What I Am Reading!

First, I love to read. Ever since I was a little girl reading The Babysitter’s Club, I found that I loved to escape into a good book. That has turned into a lifelong passion for reading. One day I want to write a book. I’ve been talking about that for years. I’ve even taken steps to write an outline and research how to get published. I tell you this, to keep me accountable.

I digress…

Because I read so much I’m choosing to periodically write a blog listing out what I am reading and WHY. I could put together a page on the Mindfulness Elevated website with these resources but it will change pretty often that a blog will suffice.

During the pandemic, I read A LOT! Plus I have entered into this personal growth journey so with this edition of What AM I Reading, you will notice these book titles fall into that space. Also, I will list them from 10 to 1 but that doesn’t mean one book was better than the other. Generally, it references how much material I use from it in my daily life or the lifestyle coaching business with clients.

My Reading List

10.  The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK | Mark Mason - if you don’t like swear words, skip chapter 1. The rest of the book is much less aggressive with the F-bombs. But I will say...chapter 1 was the best. I found the author's perspective refreshing and direct. I’m working on looking inward at what ultimately makes me happy and provides me peace of mind. When I shared on social media about my lifestyle change specific to alcohol it was scary. I was worried about judgments and opinions. With choosing to be open there is freedom and peace of mind that I’m not hiding something important to me. Not giving a f*CK is liberating!

9.  Alcohol Explained | William Porter - If you’re interested in learning more about what alcohol does to the brain and body this is your book. It’s a simple quick read that is easy to understand. I like William's direct approach, no sugar coating! He accepted my Facebook friend request, that was cool! He continues to do great work and next up is a book regarding quitting smoking for anyone trying to drop that habit.

8.  Practicing Mindfulness | Matthew Sockolov - Mindfulness is at the root of my journey which is why I named the business as such. There are varying methods within mindfulness...meditation, nutrition, gratitude, centering exercises, body awareness, journaling to name several. This book is a great introduction to mindfulness (or living in the present moment being aware of your current state of mind and emotions). Some exercises take very little time but help you work towards your specific goals. Bonus points to Josh for giving this book to me as a gift for my birthday.

7.  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - I didn’t list it as number seven on purpose...it just happened that way. This book came out in the late 1990s. I’m confident my dad read it more than once and highlighted the crap out of it. Here I am 30 years later, reading it. And it’s good! Habits live in our subconscious and to change those behaviors you need to bring them up to the conscious mind and begin to peel back the onion. I’ve made progress here personally, with effective habits (ie. morning meditation, reading personal development literature, gratitude journaling, working out, eating right, daily vitamin routine).

6.  Quite Like A Woman | Holly Whitaker - I enjoyed this book. The author’s writing is very direct and raw. I loved her take on What you can fuck within your life and what you don’t want to fuck within your life. For instance, I can fuck with eating Skittles once and a while. But what I don’t want to fuck with is drinking alcohol. It doesn’t serve me. I will say her book isn’t for the faint of heart especially if political points of view are a hot button for you. But I often gravitate towards people who aren’t afraid to color outside the lines.

5. Change Your Brain Change Your Body | Daniel G. Amen, M.D. - The brain is the most amazing part of our bodies! Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. Cognitive memory issues run in my family. I want to ensure I’m doing everything possible to keep my brain and body healthy. Not drinking alcohol and caffeine is one of the many lifestyle changes I made to prevent memory loss and brain deterioration.

4.  Alcohol Lied to Me | Craig Beck - I loved this book! I read it in just 2 days. It’s short and sweet and packed with a ton of useful information that you can implement into your lifestyle. I began my vitamin regime based on the knowledge packed into this book. Alcohol robs our bodies of vital vitamins and nutrients. I have noticed that with this vitamin regime I have way more energy and am not having energy dips throughout the day.

3.  This Naked Mind - Annie Grace - The book was a game-changer for me. I have the pleasure of working with Annie on my coaching certification course through This Naked Mind Institute. She takes very complicated concepts surrounding alcohol and simplifies them with language that is positive and uplifting. She digs into the science behind what alcohol does to our brains and bodies. If you are sober curious, this book is for you! Fun fact...any book listed in this blog related to reducing or removing alcohol from your lifestyle is aptly called Quit Lit.

2. Atomic Habits - James Clear - I have never highlighted or used post-it flags more than I have read this book. No matter what habits you have in your lifestyle (good or bad) this book will dive deep into the nature of habits and how you can change them. I’m not going to lie..it takes work, but it is worth it! The author also has a weekly email blast with quick tips. For any leader or future leader out there reading this blog I highly recommend picking it up.

1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith - I read this book in 7th grade when I was at Gagie School. I fell in love with it. I’ve read it multiple times. My mom thinks the book is depressing. I didn’t read it that way. I think I just might read it again this summer.

Finally, here is my reader pro tip. Some people hate reading and that’s ok. Download the Audible app. It is a game-changer. Now, I still like to hold paper books but I also have begun reading multiple books at a time. So, here is how I do it. In the morning I read for 20-30 minutes (right now It’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). During the day if I’m driving, grocery shopping, cleaning, or cooking I will listen to the Audible app. Right now I’m listening to The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford. That will be going on another blog resource list in the future! At night before bed, I read for another 20-30 minutes. That book is a hard copy and right now I’m reading Golden Girl by Elin Hildebrand. A fun summer read!

Happy Reading my friends!