Books for a Better Me

This year has been a year of reflecting for me. Who am I? What do I want? What kind of parent am I? Who do I want to be moving forward? Pretty deep, huh? But what better time to make some big changes in our way of thinking? What better time to step in a new direction than a time where there is so much unknown, turmoil and opportunities to do so?

There are some books that have aided this introspective look into my life so far, and a few that I’m still diving into, but know they will be powerful. Here are a few books that I have read, am currently reading and plan to read next to assist in my journey forward:

The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
​In this time of staying at home, book club has become virtual-book club. And I’ve also become involved in several book clubs over the course of this year!
My newest group is a parenting-focus book club in which we read and discussed “The Gift of Failure”. This book really hit home since it brought together my two roles--parent and teacher.
The main message of this book is to stop over-parenting. Let your child experience life and tasks for themselves, and try not to intervene. We need to bring up our children to be strong and capable humans, and let them know what failure feels like.
​ It was a great book to discuss too, so for those of you who are parents to kids of ANY age or those of you that are parents-to-be at some point, I encourage you to read (or listen to) this book. 

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
If like me you are ready for a new way to look at life, then you need to check out Eckhart Tolle. “A New Earth” describes how to live in the moment, not dwell in the past or yearn for the future. To view your true identity as something separate from The Ego.
Yeah. This one is a lot to take in, but such a refreshing approach to experiencing life. If we can get out of our conscious brain, truly feel our emotions and recognize why we are feeling a certain way, we can attain a new perspective.
This was a book that Oprah actually did a web series/podcast on with the author and they discuss the book chapter by chapter. I will link her series here. This was very helpful for me in processing the information in the book!

Untamed by Glennon Doyle
​It has been a long time since I have actively read a book. I mean, underlining sections, marking pages with little post-it flags, the works. This book is SO powerful in changing your mindset.
That you don’t have to do what everyone expects. That you don’t have to conform to societal norms. That you can put yourself first, and teach your children to do the same.
​There is so much positivity that radiates from Glennon’s story that it is impossible to not think about it constantly. Her memoir is one of being your true self and I can’t speak highly enough about it!

I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening by Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers
​This book and the podcast created by the authors of the book have made an incredible impact on my life and how I participate in politics.
I was always sort of pressured to stay silent on my political views, especially in social (& familial) groups that have very different views from my own.
​But Sarah and Beth present how we can share our views and hear the views of others with a little bit of grace and really, just  being open to not only speak up, but listen up, too. If you’re looking to dip your toe in the proverbial waters, definitely give this book (and their podcast “Pantsuit Politics”) a whirl.

​So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The big one. Our current world is in a state of unrest and we need to understand fully why and how we can help.
I’ve made it a goal to educate myself on race and learn about the Black Lives Matter movement even more. I am currently reading “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo to really allow myself to participate in honest conversations about race and racism.So far, this book has provided me with a very straight-forward and direct message and allowed some real opportunities to think deeply about my role in this situation, which I appreciate. I look forward to completing this book, and then moving to my list of other race-related titles that have been recommended:

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
• Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

We all have room to grow, new things to learn and should take the opportunity to do so whenever possible. If reading books isn’t your thing, try audiobooks! That is actually the main way that I get through books these days!

 Another great resource for all of the books and topics that I mentioned is to find podcasts that focus on those areas! Such a fun and interesting way to take in new information, and I am always on the lookout for more, so leave your podcast or book suggestions in the comments!