Hey there, fellow bookworms! Can you believe October has come and gone? As I started to enjoy reading again, I cozied up with some eye-opening and warm reads that made this month extra special. So, please grab a cup of your favorite drink, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and chat about the books that made my October delightful.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Because of my unfortunate circumstances in 2023, I started my reading journey with a guidepost book. I couldn't be more relieved that I started with "Atomic Habits."
"Atomic Habits" isn't just a book; it's a roadmap for anyone looking to make lasting changes. Clear's insights into the science of habits are both eye-opening and practical, offering a refreshing take on personal development.
The genius of "Atomic Habits" lies in Clear's ability to break down the complexities of habit formation into simple, actionable steps. By emphasizing the power of marginal gains—the small, seemingly insignificant changes that compound over time—Clear illustrates how tiny habits can lead to remarkable transformations.
I learned valuable insights and helpful, actionable tips to start my journey to better health and wellness. I started slowly ditching the horrible habits that got me here in the first place—drinking sodas, a lot of rice, and living a sedentary lifestyle—and replaced them with habits that would be best for myself and my health.
Overall, this book is a revelation; anyone trying to change their life for the better can learn a lot from James Clear.
How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
One of the things I struggled with in the past year was managing an organized and clean home. Juggling a full-time job, a side gig, and being a mother and wife made cleaning an afterthought. I preferred rest over cleaning and felt so guilty about it.
Then I saw this book was recommended on Tiktok—and I'm so glad I bit the bullet and bought myself a copy.
"How to Keep House While Drowning" is not a traditional guide to tidying up physical spaces; instead, it serves as a guide to maintaining one's emotional and mental well-being amidst life's storms. KC offers practical, heartfelt advice on self-care, resilience, and the importance of finding moments of peace amid the chaos.
One of the strengths of this book is its authenticity. KC's vulnerability creates a connection with readers, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy. It's a reassuring read for those who often feel overwhelmed and like a failure if their household is chaotic. It provides a gentle reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
KC and her book shifted my household management mindset. They helped me be kinder to myself while drowning in housework and, generally, just surviving daily.
Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World by Meredith Arthur
If there's a worrier and warrior hybrid, that's definitely me. Realistically, I'd spend 70% of my time worrying and 30% making my case on my projects and the challenges I face. And this ratio? It could be a better look. Overthinking and negative thoughts cloud my mind, and while journaling and breathwork work, I needed something actionable to help me navigate overcoming a constant state of anxiousness.
Intrigued with the book art and title, I dived into "Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World" when I saw it in Fully Booked.
This book is a refreshing and empathetic guide for those trapped in the labyrinth of their own thoughts... like myself! With accompanying relaxing art, Meredith delves into the complexities of overthinking chapter by chapter. She provided a roadmap for daily navigating the anxious terrain many individuals grapple with.
The book's strength lies in its ability to balance insightful wisdom and relatable anecdotes from her community members. Meredith combines personal experiences with practical advice skillfully, creating an authentic and actionable narrative. The writing is engaging and accessible, making it an ideal companion for readers seeking solace or guidance in their struggles with overthinking.
You'll also get a pocketbook of art and reassuring advice you can take anywhere.
The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Zen Buddhist Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy by Shunmyo Masuno
To complete my figurative metamorphosis, I looked for a book with proactive tips and suggestions on simple living and finding joy in the mundane. I read The Happiness Project years ago, and it still struck a chord. So, in context, what I was looking for was something in this range but with a more actionable approach—and I saw Shunmyo Masuno's little book on Zen.
"The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Zen Buddhist Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy" is a guidebook that offers readers a profound and accessible guide to incorporating the wisdom of Zen into their daily lives. Written by Shunmyo Masuno, a Zen Buddhist monk, the book provides a collection of 100 practical and transformative practices designed to cultivate a sense of calm, mindfulness, and joy.
Masuno's writing style is gentle and compelling, drawing on his experiences as a monk to deliver teachings that resonate with simplicity and clarity. The book is organized into short, digestible chapters, each presenting a specific practice that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines. This structure makes it easy for readers to adopt and experiment with the teachings at their own pace.
However, this is my least favorite of all the books I've read for this month. Some of the recommendations are repetitive and worded from a different angle based on the chapter it is on. I think 30% are redundant bits of advice packaged differently in short sentences.
But if you're looking for something you can finish in a day and learn a thing or two about Zen, this book is the one you reach.
As you can tell, my October reads are geared towards my lifestyle change. It focused more on self-help and change, and I'm grateful for everything I learned from them.
If you have any book recommendations, hit me in the comments! Until next time, happy reading!
No comments: