I set myself a challenge for 2020 – to ‘read’ 50 books – audiobooks are included. 50 personal development or nuggets of wisdom books… I’m resetting the counter and having another shot in 2021 ☺️
- Didn’t See That Coming – Rachel Hollis
- Rise Sister Rise – Rebecca Campbell
- Dare to Tri – Louise Minchin
- Starting Out – Mel Robbins
- The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Potential, Transcend Your Limits – Wim Hof
- Theta Healing, You and the Creator – Vianna Stibal
- The Five Side Effects of Kindness – David R Hamilton PhD
- The Universe Always Has a Plan – Matt Kahn
- Pussy – Regena Thomashauer
- Relationships That Work – David B Wolf
- Believe It – Jamie Kern Lima
- Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
- Daring Greatly – Brene Brown
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1. Didn’t See That Coming – Rachel Hollis
I have to confess I bought this audible title without even looking at the subject matter. I have Rachels previous two books and got so much from them that I saw she’d realsed a new title and purchased. When I started listening to the intro I was a little disappointed and thought it was probably not a book for me. Focussing on dealing with loss or big changes in life, didn’t feel applicable to me, then the author started talking about how the world changed for everyone last year and we all have some adjusting to do so I continued… I’m glad I did. It allowed me to acknowledge some stuff that I haven’t, whilst a lot of good came from the changes, for me personally, there is still a big change, a loss of control over my own choices in life so being present to that has been useful. Sure there is some repetition with previous books but that’s hardly surprising as the author draws on her own life experiences. For anyone going through a significant life event it’s a really useful read, putting things into perspective, reframing the loss or change to help with moving forward and living each day, presently.
2. Rise Sister Rise – Rebecca Campbell
I’ve been exploring ‘stuff’ relating to the feminine over the last 3 months or so. I started attending a womens circle online, which was part of a course on food. A macrobiotic way of eating alligned with the feminine archetypes. I’m not going to lie, had the food emphasis not been there I would not have been attracted to this at all, however I’ve loved it, so I started exploring more about the feminine as it’s not something I’ve connected with in the past. I’ve started a few books and not made much progress with them, they felt very focussed on rectifying the past of the downtrodden woman, quite anti-patriarchy which I struggled to identify with and felt quite uncomfortable reading. I persevered though, figureing I just needed to find an author who spoke to me, I pleased I did. I really enjoyed Rebecca’s book. It celebrates and lifts the feminine without ‘man bashing’, it tells of connecting with that feminine and celebrating it. I felt uplifted and encouraged reading this.
3. Dare to Tri – Louise Minchin
I decided to have a change of pace and went for some exercise / challenge / inspiration. It was a great choice and just what I needed. I’m relatively focussed on exercise and training right now but also very aware that my Tri date is fast approaching, even though the world is still uncertain, so getting some focus is never a bad thing. I really loved that Louise wasn’t a dissimilar age to me when she started out on her tri journey and it had some really good pointers about things I haven’t really considered. Louise is way more competitive than I plan to be with my goal being survival… Louise, eventually set herself the goal to represent GB in the sport. A significant event in the book takes part in Rutland, and it was really lovely knowing eactly what she was referring to, the road, the hills, the landscape and I was able to picture exactly what she was referring to at each reference point. Louise’s story has been inspiring and helped drive me forward on my tri exploration… Just a fab story not only for inspiring tri doers but women, anyone, to read.
4. Starting Out – Mel Robbins
Ok… so this is actually a series of podcasts from Audible originals but with 13 ‘chapters’ it very much feels like a book so I’m counting it as one. I’ve really enjoyed Mel’s offerings in the past and I think this is a great addition to her range. It felt as though it was aimed at people with a little less experience with personal development… I guess the title alludes to that. So, given I have read quite a bit over the years, a lot of the chapters weren’t full of aha moments more over reminders about things I know deep down. That said there were a couple of new to me concepts so it goes to prove that no matter how much stuff you read every now and again you will hear something new. Even though most of the chapters were reminders I really enjoy Mel’s style, she’s pretty direct and honest and doesn’t pull punches… not one for sensitive snowflakes but if you want some honesty and really useful advice… this is the ‘book’ for you. It covers stuff like, ‘Relationships’, ‘Friends’, ‘Sleep’ and so on… I’m pretty sure theres at least one chapter that will appeal to everyone!
5. The Wim Hoff Method – Wim Hoff
If you’ve seen my blog on the Wim Hof Method you’ll probably already know I was intrigued enough to put the method into practice and write about it. In summary… Wim Hof has put together a method incorporating breathing, cold exposure and mindset which has changed his physiology. The book describes each of the three aspects of the method, why they are beneficial, how to apply them and then goes on to reveal case studies of people who have been helped. There are example after example of how the method has positively impacted the immune system, inflamatory conditions, mental health… Wim Hof himself has broken world records which he attributes to the Method. The book is also peppered with his life story along the way too. Even if you don’t want to give the practices a go it’s a fascinating read… so relevant in the world right now. Highly recommended!
6. Theta Healing, You and the Creator – Vianna Stibal
After ‘attending’ the Hay House Healing Summit they’ve sent me various emails about their offerings. One of which is a subscription to the Hay House library for audio files. It comes with a free trial so thought I’d take a look to see what it was all about. There are a lot of audiobooks / podcast / stations to listen to. i already own some of the audio books on audible but thought I’d check out some stuff that I wouldn’t normally buy… makes sense right. So, this is why I’ve listed to a book on Theta Healing! It’s quite ‘out there’ compared to the books I normally read / listen to. It talks about energy, The Creator, the different dimesions of existance (7 planes of existance) a few years ago I’d have found it all a bit weird but I’ve done lots of different types of energy work over the last few years so it’s more accessible now.
The first half of the book was really interesting. Understanding how our experiences create different parts of us and how we operate from them. How by understanding and healing these we can live more fully, be our highest self. By understanding how our eperience has shaped us we can interpret the messages, mental tapes better and know when it is our truth talking and when it’s the ego or the part of us operating from fear. I’m writing this thinking, Jesus this all sounds a bit odd, but honestly, I found it really interesting. The second part of the book talks about experience as a healer which I didn’t find particularly relevent but I’d started so I finished…
Update: Ok so it’s been brought to my attention that in another of her books Vianna Stibal makes all sorts of wild claims about the healing powers of Theta Healing. Whilst I’m prepared to be open minded I’m not really up for hearing a load of wild assed claims which bear no resemblance to reality. I get it… people ahead of their time are often labelled as crazy and there are witch hunts out there but honestly… it just sounds bonkers. I still stand by what I wrote above and I got what I got from the book. But knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t ready any more of her books and nor would I be prepared to recommend them!
7. The Five Side Effects of Kindness – David R Hamilton PhD
This was another Hay House listen. David Hamilton was one of the guest speakers at the summit. I’ve also had another of David’s books for ages ‘I Heart Me’ but just not gotten around to reading it. Thought I’d give this a go as I enjoyed his summit talk. Compassion and kindness have been coming up for me since taking part in the Total Food & Feminine Upgrade, just being more aware of compassionate behaviour. I realised being kind was a good thing but I hadn’t fully appreciated all the benefits it could bring. This is a really interesting listen, within the book David drops in ideas for random acts of kindness, and ways we can be more kind, more compassionate. so it’s really practical as well as informative.
8. The Universe Always Has a Plan – Matt Kahn
Another Hay House unlimited listens… I really enjoyed this. I’m doing lots of exploration around manifestation so far this year so thought I’d give this a shot. Not knowing anything about the author I didn’t have any expectations going in and really it was just the titled that appealed to me. In this book Matt Kahn explores ten ‘golden rules’ you should lear or remember when it comes to accepting that the Universe Always Has a Plan. Its sometimes difficult when in a period of stress or negative things occur so this is a great introduction or reminder. The thing I really liked about this book is it isn’t just some opinions thrown down on the page, there are real life examples in each of the chapters and also practical steps to take such as mantras to utilise. It really felt like this was the right book at the right time.
9. Pussy – Regena Thomashauer
Another Hay House unlimited listens… Ok… before you say it, yes I’ve changed! I would never have even contemplated this book a year ago. But… I bloody loved it. So… I don’t identify with the downtrodden woman, nor do I feel repressed in my sexuality or sensuality but I still found this book really insightful. I’ve been on a journey to discover my purpose and trying to bring to life my dreams for a while now… this book formed part of that journey in that it talks about how we need to connect to our desires in order to manifest. I’m good with that concept! It also talks about how important it is to have the support from women who are in a similar mindset which is something I’m working on. I’ve always struggled with being part of a group of women but I understand how powerful it can be in the right group. The author really sells the concept with her stories of how supportive it can be. I guess with everything in life it’s about finding the right ones.
10. Relationships That Work – David B Wolf
I actually ‘studied’ this book as part of a 9 week course, so it’s not so much of a read as study material. I’m so pleased I jumped into that course, another recommendation from one of the ladies on the Total Food & Femine Upgrade. I’m pleased because rather than just reading words I completed exercises, worked through the material in exchanges with other people and that really helped with understanding and challenging me to take the information deeper rather than it just sitting on the surface. Some of the elements I loved, like the thought reframing into a more grateful / responsible mindset which I found really provoking and I hope will continue to influence me for an age. Other elements I can respect but aren’t that practical in every day life if you work outside the therapy / coaching world, whilst I won’t necessarily use those elements every day it was still good to learn about them. Then there were elements I struggled with – like the victim mentality. It just doen’t resonate well with me at all.
11. Believe It – Jamie Kern Lima
I loved this book. It’s a combination of starting out with nothing but grit, determination, hard work and belief and smashing the goals you have in life with a side of self belief, celebrating women and standing up for what you believe in. I ended the book wanting to be in Jamie’s girl gang. Jamie talks about finding her faith and how it helped her in life, I normally cringe when God is mentioned, or end up putting the book down and never returning to it, but it was approached in a really accessible way. I also found it intersting how the book covers both business and personal goals, whilst there was times of seriously hard work and sacrifice it helped me believe that you can have success in multiple areas of life, it doesn’t have to be limited to one or two areas. I also loved the nuggests of wisdom from other women along the way.
12. Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
Loads of ladies in my fitness accountability group were raving about this book so I thought I’d give it a go. Bearing in mind I love the book I read previously and how great I was being told it was I probably had high hopes for it, it was ok, but not a book I’d rave about. Don’t get me wrong I was happy to listen to MM’s southern drawl as he narrated the audio version I listened to, mostly as I walked. There were some insights and interesting bits and maybe if I’d stumbled across it of my volition I’d have enjoyed it more but I think the recommendations created a great expexctation which it just didn’t live up to.
1. Daring Greatly – Brene Brown
I am 100% going to relisten to this book in the next 12 months. It was one of those books which makes you a bit uncomfortable – and therefore you know you need to delve deeper into the subject. The book explores vulnerablity, shame and guilt and I think it’s probably a topic most people will get something from. It’s really difficult for me to sum this book up as there is a huge juxtaposition between my intellectual and emotional responses to this book. I’m going to re-read and then re-offer my thoughts.