You guys… In less than a month, I’ll be turning 29. This, in turn, will equate me being one year away from turning 30. (O_O)
And while the prospect of getting older is something I look forward to since I believe I’m only getting better with time as a woman… There’s something about turning 30 in a year that makes me want to be more proactive and purposeful about the direction of my growth.
As a result, I’ve found myself gravitating towards the self-help book section of my local library. Very different from the usual mixture of science/historical/fantastical/romantic fiction that I’m naturally drawn to.
This is a big deal because I’m a fiction girl through and through. But lately, I’m realizing the importance of feeding my mind with information that will help me deal with myself and my world as opposed to providing a way for me to escape from it.
Unfortunately, the two self-help books that have been on my radar were not available at my library so I ended up ordering them online via Amazon. It’s all good tho. These are books I’m excited to add to the existing collection of literature that’s growing on my bookshelf at home.
Yesterday, my order finally arrived. All shiny and new. I swear, the smell of book paper is intoxicating. And yes. While reading, I do bring the book all the way up to my face so I can smell it every once in a while. Some people sniff glue… I sniff books lol. #dontjudge
Here’s what I ordered:
YEAR OF YES by Shonda Rhimes
I mean hello. If there’s anyone who epitomizes GIRL BOSS to me, it’s Shonda Rhimes – creative producer and writer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.
I watched her TED Talk a couple weeks ago and it was so inspiring. In addition to being a great writer, Rhimes is also a great public speaker. The calm and soothing melody of her voice drew me in and held me captive as I listened to her share her story.
The premise of “Year of Yes” revolves around Rhimes’ decision to spend a year saying yes to the things that scared her which she touched on briefly during her Ted Talk. And I knew, without a doubt, after listening to her speak that I had to read her book.
THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF NOT GIVING A F*CK by Sarah Knight
Not gonna lie, this book had me hooked at the title.
I, Setarra Kennedy, have a major problem with giving way too many f*cks about people and/or things that really don’t interest or better me. But I want that to stop. I want to feel more empowered to say no to the things I don’t want to do so I can have more time to do the things I do want to do. Hence, why I’m interested in reading this book.
Also, if the title of this book sounds familiar – it’s a response by Sarah Knight on how her life changed after reading Marie Kondo’s book. I’m doing this a little backwards since I have yet to read Marie Kondo’s book but I swear that book is next on my list!
So pretty much I ordered a book about saying yes and a book about saying no lol. Balance is key.
Right now, I’m only allowing myself to read these two books while spring semester of grad school is in session so I don’t overdo it. But the semester will be over in less than 2 months which means I’ll have a lot more time to read sooooon. Until then, I’m working on a summer reading list and would love your feedback!
Are there any self-help books you’ve read and would recommend? In particular, books that focus on improving creative lifestyles? If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments below :)
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