I’m not one for making New Years Resolutions but I do believe in fresh starts. And I believe in giving ourselves a fresh start more than once a year. I don’t know a single person who can make a resolution in January and still be working on it in October. Do you? I also believe in books – never did catch on to the e-reader thing – and January is National Book Month. I’m kind of a self help book junkie. Whether I buy them or borrow them I like learning new things and taking away what I feel ONLY applies to ME or my life at the moment. That is, I don’t feel like I need to incorporate every single thing the author writes about like some chore list. I pick out the pieces I think apply to me and what I’m dealing with at the time and incorporate them into my life in a way that fits for me. No stress, no guilt.
Still reading this one.
Anyway, I thought I would share a list of some of my favorites from over the years. Books that have helped me work through my “thinks” in one way or another. (List includes some affiliate links.) In no particular order.
- The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
- No Mud No Lotus
- Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- How to Eat (Mindful Essentials)
- Romancing the Ordinary: A Year of Simple Splendor
- The Power of Positive Thinking
- The Artist’s Way
- You Can Heal Your Life
- Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
- A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose
- Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
- The Vein of Gold: A Journey to Your Creative Heart
Most of those listed are ones I’ve hung on to. I’ve purchased and donated so many books over the years I couldn’t possibly keep track. I only hang on to my very favorites and donate them when I don’t think I will read them any more. And yes, I have been known to donate a book and then turn around and check it out of the library several years later. Life is fickle like that and so am I.
What kind of books do you read? How do you feel about New Years Resolutions?
You seem like my self-help book sister! My copy of “The Four Agreements” is well-worn and high-lighted, best book ever as far as very simple yet life-changing statements to live by. I have both Artist Way books of Julia Cameron, You can heal your life, both Simple Abundance books. I used to read the simple abundance books daily, maybe I’ll pick that habit back up now. Another really good author I look is Joan Borysenko, try her out, I bet you will love her too.
Yes, Janice, “The Four Agreements” is great. So simple yet very helpful.
I will have to check out Joan Boryseko. Thanks!
Vicki
Your book selection is awesome. I’ve read only one, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”; an Amazon Kindle format.
New Year’s Resolutions:
It depends upon the resolution(s). 🙂 I only make resolutions towards things I can achieve; i.e., to resume playing music. With sleep apnea playing the clarinet strengthens the throat/neck muscles. I have progressive arthritis so the guitar keeps my hands limber. But the spiritual peace of music adds to the success of maintaining these resolutions.
Another resolution: I’ve already read 4 books towards my 104 annual goal on Good Reads and have many more waiting to be cracked open. My art journal is ready for my colored pencils, paints or charcoal… I just need to put aside the time to meet these goals for the new year
One more resolution is Journaling: I maintained this 2015 resolution all year and continue to do so in 2016. 🙂
Books:
I collect books from any where and every where, especially PDF ebooks. I can house so many more electronic books than paperbacks. I don’t collect KINDLE any longer as Amazon claims “you don’t own the books you purchase and download…” (quoting out of context). I store my electronic books in Calibre Library, and it even aids in converting MOBI or EPUB into PDF so I can travel with them.
I do maintain a print book collection of my favorite romance authors. Yes, I still read romance books… I’m also a self-help junkie – counseling sessions can get expensive – so have a nice assortment of herbal, gardening, how to (?), and self-esteem related print books. “A Purpose Driven Life” was the most inspirational, spiritual book. And another book, an Amazon Kindle ebook, on menopause was enlightening, humorous and assuring, sadly I can’t remember the name.
WOW! A long post for me. You definitely hit on two subjects that are near and dear to my heart; setting personal goals (resolutions) and books. 🙂
I hope this year brings you much happiness and success!
You have some really great resolutions Pamela. Keep on truckin’!
V