A couple of years ago, I decided that I needed to read more! As a teacher, I read often but I was not reading for pleasure or even for personal growth. I decided that I would make reading a priority instead of finding excuses for why I didn’t have the time. If I have time to watch a television show, I definitely have time to read. So I decided to find time to dive into books and I have not regretted it!
What I Read This Past Year:
The Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
by Shonda Rhimes
This was the best book I read in 2016. I actually listened to the audio version of the book (which is read by the author) and I loved it! I recommended it to a close friend and she enjoyed it as well.
In this book, Shonda Rhimes talks about being human, having fears, conquering her fears, being true to herself, writing, motherhood, her self image, being celebrated and balancing it all. There were some things I didn’t agree with all her on, but the awesome things in this book outweighed the differences. There were several chapters that I played over and over again.
I especially enjoyed the chapter about saying no as well as her metaphor of laying track as a writer. She states “Writing is the hum. Writing is laying track. Writing is the high…When you sit down to write everyday, it becomes easier and easier to tap into that creative space inside your mind.”
This is my top recommendation! Read it – actually, listen to it because I think you will enjoy it.
My takeaways:
- Say yes to what scares me
- Say yes to compliments – “When you negate someone’s compliment, you are telling them they are wrong. You’re telling them they wasted their time….If someone wants to compliment you, let them.”
- Say yes when asked if I “wanna play”
- Say yes to my health
- Say yes to difficult conversations
- Say yes to dancing
- Say yes to who I am
- Say yes to more of brings joy in my life
- Say yes to being beautiful
Eat That Frog: 21 Ways To Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done In Less Time
by Brian Tracy
I’m admitting that I am a member, maybe of the board of the procrastinator’s club, but I would like to step down and resign from that position. Honestly, I procrastinated even as I journeyed through this book. If you are interested in managing your time better and being more effective steward of your time, then I would say this a good read. He gives practical tips on how to take charge of your day and stop being a mere victim of time. Ok so I’m not there yet; let’s just say I’ll need to read this book often. And I do read a chapter or so whenever I come across the book. Now I just need to stop procrastinating!
Favorite Quote (s) :
“Eat the biggest and ugliest frogs before anything else. Do the worst first!”
“To keep your life in balance, you should resolve to work all the time you work. When you go to work, put your head down and work the whole time. Start a little earlier, stay a little later, and work a little harder. Don’t waste time….the time that you waste at work often has to be taken away from the members of your family.”
Enemies of The Heart by Andy Stanley – Read my takeaways here.
Other Books I Read in 2016
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott – Awesome book about the practice of writing, but in a very practical and funny way. If you enjoy writing, get it!
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison – Ashamed to say that this was my first Toni Morrison book. She’s always been on my list to read and I’m glad I finally read this book (fiction). I will be rereading it this year.
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer – Read my takeaways here.
Having a Mary Heart In A Martha World by Joanna Weaver – Read my takeaways here.
52 Lists Project: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration by Moorea Seal – Not really something to read – But a book of lists that help you think about what you enjoy, what you want to do, etc. I did not make a list every week so I will be listing into 2017.
Drum roll….stay tuned for what’s on my 2017 reading list…
