My Favorite Books of 2018
Do you struggle to find the time to read?
So many people do! Here are a few tips to get into a good reading habit:
Swap a few nights a week of TV time for book time.
This might sound totally obvious, but it does take intention to start anything new. So often TV is the default after a long day, but reading can provide the same relaxing benefits, and it’s much easier on your eyes.
Instead of vowing to never watch TV again and only read, (#notreallife) just choose 2-3 nights this week when you will plan to read instead of turning on the television.
Read before your kids get up.
By waking up a little early and getting a jump on the day, you get time for YOU. Choose to read something that fills your soul or energizes you, and your day will start with a bang! Even just 10 minutes will do the trick!
Listen to audio books.
In my opinion, listening to a book totally counts as reading. If you have a long commute or take a daily walk, it’s the perfect time to listen to (ie. “read”) a new book.
Don’t strive for perfection.
Many people avoid reading because they feel they have to carve out two hours of quiet time in order to relax enough to read. Let me give it to you straight. You will never have this big, beautiful window of time where nothing needs to get done and no one needs you. You must create that space and be ok with taking it in small chunks wherever you can get it.
PS - If you feel like you are too busy or too scattered to read, you are going to love my “essay book” suggestions below!
Have a WHY in mind.
Can you identify what it is about reading that refuels and energizes you? Is it learning something new, growing your faith, nurturing your parenting skills, or exploring that side hustle you are excited about? Do you enjoy getting lost in a good story? Maybe sitting down to read is simply SHEER JOY! Whatever your reason, identifying that benefit will help you make the necessary time. Write your “why” down on a piece of paper.
Here are some of my favorites!
(Note: I do not read very much non-fiction. The books I am going to recommend below are mostly on motherhood, home, and spiritual growth. This is the kind of reading that energizes me.)
💗 ESSAY BOOKS
(An essay book is divided into chapters from one or multiple authors, the topic of each chapter independent from the next. There might be an over-arching theme, but you can read each essay as a stand-alone piece, making it SUPER easy for people who want to read in short and sweet spurts!)
Magic of Motherhood - Ashlee Gadd
Such a sweet book! It’s also my go-to gift for baby showers.
Slow Down - Nicole Nordeman
Originally a songwriter and recording artist, Nicole hits it out of the park with this sweet motherhood read.
Present Over Perfect - Shauna Niequist
I read this book for the 3rd time this year. It is one of my absolute favorites because it reminds me to stay present.
💗 HOME BOOKS
A Simplified Life - Emily Ley
The title does it justice! Emily’s simple approach to home and family life is easy to read and implement.
The Cozy Minimalist Home - Myquillyn Smith
Afraid of becoming a minimalist and having nothing on your walls? Myquillyn merges the concepts of minimalistic living with sweet and cozy decor to curate a home you love!
💗 Health and wellness books
The Slow Down Diet - Marc David
This book was instrumental in my decision to give up the whole “diet mentality”!
Naturally Thin - Bethany Frankel
YESSS - she is from Real Housewives. And also yes, she has some great sustainable tips for healthy living.
The Wellness Project - Phoebe Lapine
Currently reading this and loving it! Phoebe walks you through her journey with auto immune disease and the tiny food experiments she did that provided her a way to start feeling better.
💗 Business Books
The Desire Map - Danielle Laporte
Learn how to stop striving and instead set goals based on how you want to FEEL. It’s revolutionary. I read this book once a year.
The Magic of Tiny Business - Sharon Rowe
Sharon reveals such sweet and simple, yet highly effective, tips for running a business.
This is Marketing - Seth Godin
Seth’s words are gold!! His heart resides in teaching entrepreneurs to put their clients first and the rest will follow.
Action step:
After reading this post, go into the Facebook group and tell us your favorite read of 2019!
Let’s use the thread to inspire and support one another :)
The ✨ RADIANCE REVOLUTION ✨ is a monthly membership program where I give you the tools, inspiration, support, and community you need to be the kind of mother and human you are meant to be! You’ll learn ways you can achieve harmony in your home, health, relationships and money and you will be supported every step of your journey. The Radiance Revolution will help you wake up excited for your life
Hi, I'm Julia
I help moms clear clutter in their homes and hearts so they can focus on what matters.
The ✨ RADIANCE REVOLUTION ✨ is a monthly membership program where I give you the tools, inspiration, support, and community you need to be the kind of mother and human you are meant to be! You’ll learn ways you can achieve harmony in your home, health, relationships and money and you will be supported every step of your journey. The #MOMBOD Revolution will help you wake up excited for your life
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