restart your life books Archives

Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff

by Myquillyn Smith

My home is an even happier place thanks to Myquillyn's know-how and practical guidance. She taught me that a "cozy minimalist" is someone who knows how to balance things. They appreciate being cozy, layered, and welcoming. They might not be a sold out minimalist, but they like the idea--someone who can get the most amount of style with the least amount of stuff. If you want to make your own home more warm and comforting, I highly recommend it.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

by James Clear

This was my first completed read of 2019, and a great way to kick off the year. And it's just as good for any fresh start. Drawing on personal experience (and with a big nod to Charles Duhigg), Clear writes about the basics of habit formation and follow-through. My favorite insight, and the one that's made a practical difference in my work life, is his insistence that 1% gains in performance—which many of us tend to disregard as "not worth the time to pursue"—make an incredible difference in our lives when implemented and compounded.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

by Amelia Nagoski DMA, Emily Nagoski PhD

My friend described this book as "life-altering," and I can see why. In addition to explaining the unique causes of women’s stress and burnout, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski share tips for breaking the “stress cycle” and fighting back against societal pressures. In turns angering, uplifting, and fascinating, Burnout combines practical advice with science-backed research in order to help women find true wellness.

Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get On the Mat, Love Your Body.

by Jessamyn Stanley

This book is so much more than a yoga how-to guide. Jessamyn Stanley shares her personal journey, discusses diversity and inclusion in yoga, and encourages everyone—no matter their appearance, age, or ability—to make the most of their time on the mat. Featuring beautiful photos and easy-to-follow directions, this book takes a fresh approach to an ancient practice. Check this one out and make space for your mental, spiritual, and physical health this season.

Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction

by Chris Bailey

According to recent neuroscientific research, our brain has two modes: hyperfocus, which helps us accomplish tasks, and scatterfocus, which helps us make creative connections. Chris Bailey wrote the practical guide to unlocking both modes, resulting in greater concentration and productivity. Hyperfocus is an excellent roadmap for limiting distractions and living with intention.

Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder

by Reshma Saujani

As the founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Sujani encourages girls to take risks and innovate. In her popular TED Talk, Sujani says "I need each of you to tell every young woman you know to be comfortable with imperfection." Building on her speech, Sujani’s book empowers women of all ages to be bold, to fail, and to claim their voices. Pick up Brave, Not Perfect for your mother-daughter book club, your friend who just started a new job, or your whole family—because everyone should create space for women to be brave.

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

by Mason Currey

The concept couldn’t be simpler: this compendium holds the daily routines of 237 writers, composers, painters, choreographers, playwrights, poets, philosophers, sculptors, filmmakers, and scientists. We glimpse the creative processes of drinkers and drug takers, early risers and exercisers, nap takers and night owls. Some schedules are mundane, others are wildly eccentric. With their contradictory routines, you’ll be assured there’s no “right” way to work. While you could read it straight through, it’s best enjoyed dipping into again and again, slowly over time. A perfect laid-back read: you don’t even need a bookmark.

The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose

by Oprah Winfrey

"Whatever your calling, it's already rooted within you, and those roots can be trampled or tugged at but never removed. They grow stronger only when tended, nurtured, and most important, shared with others." In ten chapters, Oprah shares personal stories and lessons about finding your purpose and living it. This is a beautiful coffee table book with over 100 photos, and the audiobook version is filled with special guest narrators like Brené Brown, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Trevor Noah. You can’t go wrong with either format.

This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live

by Melody Warnick

The premise of this great research-based and story-driven nonfiction read is that when it comes to loving the place you live, YOU have a lot more power than you probably realize. People who love their communities don't just live in great places, they're also extremely proactive about the ways they engage in their communities—and I wish I could rattle off every single one by memory! Practical, actionable, and bound to make a difference in your everyday life.

In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs

by Grace Bonney

From the publisher: "Across the globe, women are embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and starting creative businesses. In the Company of Women profiles over 100 of these influential and creative women from all ages, races, backgrounds, and industries."

Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter, and Thrive

by Jessica Turner

From the publisher: "Working mothers constantly battle the pull to do all the things well. From managing work and home responsibilities to being impacted by a lack of self-care and time for deep friendships, the struggle is real. At the end of each day, many working moms are exhausted and stretched too thin. But this does not have to be the norm. Full of compassion and encouragement, Stretched Too Thin will empower women with useful insights and tools to thrive as working moms."

The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

by Emily Freeman

I love Emily's podcast The Next Right Thing, and am excited to get the content in book format—and such a pretty book at that. Emily writes for the chronically hesitant, the second-guessers, and anyone who struggles with decision fatigue. If you love her podcast because of her voice, I think you'll find you enjoy her voice on the page as well.

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