We practice self-love every time we choose our health and well-being over pleasing someone else, but the things we prioritize as self-care have a different definition for everyone. Sometimes it’s just a good cry in the shower, other times a day at the spa, or something as simple as an afternoon nap. For me, it’s disappearing into a good book, a podcast, or a streaming binge.
Admittedly, I can’t always make the time for a good book, especially with the sheer number of books that hit the shelves every year. How do we keep up with the thousands of books we just “have to read” this year? Short answer, we master speed reading, get a book summarizing app, or just pick a few and get started.
Here are the first 3 books I chose for the new year!
Drama Free
★★★★★
This book from a licensed therapist and relationship expert is an educational tool aimed at helping us overcome generational behaviors we’d rather not have in our relationships. Our relationships are at the forefront of mental health and can easily be the most traumatic or healing experience in our lives. Many of us have found ourselves in families where we’re not authentically accepted. Nedra aims to guide us through having intentional conversations to rebuild these relationships or teach us how to let go and maintain them on our own terms.
Shadow Work Journal for Self-Love
★★★★★
I’m a BIG fan of this type of journal because it can make self-care simple, guiding us to make the most of the few minutes we get to sit down, reflect, and be mindful. I’m not always successful (giving myself so much grace!) but my best days often start with a journal and coffee in the early hours. It’s a ritual that’s near and dear to my heart.
Step 1: Wake up and hit snooze for 10 minutes
Step 2: Army roll out of bed.
Step 3: Pee & drink water
Step 4: Get dressed (Gym clothes, usually.)
Step 5: Make liquid happiness (French press coffee!)
Step 6: Curl up in the corner of the couch with a pen, a journal, and a cup of liquid happiness.
The Women
★★★★★
If you enjoyed Firefly Lane on Netflix, this might be the read for you! Kristin Hannah’s next book comes out in February (My birthday month) and I’ve already pre-ordered mine. (You heard about it here first!)
I’m a sucker for historical fiction. Toss in some heroics, love, and survival; I’m completely hooked. This book is based in 1965 and follows the story of “Frankie” McGrath. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows his path.
And that’s it. Simple. No matter how long it takes me to get through these books, at the end of the year I’ll be able to say:
- I read something that taught me how to better navigate relationships.
- I recorded my thoughts and feelings.
- I read something that enlisted my imagination and provided an escape from reality.
So, what are you going to read this year? Pop over to social and let me know what you’ll be reading.
