Friday, January 25, 2019

Friday Favorites - Favorite Books of 2018

Hi everyone, and Happy New Year!! It feels like so long since I've done a blog post, and that's because it's been a few weeks.  We've had a busy month coming off of the holidays.  I've enjoyed setting our intentions for the new year, getting the kids back into their regular routine, and let's face it, that includes me too!  So far, 2019 has been good to us!  

If you missed my last post, it was a highlight of some of my favorite moments from 2018!  You can see that post here.  I love capping out the year with these re-caps so that I can look back on some of my favorite memories from each year.  
You can see my 2015 Year-In-Review here
You can see my 2-16 Year-In-Review here
You can see my 2017 Year-In-Review here
and, You can see my 2018 Year-In-Review here

Seeing these posts has me feeling all like this about my kids....

Ok, that's not why we're here today.  We're here today to talk about my favorite books that I read last year for a special edition of Friday Favorites!  Last year I read 14 books! I used to never enjoy reading , but it is something that I have grown to love over the last few years.  

I tried to narrow down my favorite books of the year to 3, but I just couldn't do that....so I've got my 4 favorite listed below.  


#1 - The One Year Bible
Reading the bible is something that I've always wanted to do.  As part of my goals for 2018, I set out to complete reading the bible before the end of the year.  I didn't complete before the end of the year, as time off and some missed days pushed me back, but I'm 6 days away from finishing.  

The One Year Bible was a consistent part of my everyday last year, along with a daily gratitude practice.  I loved reading this version because it broke the bible into about fifteen minute reading sections each day.  

I grew closer to my faith, and understanding of the word of God last year, and it was thanks to having this "book".  I would highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to do the same.  I am so grateful that I made this a part of my life last year.  


#2 - Girl Wash Your Face
Rachel Hollis' Girl Wash Your Face was easily my second favorite book of the year. 

This motivational book tells you the steps you need to take, and lies to stop telling yourself to pursue your dreams.  After reading this book, I instantly became a "fan girl" of Mrs. Hollis.


I went to watch the documentary Made For More  and despite the technical difficulties at the theatre we went to, it made me love her more!! Her words were true, her spirit was high, and it was truly inspirational.  

I am so excited for her next book to come out in March, and considering attending one of her motivational conferences this year.  Everyone should read this book!

#3 - Untethered Soul
Michale Singer's The Untethered Soul was an assigned reading as part of my yoga teacher training this year.  

So many quotes from this book have stayed with me.  I often reach for this book, when I'm looking for a theme for my yoga classes.  I have read certain excepts to my students, and relate them to things in their lives today.  

Here are just a few of my favorites:
"The more you sit in the Self, the more you will begin to feel an energy that you have never experienced before.  It comes up from behind, rather than in front where you experience your mind and emotions."

"The more you stay open, the more the energy flow can build.  At some point, so much energy comes into you that it starts flowing out of you.  You feel it as waves pour off of you.  You can actually feel it flowing off your hands, out your heart, and through other energy centers."

I grew as a yogi and a human after reading this book.  It is my #3 for 2018.  

#4 - Lying Game
Ruth Ware's The Lying Game is a book that I read with my book club girls and still think about today.  

It is a story about friendship that stands the test of time, and things that friends are willing to do to keep each other safe.  It kept you guessing until the very end, and was a quick read.  
Any good books I should read in 2019? Let me know your favorites!  

See you next week for What's Up Wednesday and a look at everything we've been up to this month. 


XO


Shari

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