I mentioned earlier this week that my kitchen is currently a construction zone. Truth be told, the work has overtaken one end of our home. I have created a cozy haven for myself in our bedroom, refusing to let any relocated furniture or displaced artwork find its way into at least one room of the house. But the one thing that moved with me was my stack of books that I have recently read, am currently reading or plan to very soon. I thought it was a great time to share with you my Recommended Soft Reads, books that will make you consider how you treat yourself and how to be a little kinder, live a little fuller, enjoy life.
Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map is a game-changer when it comes to goal setting. The premise is that we set goals in hopes they will help us achieve a desired feeling. So instead of setting goals first, the book guides you through choosing your core desired feelings and then coaches you on creating “Goals with Soul.” If traditional goal-setting has left you feeling unfilled, read this book. Getting really clear on how I want to feel sure does make setting my intentions easier. If you are a person who enjoys being with a group using a similar system, look for a Desire Map Book Club in your area. They are all over! (And if you are like me and love a good paper planner, there is a Desire Map planner that helps keep you on track. When I last checked it was half off. It’s just mid-January, still early enough in the year to get a new planner!)
The Champagne Diet by Cara Alwill Leyba is one of my very favorite reads, along with her book Sparkle. You know how champagne makes you feel? Like you are doing something completely indulgent, kinda sexy, celebratory? Cara details how you can live an entire life like that. If you are on Instagram, follow Cara. She shares sparkly tidbits of inspiration often!
Deepak Chopra’s book What Are You Hungry For? is a book that will help you figure out why you stress eat. You know, in case that’s something you do. 😉 I know, you are probably questioning why I’m suggesting a book that, on the surface, appears to be a diet book. It’s not like other diet books, though. It has nothing to do with deprivation, starving yourself or denying yourself. I hear there is an upcoming PBS special based on this book, check your listings! (Big thanks for Greg and Judy for loaning this book to me. It’s SO good, you were right!)
Last on my list of Recommended Soft Reads isn’t exactly a read. It’s a journal or a doodle book. It’s called The Next Big Thing. I’m using mine to hand write the recipes I develop this year. Each page has a fun quote or a thought on creating or being innovative or awesomeness. I bought mine at STUFF, one of my favorite locally-owned boutiques.
So there you have it, a few of my favorite books to help you soften. Do you have other book recommendations? Leave a comment below. I’d love to know what you’ve enjoyed reading and I’m sure other readers would, too!
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, I may earn a few pennies. I only share links to products or services I use and believe in, no soulless shilling here. The money I earn through affiliate links helps me continue creating high quality, healthy recipes and other content free of charge to you, my wonderful readers! All of that said, I love brick-and-mortar book stores. If you see a book here that speaks to you, I encourage you to shop locally.
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