Reading. I love it. Before kids you could find me most nights curled up on the couch with a good book. Now most nights are spent reading for the thousandth time, ‘Good night moon’ and ‘Where oh where is huggle buggle bear?’ Both are great books… for my kids.
Reading can be an escape from the real world (fiction) but it can also be a way to teach and challenge you. I’ve got three empowering books today that do the later and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Read more: 5 Must-Read Photography Books
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No.01Essentialism
Essentialism isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. ~GREG MCKEOWN
This one was a BIG one for me this past year. I read it early into 2015 and it shook me in ways I wasn’t expecting. I thought this was going to be a book for my business but it was so much more than that, it spoke to my entire life. This book discusses the need to shift your focus, the ‘disciplined pursuit of less’ as author Greg McKeown says will plant the seeds to help you discover how to get your life back on track. In a world of more more more, Greg challenges you to refine your focus on the right things. Trust me, get this one and read it soon!
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No.02Fringe Hours
Ah Jessica Turner! She has written a book that is a must read for every woman. I know I can’t be the only one who feels like my days are not my own, there is a whole slew of to-do’s in our days that just leave us feeling like there is absolutely no time for ourselves. But Jessica has found the answer, and has shared how she’s taken pockets of time back for HER. I bought this on as an ebook, knowing what the book was about, I planned to fit it in during pockets of my day (hello soccer practice!)
If you’re like me and feel like you’ve been spending your year taking care of everybody but you, then PLEASE read this book and start finding your fringe hours to take care of yourself and dare I say, indulge in the things that bring you joy…
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No.03Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
This is my most current read and Elizabeth Gilbert has truly rocked my socks! This is the book for every creative out there… Which in my opinion truly is everybody. She speaks about how important a creative outlet is for the human spirit and then digs deep. She offers many insightful perspectives on creativity as well as challenges you to push beyond your fears and to be brave. I highly recommend trying this one out on audible, Elizabeth narrates and it feels like she’s right there having a conversation with you directly.
You’re probably thinking, that’s great Marissa, but when am I going to have the time to sit down and read a book?!?
I’m definitely a BIG fan of a real book, especially these kinds of books. I like to highlight and book mark the heck out of them, but just like you, I have no time to sit down and read a book in large enough doses to satisfy my cravings. My friends, you have to try Audible! I spend A LOT of time editing, and with Audible I can now listen to the books while I work. It’s amazing, seriously.
If you’re not one for audio books and don’t like the clutter of a real book, don’t forget about ebooks! Trust me, these books are worth squeezing in during those Fringe Hours Jessica Turner talks all about. It may take longer to finish a book but it will still be worth your time!
So… which one are you going to dig into first?!?!
I vote a BIG yes for Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear — I can’t say it changed my life, but it certainly added to it and enabled me to see many things in a different way. I don’t think anyone who reads this book can avoid being more open to taking risks and exercising their creativity!