New Year Reads - Canadian Creative Book Club
Happy 2020, everyone! By now, it’s quite obvious that I’ve been taking a much-needed break. A lot has changed in the last month or so, and I’ve done a lot of reflecting. I’m looking into different job opportunities, different meal plans, different methods of self-care, and so much more. And as I’ve mentioned in the past, I like to set intentions for the new year, not resolutions. Side note: S/O to me for actually sticking to one or two of the intentions I set at the start of 2019. This year, I’ve got two main intentions I’d like to stick to, and I’ve chosen two because I think it’s way more realistic for me: get active and get clarity. They’re obviously super open-ended, but that is on purpose. I want to give myself the freedom to achieve these intentions in any way, shape, or form I choose because we all know that as the year goes on, it gets harder and harder to uphold our resolutions. Today, we’ll touch upon the latter of the two.
There’s clearly a trend in my book picks this time around; my new-found self-reflection has manifested itself in the books I’ve chosen to feature/spend time reading. And why not share my quest toward self-betterment with all of you? I’m sure the pressure to create and stick to 2020 New Years resolutions has got some of your interests peaked. So let’s get into the recommendations:
THE POWER OF NOW - ECKHART TOLLE
READ THIS FOR: MAJOR SELF-REFLECTION
Pretty sure I stole this book from Adrian, whom I’m pretty sure stole it from his dad. ANYWAYS, if you’ve never heard of Eckhart Tolle, you’re either living under a rock, or you don’t listen to enough podcasts or consume enough social media content. Tolle, as well as this book, are all over the internet. It’s well-known and buzz-worthy among business owners, content creators, and pretty much anyone looking to follow down a path of personal and spiritual growth. As a self-proclaimed overthinker, I am really looking forward to deep-diving into focusing more on the present.
THE FOUR TENDENCIES - GRETCHEN RUBIN
READ THIS FOR: LEARNING HOW TO MANAGE EXPECTATIONS
If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, do that first. The Four Tendencies is a framework created by Gretchen Rubin that focuses on internal and external expectations, and how we act and react to them. By addressing the question, “How do I respond to expectations?” Rubin helps readers get to know themselves better, and learn how to respond to different types of expectations. The quiz provides a very surface-level understanding of which of the Four Tendencies you may fall under, and what that means about how you manage expectations. However, the book goes way deeper, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each tendency, and how to understand them more effectively. For those of you wondering, I’m a ‘Questioner’.
GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE - RACHEL HOLLIS
READ THIS FOR: PAINFUL HONESTY AND INSPIRING PASSION
I know I’m late to the punch on this one, as she’s already got a second follow-up book out, but this one has been on my shelf for a few months now and I am determined to get going on it. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about both Rachel Hollis and this book, even Adrian’s mum recommended it to me. In a world in which we all feel so inadequate, helpless, and uninspired, Hollis has provided readers with a way to reevaluate our outlook on life, love, work, you name it. Each chapter starts with a lie that we tell ourselves to get through the day, so get ready to laugh, cry, and get pumped with Rachel, because she’s getting into the nitty-gritty here. She’s also a content creator, so be sure to follow her on all her social media channels for tons more inspiration and tips on how to stay motivated and inspired.
I’m excited to get started on the journey into this new decade (how crazy is that?? a new decade!), and I hope you are too. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books, and what you thought of them in the comments below. And I’ve got one other ask: What do you want to see from me this year?? Do you like these book club recommendation posts? Maybe you love my restaurant reviews? Or the skincare spotlight posts? Please share your ideas with me because I love creating what you love reading!
P.s. Happy 4-year Anniversary, Adrian ♡
