2020 was quite a year. But it is now behind us (ahhh... big sigh of relief). A new year feels like a fresh start. A clean slate. And now more than ever that feels GOOD!
Many of us enjoy making New Year's resolutions as a way to look forward, establish better habits, improve areas of our life that we want to work on, focus on our health, and jump start our ambitions. New year, new you, right?!
Over the course of this pandemic I immersed myself in the world of self-help books to find some inspiration, motivation, entertainment and guidance to make life feel a little more opportunistic. A little more in control. A little less overwhelming. Reading stories about others overcoming obstacles, having life altering experiences and finding love can be so inspiring.
I discovered four books that really filled me up. They taught me a lot. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Gave me epiphanies. Helped me let go of past disappointments. Uncovered ways to be the best mom I can be. Motivated me to start taking care of ME. Gave me the courage to accept that there are things I do not like and have the power to change... NOW. Perhaps they will bring the same comfort and inspiration to you. And give you the tools and guidance to build your own resolutions for a transformational 2021.
I'm sure many of the moms out there struggle to find the time to read. I struggle with that too. So I found a way to combine exercise and books by listening to them while walking or jogging. You can also listen to them in the car or at home if you find that convenient.
Check out these four books to get you inspired to develop your New Year's resolutions, start making positive changes and pave the way for— what might just be— the best year of your life.
Many of us enjoy making New Year's resolutions as a way to look forward, establish better habits, improve areas of our life that we want to work on, focus on our health, and jump start our ambitions. New year, new you, right?!
Over the course of this pandemic I immersed myself in the world of self-help books to find some inspiration, motivation, entertainment and guidance to make life feel a little more opportunistic. A little more in control. A little less overwhelming. Reading stories about others overcoming obstacles, having life altering experiences and finding love can be so inspiring.
I discovered four books that really filled me up. They taught me a lot. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Gave me epiphanies. Helped me let go of past disappointments. Uncovered ways to be the best mom I can be. Motivated me to start taking care of ME. Gave me the courage to accept that there are things I do not like and have the power to change... NOW. Perhaps they will bring the same comfort and inspiration to you. And give you the tools and guidance to build your own resolutions for a transformational 2021.
I'm sure many of the moms out there struggle to find the time to read. I struggle with that too. So I found a way to combine exercise and books by listening to them while walking or jogging. You can also listen to them in the car or at home if you find that convenient.
Check out these four books to get you inspired to develop your New Year's resolutions, start making positive changes and pave the way for— what might just be— the best year of your life.
Happiness
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"It's about living in the moment and appreciating the smallest things. Surrounding yourself with the things that inspire you and letting go of the obsessions that want to take over your mind. It is a daily struggle sometimes and hard work but happiness begins with your own attitude and how you look at the world.”
― Gretchen Rubin While the The Happiness Project isn't a new book (written in 2009), it is a long-standing best seller and shows up in any list when searching for books about happiness. The story guides you through one mother's quest to find happiness and the actions she takes to achieve it over the course of a year. Her story is heart warming, entertaining, relatable, and inspiring. The book is very well researched and written, pulling you into a delightful journey of self-discovery. Gretchen's process of defining monthly resolutions and uncovering "splendid truths" can become yours. Her "happiness" ideas will inspire you to create your own. Just layer in your personal values, goals and interests. Have you ever heard the famous parenting quote "The days are long but the years are short"? It came from this book. |
Love & Marriage
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“For love, we will climb mountains, cross seas, traverse desert sands, and endure untold hardships. Without love, mountains become unclimbable, seas uncrossable, deserts unbearable, and hardships our lot in life.”
― Gary Chapman This is an oldie but a goodie! The 5 Love Languages was written back in 1992 but is still totally relevant today. The author, an experienced marriage counselor, distills down all of the ways of expressing and receiving love into five different "love languages." Why does this matter? Because everyone gives and receives love differently. Identifying a "primary love language" can help you decode how to make your partner feel loved and how you want to be loved. And with all of this time together, it is more important than ever to feel connected and loved. What is your love language? Gifts? Quality time together? Acts of service? Physical touch? Words of affirmation? Whatever it is, knowing yours and your lover's can dramatically improve how you communicate and enjoy your life together. I found this book to be illuminating, intriguing and entertaining. Dr. Chapman's engaging and true stories illustrate the critical need for love and how identifying and catering to someone's love language can radically strengthen and improve your relationship. |
Career
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If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.”
― Jen Sincero The book You Are a Badass can be a game changer. Written by Westchester County native Jen Sincero, this book gives you step-by-step instructions to start making some serious improvements to your life NOW. Her edgy tone is inspiring and humorous at the same time. She walks you through the amusing, provocative and sometimes painful stories of her own life experiences and the lessons she gleaned from them. Her advice focuses on loving yourself and believing in yourself. Moving forward and not looking back. Taking action. Not giving up. Surrounding yourself with winners. Working through obstacles. Being determined. Making the reality you want yours. If you are ready to turn your career ambitions into reality, this book is for you. |
Family & Parenting
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“In our attempt to shelter our kids from adversity, we rob them of the opportunity to make decisions, learn from their mistakes, and develop the resilience needed to thrive through the ups and downs of life. This is all done in the name of love—but too much of a good thing can result in kids who always expect to get what they want when they want it.”
― Amy McCready I consider this book THE parenting manual. The author, Amy McCready, is a parenting genius. Whether you have toddlers or teens, The Me, Me, Me Epidemic will give you practical advice to teach independence, healthy attitudes, responsible behavior and decision making. Not to mention how to address bad behavior and when to ignore it. If you are tired of nagging, yelling, back talk, doing everything for your child (that they are clearly capable of doing on their own... or at least should be) then this book is for you. Rather than dreading all of this extra time together, start enjoying it with these positive parenting tips and tricks. It will be your secret weapon. |
Wishing all of our readers a happy and healthy 2021! You got this.
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