't You Be My Neighbor? This documentary about Fred Rogers and his show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, is definitely worth watching. I grew up watching his show, so I really enjoyed learning more about him. He is truly inspiring. The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry One of my favorites! When I was in high school, our French class read it in French, and I've loved it ever since. I re-read it one night recently (in English, ha!), and I always enjoy it so much. If you've never read it, give it a try. It's one of those books "for kids" that is really for all of us. Lent In Plain Sight, by Jill Duffield A new book published just in time for Lent 2020. I began it on Ash Wednesday, and am really enjoying it. Jill was an associate pastor at my home church back in Greenwood, South Carolina. She is so sincere and I respect her so much. She was even the minister at my wedding. The message in her book is right on time: God works through ordinary people and communicates (in big and small ways) with us in ordinary ways. Documentary Recommendation... Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese Another music documentary! This one is fascinating, especially if you are a Bob Dylan fan. It's available on Netflix. And, I want his hat... Inward by Yung Pueblo I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed this book— for both my own personal growth and also as inspiration for intentions and themes in the yoga classes I teach. Each page is meaningful, so I just read a couple pages a day and reflect on the message. Here's the book description: True power is living the realization that you are your own healer, hero, and leader. Inward is a collection of poetry, quotes, and prose that explores the movement from self-love to unconditional love, the power of letting go, and the wisdom that comes when we truly try to know ourselves. It serves as a reminder to the listener that healing, transformation, and freedom are possible. Article I recommend... Can Gratitude Be Good For Your Heart? From The Greater Good Magazine Documentary I Recommend... Washington, on The History Channel I learned so much about our first president watching this 3 part documentary. I was shocked at how much I didn't know about him, the Revolutionary War, and the political climate at that time. He was definitely not perfect, but risked everything to lead the campaign for a new independent nation when— many times— it did not look promising. We would certainly not be where we are today without him. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy A GREAT book that opens your eyes to the power of small steps, tiny actions, and good decisions. I tell people all the time that tiny actions with health and fitness eventually add up to BIG results. This book is all about that concept. If you find it hard to stick to any routine, fitness plan, healthy eating, or other healthy habit, then read this book. So many people try a new habit and give up too early. It's easy to give up when you are trying so hard but don't (yet) see results. This book is a must read if you can identify with that sentence. Article I Recommend... You Might Be Overthinking Your Life by Tim Denning Where To Begin by Cleo Wade If you follow anything I write or attend anything I teach, you know I use Cleo's book Heart Talk ALL THE TIME for inspiration. This is her second book, and I have really enjoyed it as well. The full title is Where to Begin: A Small Book About Your Power to Create Big Change in Our Crazy World. It's right on time with some of the heartbreaking things happening in our country. It's about love, and healing yourself, and healing the world. It all comes down to you and me. Small actions. Right actions. Actions of love. We can all do something to contribute to making this country and this world a more loving place. Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist I love this book. It's just what I need to hear. I may live out in the country and far from a city, but my life is frantic all the same. It seems like I'm 100mph all the time. It's hard for me to slow down, hard for me to not work, and a habit I'm breaking is putting far too much emphasis on the all-important-to-do-list. If you can identify with any of this, read this book. She is so down to Earth and honest about these types of struggles with insight for a better way to live. Article To Read... Want to strengthen your immune system? Scientific studies say do more yoga. [From Yoga Journal] To be continued...
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