Hiya Gorgeous!

The year is winding down and hopefully you’ll have some time over the holidays to rest, reflect and set some intentions for 2018. Personally, I’m planning to chill and catch up on some reading. I love books! They’re my trusted friends, guides and companions, and I’m looking forward to spending time with them over the holidays and beyond.

One of my 2018 goals is to read one new book per month (from cover to cover).

That may seem like a lot or a little to some of you. For me, it used to be easy but with my daily busyness and so many awesome Netflix series and 24/7 news and distractions, I haven’t gotten as much reading done—and I miss it.

Below are a few treasures on my list. I’ve already read and totally love, my friend Cheryl Richardson’s Waking Up in Winter (soooo good!). I’ve also just started and am finding so much value in, is my pal Gabby Bernstein’s book, The Judgement Detox.

The others are stacked on my nightstand, waiting patiently for my attention, but I know they’re going to be really good. Check them out and let me know what’s on your list for 2018! I’d love some other suggestions.

8 Inspiring Books for the New Year

Waking Up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife by Cheryl Richardson

If you’re looking for an amazing read on life’s transitions, my dear friend Cheryl has written a beautiful book where she opens up about her process of changing course midway through life. She reexamines everything – from her marriage, her work, her friendships, and her priorities. Throughout this process, she begins shedding parts of herself that no longer serve her. Cheryl begins to discover what really matters at midlife and invites us to join her in the inquiry process. Her thought-provoking questions are designed to usher us through our own season of transformation. I related to this book big time. In fact, you don’t have to be at the mid-life point to benefit from her wisdom.

Judgment Detox: Release the Beliefs That Hold You Back from Living A Better Life by Gabby Bernstein

Gabby has done it again! Another book jam-packed with wisdom and guidance. Judgment is all the ways we look at view the world around us, the people we interact with, and even, ourselves. We form limiting beliefs which are usually holding us back from becoming who we are meant to be. Gabby provides a clear, step-by-step process to release the beliefs that hold you back from living a better life. The Judgment Detox is an interactive process that blends various spiritual principles, like the text from A Course in Miracles, Kundalini yoga, Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping), meditation, prayer and metaphysical teachings.

Clean Protein: The Revolution that Will Reshape Your Body, Boost Your Energy—and Save the Planet by Kathy Freston and Bruce Friedrich

I’ve read all of my friend Kathy’s books and find them to be so valuable. One of the biggest issues that pops up in our community is how to get protein on a plant-based diet. And also, what protein is best and why. There are so many myths out there and I love that this book delves right into the topic, laying out all the facts. As food and wellness experts, Kathy Freston and Bruce Friedrich have spent years researching the future of protein. They’ve talked to the food pioneers and the nutrition scientists, and now they’ve distilled what they’ve learned into a strength-building plan. This book will be a game-changer!

Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim Ferriss

We all need mentors, particularly when the odds seem stacked against us. To find his own, legendary author Tim Ferriss tracked down more than 100 eclectic experts to help him navigate life. Tribe of Mentors shares everything he learned along the way, including profiles of mentors with their secrets to success, happiness, meaning & more. If you’ve ever read one of Tim’s books, you know he’s thorough! I can’t wait to dig into this one as I map out my goals for the new year.

Mercy for Animals by Nathan Runkle and Gene Stone

Mercy For Animals is one of the most important organizations leading the way in preventing cruelty to farmed animals and promoting compassionate food choices and policies. I’m a huge fan of their work and am a loyal Instagram follower. This book is sure to be an eye-opening overview on animal welfare and factory farming in the United States. If you’re looking for affirmation on living a plant-based lifestyle or want to know more about becoming involved in animal activism, this is a wonderful read. A good one to pass on, too. Knowledge is power!

Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness, and Well-Being by Shawn Achor

I love Shawn Achor. His energy fills me with joy. Just as happiness is contagious, Shawn suggests that every dimension of human potential––performance, intelligence, creativity, leadership ability and health––is influenced by those around us. Success and happiness depend almost entirely on how well we connect with and learn from each other. When we help others become better, we reach new levels of potential, too. Shawn shows us how to unlock hidden sources of potential in ourselves and others. Looking forward to this inspiring read!

The Mask of Masculinity by Lewis Howes

So many of my friends rave about this book and I can’t think of a better time for it. Lewis Howes exposes the ultimate emptiness of the masks men wear—from how they’ve been taught to deal with emotions to who they feel they need to be at work and in their family. He teaches men how to break through the walls that hold them back and shows women how they can better understand the men in their lives. With everything that’s come to light in 2017, it’s clear that men and women both need deep healing.

You Do You: How to Be Who You Are and Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want (A No F*cks Given Guide) by Sarah Knight

Sarah’s books just make me giggle. If you’re looking for renewed empowerment for the year, her stuff is worth the read. Sarah’s main advice is simple: You do you. It’s time to start putting your happiness first—and stop letting other people tell you what to do, how to do it, or why it can’t be done. And don’t panic! You can do it without losing friends and alienating people. Sounds awesome!

Your turn: What books are on your list for 2018? Or what have you recently read that you loved and want to share? We’d love to know!

Peace and pages,