My Take on These 4 Popular Books

Today was the first day of the rest of the year. I could say that any day but it feels more significant at the half way mark. Do yourself a favor and take a quick inventory. What needs to change? Are you using your time well? Where do you have control in creating the life you like and where do you need support? 

We are half way through this year. While the first half may be gone, this next half is entirely up to you. I hope you decide what you want, make a plan for getting it, and then actually get it. Imagine how great it will be at the end of this year knowing you went for it? That you gave it your all? Go get it. It’s yours for the taking.

In case you were looking for some self-improvement this summer, I thought I would share the books I’ve just finished with my thoughts on each. Learning is always a good thing. Especially if you put that knowledge into action. 

Here are the books that are fresh in my mind:

 Being Mortal:

 

This is required reading as part of my death doula certification. It offers a historic perspective on longevity and our perceptions of death and dying. As someone who works with people with terminal illnesses or who are grieving, this was helping in offering context for our cultural aversion to the topic. Culturally we are terrible at our understanding and acceptance of our own mortality. And yet, if we knew how limited our time was, we would likely use it differently. 

 

 

 

 

Build the Life You Want:

Oprah Winfrey teamed up with Arthur Brooks to break down how to build a happier life. What was validating was that most of the points offered in the book are topics I teach. What I noticed, however, was their assumption about happiness as if that is the universal goal. Yet a happier life doesn’t necessarily mean a more rewarding, meaningful or accepting one. Stay tuned for my book. 😉

 

 

 

 

Hidden Potential:

Adam Grant is one of my favorite thought leaders. His warmth, wisdom and storytelling makes for a great read. Hidden potential inspires you to tap into your own untapped potential to build a more fulfilling life.