I recently joined the “Book Nook” program put on by Hay House, which is an amazing publishing house focused on wellness, inspiration, and self-improvement books. Through the Book Nook program, bloggers are allowed to receive copies of recently released books for free, in exchange for a blog review. I love reading, and I’m happy to be sharing books I love with you all, so I hope you enjoy my first review today!
Miracles Now
Gabrielle Bernstein gave a few lectures during my health coaching education, and I saw her in person at a nutrition conference as well. She has an incredible story of fighting through drug addiction to heal herself and become one of the most inspirational, genuine, spiritual leaders I “know.” She calls her followers ‘Spirit Junkies’ and runs programs “for women to inspire, empower, and connect.” Katie from The Wellness Wonderland (one of my new favorite podcasts!) frequently raves about Gabby, which re-ignited my interest in her several months ago, so I was very excited to read Gabby’s new book as soon as it came out. (picture source)
“Miracles Now” offers 108 techniques to bring peace to every day, and to “combat our most common problems – stress, burnout, frustration, jealousy, [and] resentment.” The techniques range from instructions on various meditations (usually around 11 minutes each), to helpful reminders about how to shift your mentality towards a more positive and loving outlook, to inspirational quotes and sayings.
Each time I opened “Miracles Now,” I felt inspired, calm, and optimistic, and was motivated to live in the most compassionate (to myself and to others) way I know how. The techniques were not revolutionary or unfamiliar … aside from the meditations (I still would like to learn to meditate, but am so bad at sitting still!), all the concepts were ideas I had heard before in some form. Will I apply each of the 108 techniques to my daily life? Surely not – I don’t even remember most of them. However, I really appreciated the regular reminders and inspiration that I got from reading the book. It left me feeling great every time I read it! (picture source)
I received a digital version of the book, but I think this would be great to keep on your desk in paper version, and open up to a random page daily (just like my daily practice of gratitude), or at least whenever you are needing some inspiration and motivation. Regardless of how you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy “Miracles Now” as much as I did! You can get your copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Hay House, or Indigo.
7 Interesting Things I’ve Read Lately
This week, rather than highlighting 7 health- and fitness-related articles I’ve read lately, I’ll share 7 books I’ve read lately. I won’t do full book reviews for each one of these, but I do highly recommend each of them!
- Miracles Now: see above!
- The Fault in Our Stars: I listened to this as an audiobook while running and / or driving, and absolutely loved it. Yes, it’s technically a teen novel, but the story was captivating and pulled at my heartstrings regardless. I was definitely tearing up several times on the run! I had a childhood friend who passed away from cancer, and the inexplicable thought of children suffering from that awful disease is such a poignant reminder to appreciate every day as a gift. A quick read, great for a vacation or audiobook. Even though I’m not a huge movie-goer, I can’t wait to see the movie!
- The Husband’s Secret: Another amazing book that I listened to as an audiobook, this kept me captivated the entire time. I’m fairly gullible when it comes to stories (I’m never the one who says ‘I saw that coming’ during movies), but I never could have guessed the twists and turns that occur during the course of this story. It weaves stories told from three women’s perspectives together beautifully, and you really feel like you ‘know’ the characters as you’re reading. Give it a few chapters before you pass judgment – it’s hard to get a handle on all the seemingly-unrelated stories until you get a few chapters in. Another great beach read or audiobook!
- Salt Sugar Fat: This is a New York Times bestseller, and a great way to get insight into how the food industry makes it incredibly hard to be healthy in today’s world. I personally thought there were a few too many details on specific people and their role in the development of a salt-, sugar-, and fat-laden processed food industry … the first few boardroom conversations were interesting, but by the end I cared less about the characters and their roles in history, and more about what is actually present in our food supply today. Still, it has some fascinating statistics, and would be a great read for those who are unfamiliar with the way the food industry is skewed towards less-healthy items.
- Women Food and God: Geneen Roth is another lecturer that I heard recorded and live during my health coaching education, and like Gabby, she has an inspirational story of recovery and self-healing. I don’t connect with her quite as much as I do with Gabby, but I do think she casts a light on mindful eating and self-forgiveness that so many women need to hear. She carefully explains how our relationship with food is a reflection of our feelings about ourselves, our deepest emotions, and even our thoughts about God. If you struggle with mindless eating, I recommend this as just one way to make you think (and, of course, if you need more personal coaching, I can help you with this through health coaching).
- A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing on Amazon: I’ll just go ahead and leave it at saying that this had a lot of helpful tips, if you’re interested in this!
- A Girl’s Guide to Starting Your Own Business: OK, I read this one in January, but I don’t think I ever shared it. If you’re interested in starting your own business, I definitely recommend this one to give you an idea for all of the things you need to do. You’ll need to do a lot more research in order to get everything done, but it will ensure you don’t forget anything major (from registering your business to setting up your accounting to forming a marketing plan, and so much more).
So tell me in the comments … What’s the best thing you’ve read lately? Are you interested in hearing about books or is this post boring? Did you do anything fun this weekend?
I’m definitely going to have to look into some of these! I enjoyed Salt, Sugar, Fat… it was interesting and kind of terrifying, too. I haven’t read The Fault in Our Stars, but since all my students have, they spoiled the ending for me… so now I don’t even want to read it.
Oh no!! I bet it would still be good even if you know the ending. It’s a great story!
I have seen The Fault on Our Stars twice already (after reading the book of course). It was soooo good. Probably one of the best book to movies I have ever seen. And even more heart wrenching to see the story acted out. You must see it!
So glad to hear it was well done! It’s always hit or miss with books you enjoy, but now I know I need to see this one! Hope Kevin can make it through a sappy romance movie :).
I might say you are too serious sometimes, but never boring 🙂
I agree with ‘Fault in Our Stars’ – and who cares if it is a YA book, I think Green does a really good job with things and makes it very engaging for all ages. Lisa and I saw the movie, shed some tears, and neither of us complained about differences from the book! Definitely recommend.
I added the ‘Sugar Salt Fat’ book on Amazon, but after a few other of these books this year I will put it off for a bit. Will definitely check out the ‘Husbands’ book as well, always on the hunt for good reads … well, it is more like I seem to enjoy expanding my backlog of unread books even as I re-read old faves! 🙂
I did some audiobooks when I was in Mass and had my long Rte 495 commute … but it was never the same for me as reading. I don’t care about paper vs. eBook, but actually reading seems to make a difference. What do you find?
Ha! I thought of this comment when I posted a very un-serious picture on Instagram this weekend, Michael! I am right there with you on expanding my backlog of good reads … but I always like to have several choices on the Kindle for when I travel! I actually really enjoy audiobooks. It’s not the same relaxing experience as reading (mostly because reading forces me to stop multitasking, whereas listening to audiobooks I’m always driving / running / etc.), but I like the stories just as much if it’s read well. I used to be completely anti eReader, but I’m finally to the point where I see the virtues of the eReader enough to overlook the absence of physical page turning that I miss!
I would love to hear about books you’re reading. After spending copious amounts of time browsing through Goodreads.com I have started quite a list of “to read” books and could certainly use more suggestions!
Ooh I still don’t use Goodreads, Kerry. How do I see what you are reading?
You can see my Good Reads profile here: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28482365-kerry. Hopefully that link will work!
Kerry, I know it’s been almost 2 weeks since you wrote this, but oh my gosh your link got me signed up for Goodreads and I’ve spent so much time skimming through others’ books! I love it! This is my profile … still a work in progress :). https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/32893834-megan
I’m loving Miracles Now as well! Always interested in learning about books, especially business books. I just started working with a marketing/business coach, and after this first week, I have so many ideas & things I need to clarify. Books are great, but I’m loving the new perspective a business coach can help me with.
I’m glad you’re loving your business coach, Lauren!! Sounds like a great investment and one I’d definitely consider for my future!
I just got The Husbands secret now I just have to find time to read it!
I hope you enjoy it, Deborah! I really loved it!