Its safe to say I’ve been slack with my blogging over the last 6, ok 8 months. The break has been nice (well there have been ups and downs in real life) but I’ve missed writing. I had a whole blog post planned for January about this year’s intentions and plans, I didn’t get round to actually writing it but the intention was there.
Following on from last years’ mission statement, “upgrade your downtime” and the importance of looking after my mental health and seizing moments of quiet time, I’m doing something different.
In the spirit of trying to be a woman who is continuously learning and educating herself, I’ve set myself a goal. I am going to read 24 books this year. To some this is light work but for me who might get through 3… maybe, its going to be a real challenge. As an educator who is always bleating on to her students about reading everyday for at least 20 mins, It’s actually quite embarrassing that I don’t practice what I preach. Rather than waste time scrolling aimlessly on my phone why not read in peace and quiet (when I can get the aforementioned moments) instead. So I’m putting my own words into action and I am actually going to do this.
“Reading forces you to be quiet in a world that no longer makes place for that” -John Green
There is no downside to reading. Books can be encouraging, magical, powerful, insightful, informative, enlightening and liberating obviously depending on what type of book you are reading. Within the pages one can find a pathway to a world of wonder or stepping stones to freedom.
I’ve chosen a wide genre of books, old and new, from self help to fantasy to keep myself interested, expand my knowledge base and to mix things up a bit. Not sure why I’ve numbered them as I don’t intend to read them in any particular order -here is my list:
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Good Vibes Good Life by Vex King
- Playing Big by Tara Mohr
- The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
- Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (just finished this, it was brilliant!)
- What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
- Ice Cream for Breakfast by Laura Jane Williams
- Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
- Seeing Other People by Mike Gayle
- Naughtier than Nice by Eric Jerome Dickey
- One More Day Mitch Albom
- Thrive by Ariana Huffington
- Slay in Your Lane by Yomi Adegoke
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- The Power by Naomi Alderman
- Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle
- The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla
- Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
- Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher
- New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
I’ve read 7 of these books so far (numbers 1-6 and 12), so I’m on track…ish, (I need to read 2 a month) but I am determined to achieve this goal. You never know I might read more! How often do you guys read? What books have you read that you thought were life changing or thought provoking? Please do write any books you recommend in the comments below.
