What is it about January and February? I find it to be such a hard time of year. This year, I'm really trying to make an effort to be mindful, and doing everything in my power to keep my spirits lifted. Exercise is something that I really have come to rely upon to keep me in a good place, but lately I've been trying to step up my reading of positive, inspiring books.
Where I live, winter weather often necessitates being inside. It's a great time for slowing down and reading something that will lift the spirit, regardless of where you live. Here are some of my current and past favorites:
The Gratitude Diaries - I'm currently reading this one and love it. It's written by a journalist who decided to stay positive and practice gratitude relentlessly for an entire year. It's based on her own experience, and entertaining interviews with CEOs, celebrities and experts. It's really informing the way I live my life right now and keeping me in a place of gratitude vs. complaint.
The Slight Edge - One of my all-time favorites and truly life changing. A book about the importance of daily choices and how they lead to happiness.
The Compound Effect- This book is a classic, straightforward gem that explains the importance of decisions and how they shape your destiny.
You are a Badass- I was a little put off by this title, but this book has become one of my favorites. An irreverent look at how to feel empowered.
The Go Giver - This book offers an eye opening way to view leadership and how to live a life of meaning.
Miracle Morning- I am a morning person, so this one wasn't hard for me to get behind. However it did offer up some great ideas and theories about just how important it is to get the day started off right.
Failing Forward - This is a look at failure in a whole new light. Not only is it ok, it's a GOOD thing!
Next Up: When Breath Becomes Air- This one undoubtedly is going to be sad. However, I think it's essential to always be reminded why life is worth living, and I'm thinking this one will keep me in that place of gratitude and counting my blessings every day.
I hope you find these suggestions useful if you need a little lift in your spirits! Let me know what you read in the comments below, and feel free to let me know if you have more that I should check out!
