You Can Always Be Better – Summer Reads and Needs
How is it even possible that summer just started and now my trip to Chicago is already almost over! Time really does fly when you are having fun! As some of you may know, I am part of a fabulous book club (shout out to the Guilty Wives Club) and as I do every summer I take on a summer reading list with a combination of best sellers, recommendations and this year I have included some self exploration too! As a woman I constantly second guess myself as an individual, as a wife, and of course as a mother. I am always wondering if there is a better way to do what I am doing or how I can make sure that I am giving my kids the tools to be amazing individuals and citizens.
This year’s list had a little bit of everything but I wanted to share the life books that I really enjoyed that gave me just enough pep in my step each day to see things differently and offered some new ideas and perspective into my day to day life.
The List
Don’t feel bad about pepping yourself up sometimes- isn’t that what power posing is all about?? This book offers hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word to help you stop being self deprecating and change the way you see yourself and your future.
With social media shifting our focus to other people all the time, You Do You reminds you to spend just as time and energy on yourself as you do on other people. If everyone is busy doing ‘their’ thing, shouldn’t you be busy doing yours?? This easy read may be the reminder by your bedside that you need to just do you!
It’s Not About How Good You Are, It’s About How Good You Want To Be
If you are like me and asked yourself if there is more out there for you in this world or this life then author Paul Arden has some words of wisdom for you! He takes on issues as diverse as problem solving, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes and creativity- all things I try to tackle each and every day!
Yumi Sakugawa shares a wide range of useful and unexpected tips for looking and feeling better, streamlining and improving your home life. Everything from creating fun and artsy DIY projects that can brighten your living space. Everything from removing dark circles from under your eyes, making cold brew iced coffee at home, throwing the perfect party on a budget, working out at home without a gym membership and (my favorite!) taking the perfect afternoon power nap…and more! You can peek in and out of this book at will and get a whole lot out of it!
Parenting Recommendations
My next two recommendations are heavy on the parenting side of things.
I have two daughters, both are amazing yet incredibly different, one is self motivated, one is not, one is independent, the other is not. I have read both GRIT and The Power of Habit and these books have taught me so much about behaviors that successful people have and where and how they were taught them. It allows parents the freedom to exercise a little tough love to teach your child a lesson – I find tough love to be so hard sometimes. I always make excuses for my kids for example, I think that they don’t understand, or that they are too young, but these books have given me the gumption to challenge them. To my surprise, I have watched the kids step it up. If you need a scientific perspective with a track record on parenting then check these books out, you won’t regret it!
Well I hoped you enjoyed my book recommendations, what did you read this summer?
Your Chick,
Rina