The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) -- Hal Elrod
I've been following The Miracle Morning schedule for a week now (except for waking up at the same time every day and drinking the recommended amount of water--I'm a work in progress!) I had my doubts, but I'm seeing enough benefit to continue. My one concern is the author's disregard for the importance of enough quality sleep. Mr. Elrod appears to believe it's mind over matter and that you can just will your way to functioning on 4-5 hours. Just because you can get by on little sleep doesn't mean that you should, especially for extended periods of time, in my humble opinion. Your body heals, your brain flushes toxins and many more restorative processes occur while you sleep (please excuse the rant!) With that being said, I really appreciate how The Morning Miracle touches on all three areas of wellness: emotional, physical and spiritual, all in 20-30 minutes!
Girl,Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be - Rachel Hollis
My biggest take-away: how damaging it is to not keep the self-care time blocks we schedule for ourselves--when we would never break an appointment to help another person. This conditions our minds to ALWAYS disregard our needs as important.
Do you ever suspect that everyone else has life figured out and you don’t have a clue? If so, Rachel Hollis has something to tell you: that’s a lie.
Rachel exposes the twenty lies that too often hold us back from living joyfully and productively. The writing is painfully honest and fearlessly funny. With unflinching faith and tenacity, Girl, Wash Your Face shows you how to live with passion and hustle--and how to give yourself grace without giving up.
The Love Code: The Secret Principle to Achieving Success in Life, Love, and Happiness – Alexander Loyd, PhD, ND
If you fear your lack of willpower has left you helpless to grow and change for the better, this book is for you. I listened to the audio book and was so impressed, I’m now reading the book so that I can do the exercises mentioned. (Warning, this book might offend those firmly rooted in an organized religion and/or if you’re not open to simple spirituality not tied to religion.)
Big Girls Do It Running - Jasinda Wilder
This book is on my “to be read” pile. I’ve talked to several people who are having great success with sugar cravings and they like the grocery lists provided and so much more.
No gimmicks, no counting, no measuring, just practical advice on how to eat better, get moving, and live well, delivered with refreshing honesty and humor.
You Are a Badass - Jen Sincero
While the occasional swear word made me cringe at times, the content is spot on. Love the message. If you're ready to make some serious changes, this book might be the ticket by helping you Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, and so much more. Hey, if you’ve tried everything else and can’t seem to make the necessary changes, maybe Jen’s humor and hip style will create that spark!
Dying to Be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing - Anita Moorjan
What a haunting, inspiring book! Anita Moorjani relates how, after fighting cancer for almost four years, her body-overwhelmed by the malignant cells spreading throughout her system-began shutting down. As her organs failed, she entered into an extraordinary near-death experience where she realized her inherent worth . . . and the actual cause of her disease.
The Christmas Box - Richard Paul Evans
A classic that I plan to read again this holiday. Since it was first published, more than seven million people have been touched by the magic of The Christmas Box, a holiday classic that is as beloved in our time as A Christmas Carol was in Dickens's.
The Glycemic Load Diabetes Solution: Six Steps to Optimal Control of Your Adult-Onset (Type 2) Diabetes - Rob Thompson, MD
My family has suffered tremendously from Diabetes. When I discovered I am pre-diabetic, despite a pretty healthy lifestyle, I researched quite a bit. This book helped me understand exactly how the body processes food and how particular foods effect the body. It’s an older book, and as always, take what you can use and ignore the rest. Since Dr. Thompson is a diabetic himself, so he’s not just reporting what he’s learned, he’s living it.
THE CONFIDENCE QUADRANT - Darren Fisher with Reji Laberje
My biggest take-away from this book is not to be afraid of failure. Darren also has a great plan of action called SPEAR. Check it out!
HAPPY FOR NO REASON - Marci Shimoff with Carol Kline
Confession: I am not and never will be perky. I’m okay with that. Even so, the title of this book intrigued me and I’m so glad I took a chance. This book offers tips on how to be happy no matter what is going on in your immediate world or the world at large. So much is out of our control, but not our happiness. Especially now, in these trying times, we need more happiness for no reason. Spread the word!
TREATING AND BEATING FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME - Dr. Rodger Murphree
Dr. Murphree has an interesting, encouraging approach to treating Fibromyalgia, also known as The Mystery Illness. No “one prescription fits all answer.” His goal is to get to the root of the problem and guide you toward peak health.
This is not a personal endorsement for Dr. Murphree or his books, just a resource for those searching for an alternative to treating symptoms instead of the cause.
PERSONALITY PLUS - Florence Littauer
I read this book years ago, and wish I had found it in my teens, when I didn’t feel that I belonged in my own family—being different is SO HARD! It points out the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament, stressing that ALL are important and why. I also love that it’s Christian based.
First Things First - Stephen R Covey, A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill
If you’re tired of checking off all your “to-dos” on your list and stillnot feeling satisfied, you’ll love the message of this book. First Things First provides you with a compass. The focus is put on where you're headed, rather than how fast you're going. I listened to the audio book version first and was so impressed, I’m now reading a hard copy so I can absorb the material better and make notes!!
EFFORTLESS HEALING - Dr. Joseph Mercola
HEALING FROM WITHIN—Believe it or not, your body’s natural state is one of health. Dr. Joseph Mercola has become THE VOICE for the movement to heal from within instead of treating symptoms.
This is not a personal endorsement for Dr. Mercola or his books, just a resource for those searching for an alternative to treating symptoms instead of the cause.
The Slight Edge:Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness - Jeff Olson
I've read many self-help books over the years and learned something from each one, but this book is extra special. I consider it a precursor to all other self-help books because it discusses your philosophy about life and goals. If you don't understand your philosophy, knowing your "why" might not be enough. I'm reading it for the second time now, with a highlighter, and have given copies to both of my adult kids. There is also a teen version, for those of you with younger kids. Can't say enough good things about this book!