Reading is my favorite hobby. It supports my quest to be a life long learner and it fills up my proverbial cup. Reading is also a way I learn how to be a better coach, a more skillful parent, more compassionate human and less stressed 21st century woman.
I know I read a lot, but even I was surprised by my finishing 25 books in the first two months of the year.
— Reading reduces your stress level. Reduced stress is good for your health.
— Some studies indicate a possible relationship between learning and longevity.
Plus, reading it fun!
Here’s how I read 25 books in January and February of 2019:
I made a GoodReads Reading Challenge of 52 books.
I paid off my library fine to get my Kindle out of library jail. (hand to forehead).
I filled my Kindle with books that were available to read immediately and a bunch that had a waiting list.
I started reading while waiting for my daughter to fall asleep instead of watching Netflix or scrolling on my phone.
I started reading while I waited for the kettle to boil instead of scrolling my phone.
I started reading while I ate lunch instead of scrolling my phone.
I started reading before bed before I fell asleep.
I went to the library and got a couple Lucky Day books that I could read before I went to sleep because my Kindle was keeping me awake and messing with my sleep.
I stacked books in front of the TV remote, so I would have to put my hand over said stack and remember what I wanted to be doing instead of watching TV.
I read those Lucky Day books quickly because you can’t renew them.
I read those books on my Kindle quickly because they disappear in 21 days.
I kept track of every book I am reading on GoodReads (what I monitor grows).
I listened to a couple audio books I checked out from the library on my long drives and walks.
I soaked in the tub reading my Kindle instead of scrolling my phone.
I read during my breaks from work instead of scrolling my phone.
I read some really short books/quick reads.
I didn’t watch much TV or socialize much which is ok because January and February is a very introvert-y month for me.
I brought my Kindle everywhere I went in case I had a few minutes to wait: the dentist, while waiting for a conference call to start.
I encouraged my daughter to spend time reading next to me to spend time together enjoying books. This is what we did on Super Bowl Sunday.
If you’d like to read more this year I’ve collected a few resources for you:
This week has been a reminder that filling my schedule – even with things that are amazing – still leaves me with a too full schedule feeling. I don’t run well without white space.
Summer hours are in order. I am concentrating my efforts on learning, studying and creating good stuff for you for the fall. So I’ll be posting only Sunday posts until after Labor Day.
How are you this week?
Each week in 2018 I’ll be sending you articles that have sparked my interest because they are all about Self-Care and Life Satisfaction.
Three Reasons To Spend More Time Outside – I’ve committed myself to walking outside early in the morning five days a week this summer. It feels like the best use of my time if for no other reason it is helping me change the story I have been telling myself for years that it is ALWAYS hot in Sacramento in the summer. Not true! It is absolutely gorgeous most mornings.
5 Tips for Hosting a Guest With Dietary Restrictions – best line: I may not eat your food, but can you still invite me over? YES! As a dairy/shellfish/melon allergic person with a mostly vegetarian husband I often joke we’re no fun at a dinner party. So not true! We just might need to bring our own dinner.
Walking the Powerful Women Tightrope – Have you seen RBG yet? If not, stop and go NOW. I learned so much about Justice Ginsburg, her history + family life, and also about how she reshaped the lives of American women in the 70s and 80s through the cases she tried before the Supreme Court before becoming the SECOND woman in US history to sit on the bench. Love this discussion about powerful women who are just enough to get things done.
We celebrated our first day off from school with a trip to the lake with the grandparents. Nothing like riding around on a boat with good food, good company and a good book.
How are you this week?
Each week in 2018 I’ll be sending you articles that have sparked my interest because they are all about Self-Care and Life Satisfaction.
Friday Night Lights: Connie Britton Picks Her Favorite Tami Taylor Scenes – Tami Taylor has been my life and parenting coach at some point in my life. I just love her. My favorite scene is the one where Julie is trying to convince her mom to go see on a school night. Who knew my favorite band Old97s would end up in one of my favorite shows?
Our school year ends this week — both my husband and daughter will be home all summer. I am equal parts thrilled and terrified.
Terrified because I need to put some structure on our summer or there will be hell to pay. Thrilled because homework and school lunches have been the bane of my existence. I promised myself not to get caught up in either and I failed. So looking forward to a fresh start next school year!
How are you this week?
Each week in 2018 I’ll be sending you articles that have sparked my interest because they are all about Self-Care and Life Satisfaction.
What It Means To Live A Slower Life – would you ever consider selling all your stuff and traveling around the world? Love reading stories of families that do and I’m not sure I could/would. Maybe living slower in the life I already have.
I teach 100% guilt-free self-care to busy women who want to drop the story that self-care is selfish and start feeling powerful and strong as the leader in their own life. All without them feeling overwhelmed or breaking the bank.
