Books on my summer reading list

 Summer is starting to show her beautiful face here in the Bluegrass state. I love summer for so many reasons, and a couple of my favorite things are planting our little garden, thinking of meals to cook on our BGE (Big Green Egg), and anxiously awaiting our annual trip to the beach.

With all of these fun things that come along with summer, I also love to plan what books I’m going to enjoy during the summer season. There’s something so wonderful about sitting out on our porch swing after a long day with a great book.

Did I tell you guys that we canceled our cable? Crazy, right!? I wasn’t up for the idea at first, but it didn’t take long for my husband to convince me. And I don’t miss it at al!. We still have Netflix to indulge in now and then and that is enough for me! I started watching New Girl recently, and I genuinely think it’s hilarious!

But since canceling our cable, I’ve found that my husband and I spend more quality time talking to each other. We get outside a lot, and I have been able to read more than ever.

Missing out on one of the greatest gifts

I have a confession. I used to claim that I hated reading! Like for a long time!

When I look back at my years through high school and college, I never picked up a book to read for pleasure. It wasn’t a habit of mine, and I could think of 100 things I would rather do with my time.

Oh, how my perspective has changed!

I have realized that reading is one of the greatest gifts in life. One book can literally change your entire perspective on life; it did for me! And now that I have started, I never want to stop. The mindset I have developed is that if I’m reading, I’m learning, and if I’m learning then I’m growing. If I’m growing, then I’m contributing. 

I learned while reading Awaken the Giant Within : How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny! that contributing is my top value that I most desire in life. I would never have known that if I didn’t read that book!

Why did I “hate” reading before?

I believe that I didn’t enjoy reading before because I hadn’t found the kind of books that connected with the values I longed to live out. I discovered that I’m not really a fiction book person. I have great respect for those writers and appreciate the beautiful work they do.

But it wasn’t until I dove into the world of self-development that my love of reading kicked in. I found that I craved books that make me evaluate my life and how I could live a better one. I’ve become enthralled with the amazing people like Earl Nightingale who left behind such vast knowledge about life. His book The Essence of Success was a game changer for me. It certainly doesn’t look glamorous, but it is pure gold on the inside. 

I have only scratched the surface on reading, but I couldn’t be more thrilled about my life-changing new habit. I started taking small steps toward finding books that connected with me. Now, those small steps are having a significant impact on my life!

Books on my list to read this summer

Now that I realize how important it is to read books that connect with me, I like to take time and thoughtfully plan out what I’m going to read next. I’m beyond thrilled to read all three of these books this summer. (The Universe Has Your Back in not pictured because I just ordered it, but it’s on its way!) I look forward to the lessons and inspiration they will bring to me so I can, in turn, share that with you!

Big Magic

Think and Grow Rich

The Universe Has Your Back

I’m going to do a review of each of these as I finish them. I do like to take my time when I read. Sometimes going back to the same chapter again and again until I fully grasp a concept that speaks to me.

I would love to hear books are on your list this summer!

Reading one book is a small step, but you never know when that small step will change your life! If you are feeling stuck, stagnant, or unmotivated, I encourage you to pick up a book and learn a new perspective. It may be the dose of medicine that you need! 

 

Take one small step today,

 

XO- Jenna