In addition to giving up alcohol and posting personal pictures on social media, for 2021, I engaged in daily meditation practice and reading (I hadn't read consistently in years). As we close out 2021, I am providing you with my list of 7 must reads (I read them in the past year) -- some old, some new.
I will attempt to give you a snap judgment in a sentence or two (shew!).
1) Book That Will Change How You Interact with the World & Yourself
The Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele
This book will essentially provide you with the "10 Commandments" of Living Wholeheartedly - you'll get 5 concepts for navigating life with others and 5 concepts in living within and for yourself. I've read this book at least 10 times - it's simple, relatable and awakening! It will definitely make you a better person.
2) Book That Will Guide You to Your Purpose
The Four Desires by Rod Stryker
This book is a little heavy in terms of philosophy and concept, however, will guide you to the power you hold within yourself to listen to your own stillness, determine what you really want from life, and help you achieve it. There are great meditations and guided journal questions. I wrote my own eulogy when I read this book and it changed and shifted how I viewed my own dharma (or purpose).
3) Book That Will Have You Laughing Out Loud
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey
I recommend this book be purchased via audiobook. It is light and to the point - not an earth shattering new concept: how adversity works for you not to or against you. Matthew McConaughey should be nominated for an Oscar for his narration. He had me laughing out loud on the treadmill as he retold tales of his childhood in the rural Midwest and his jungle days as a yogi and naked bongo dancer. LOL!
4) Book That Will Have You Feeling Like the Adult Nancy Drew (Fiction book)
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Not since Gone Girl, by Jillian Flynn, have I burned through a mystery this quick! There's a feel of "Girl Interrupted" in terms of the Antagonist. The book will have you guessing who's right, who's wrong, who's the hero, who's the villan, and what the actual hell JUST. HAPPENED. There is a fair bit of steamy romance too!
5) Book that Reminds You of the Power of Shakti (Girl Crush)
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Look, it's the book everyone on social media is talking about. This book feels like the most perfect adult sleep over party ever. It's essentially a modern take on deconstructing society's pre-conditioned emotional norms and roles. If you're looking to feel motivated, understood and accepted, all while navigating change, or at the very least considering change, narrated by someone who feels like the coolest best friend (Glennon Doyle), ever.
6) Book that is an Oldie But a Goodie
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
One of my most favorite philosophy "stories" ever. The story is the hero's journey, set in the desert. The characters are few, but impactful. The hero is relatable, brave and endearing. I learn something new every time I pick the book up. The central message is FATE or CHOICE, which is it? The book will have you considering both.
7) Book that Will Have You Considering Turning Sober November into Sober, Period
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
Thinking about giving up alcohol for a week, a month, a year, or not at all? Wanting a book that gives you the science and psychology behind drinking? If you answered yes, this is the one for you. The book also gives perspective through the lens of marketing and business. Annie challenges the myths behind drinking, the façade we've created behind it's "benefits" and will stop you from asking "Why!?" when someone says they don't drink.