Just two of the four I read— I had to return the other two early
I decided to make this a seperate post since I started going a little long talking about these books, and I didn’t want to squeeze them into my monthly recaps. As you can see I’m a big fan of personal development books (I’m always down to get advice on how to live a better life though I don’t know how much of it really sticks lol). These are books I finished reading in March:
Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker: Yep it’s the book that Miranda drunkenly bought herself in that episode of And Just Like That (the Sex and the City sequel). This book was recommended to me by a reader when I talked about going alcohol-free this year. At first the book seemed to be a tad extreme to me (equating Big Alcohol brands with Big Tobacco, quibbling over the term alcoholic, calling drinking culture and Alcoholics Anonymous patriarchal). But the author makes some good points (and she’s not wrong really). I think this book is really helpful for anyone trying to change a habit/an addiction or is stuck in a certain pattern of life. As for me, it helped me bolster my commitment to being alcohol-free this year and tbh made me realize I feel freer not thinking about imbibing (no more wasted brain space/willpower thinking should I or shouldn’t I and no more wasted time in the alcohol aisle or looking at the drink menus at restaurants). And maybe best of all no more wasted time feeling sick and getting over a hangover. I definitely recommend this book if you’re thinking of going alcohol-free, and no, it’s not just for those who are “alcoholic.” I’m thinking of trying to use her guidelines to quit my addiction to shopping (another coping mechanism that brings those short-lived dopamine rushes).
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown: I know I’m several years late on this personal development book but better late than never. And it was probably a great time to read it because I’ve been feeling a bit in a rut with the blog lately (and let’s face it, life too). This book views Essentialism as the pursuit of less but better, or in other words only pursuing activities that allow you to pursue your “highest point of contribution.” The book breaks this down into three sections: Essence (finding clarity and asking yourself does this activity make the highest possible contribution to my goal), Eliminate (get rid of all nonessential activity), and Execute (making a system that makes doing the essentials easier). I found a lot of value in this book and it has helped me focus on what I want to be doing and what are my “nonessentials.” It was a great book to read after Quit Like a Woman since it reinforced the idea that alcohol is a nonessential in my life (as is shopping/browsing to distract myself), and that I have other essentials I want to focus on. Other takeaways from Essentialism include setting a consistent routine (to get through the things I don’t want to do like taxes and scheduling dentist appointments), and saying no to nonessential projects like making YouTube videos. I’m neither passionate nor talented in vlogging, and for me to do it just because I feel like I “should” or it’s the only way to “progress as an influencer” (or make extra money, which I wouldn’t have to do if I didn’t spend as much and lived better within my means) are not great reasons to spread myself thinner. My time would be better spent focusing on making my blog better, making a meaningful contribution somewhere else, focusing on being healthier, making more happy memories with my friends and family, or being more active in my community. As McKeown says in the book it’s either a “hell yes, or a no” (outside of the “I have to” stuff like taxes and dentists appointments lol) to find what your essentials are.
Effortless: Make It Easier To Do What Matters Most by Greg McKeown: This is a sequel to Essentialism that was published last year. It takes the last part of Essentialism, the Execute section, and expands it. Honestly I didn’t find it as useful or informative as his first book but it’s a great companion read to keep the idea of Essentialism going.
The Art of Making Memories by Miek Wiking: This book first caught my interest thanks to Gina from Two Days Off because who wouldn’t want to create and remember more happy memories? The author is the same guy who wrote The Little Book of Hygge, which I haven’t yet read but it’s on my library holds list. Overall this was a fun and quick read with some great pointers on making and remembering happy memories. The ones that stand out to me include: using all 5 scents when trying to imprint a memory (take the time to find a smell something unusual, eat something different, or feel an extraordinary texture to remember the moment by—not something I normally do), deliberately do the unusual whether it’s a first time experience or something you’re scared of (since those stand out in memory), and go down memory lane more often to remember them better for yourself and your family. I think this was a great book to remind me to pay attention to the happy moments so that I can use the nostalgia during low periods.
And that’s all the books for March. Whew I can’t believe I read so much, but I’m so glad to be back to my reading self. And as always I’m open to book recommendations of all kinds!