PANDEM(IC)ONIUM PT. III
BOOKS I READ DURING MY “TASTE OF RETIREMENT”:
To recap the last two blogs in “exquisite simplicity,” I panicked and organized, then with an organized space, I dealt with what I needed to mentally, and built a patio so that Adrian and I could actually enjoy our yard, nature, and temporary retirement. Since I had such a wonderful patio to read on now, it’s time we talk about books. It’s easiest to list them below:
Limitless- Jim Kwik. Must read for every human at any reading level/age. It’s a book about learning how to learn. Without spoiling anything, it helps educate you on how the human brain functions, how to use it in the best way you can, and how to make the life you want. I love it and have given it to seven people so far, and will definitely read it again. I cannot stress this enough; this is one of the most important books I have ever read.
Daring Greatly- Brene Brown. Love her and this book. After reading Limitless, I was already in a “get sh*t done” mindset and super motivated to be better. Daring Greatly encouraged me to stop planning and controlling things to death. I wanted to be less anxious. I wanted to be a gym owner. I wanted a lot of things, but I would always think about every possible outcome and just get a little down on myself. This book allowed me to start saying more positive things about myself and not feel weird, arrogant, or conceited. (My issues. Adrian read it and got something completely different from it, which is the coolest part of these types of books!)
The Gifts of Imperfection- Brene Brown. I wish I read this before Daring Greatly, and I would recommend that. It was wonderful, but after completing the two books above, I had already made a lot of progress and understood the concepts in the book. Still highly recommend it!
The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz. I re-read this one, but I am counting it. It’s a nice little reminder to stay grounded, and that other people’s opinions only matter if you let them, and words are just words. Also a must read, and it’s a very easy and short read. Short, sweet, and to the point.
The Fifth Agreement- Don Miguel Ruiz, Don Jose Ruiz, Janet Mills. Also a must read. I re-read The Four Agreements so they were fresh in my mind for this, but that was not actually necessary. They do a fantastic job of reviewing the first four agreements, and the Fifth Agreement really just makes it sink it. I am not going to tell you what they are because I want you to read them. 🙂
Untamed- Glennon Doyle. I like books that encourage people to be themselves. I like books that empower people and encourages people to take risks for the sake of a happy life. Be different. Don’t force things. Make life what you want it regardless of what other people think of it. I don’t think I got as much out of it as some peers, but if I had read it earlier in life I for sure would have. Sometimes it’s all about having it said the right way for how you need to hear it.
Reading has slowed down a little for me now that I get to see clients again (YAY!!), but I am keeping that in my daily/weekly life. I feel sharper when I read, I love learning, and it’s almost meditative for me because I only focus on what I am reading and thoughts that pertain to that. There is so much knowledge out there, I feel like no matter how much I learn, it will never be enough. I really focused on some issues that I was dealing with, I put in the work to be better, and honestly, I believe all of these books have helped me be a more confident human and allowed me to fulfill some dreams (helloooo, training studio.) It wasn’t all easy, but Adrian and I would talk about a lot together and help support, encourage, check, and inspire one another. He’s great and I love him (in case you didn’t already know.)
Going back to work schedules challenged my reading time, but I know what it does for me and how I feel with it, so I MAKE it a priority. How do I find time while still running and growing a health coaching business? I schedule out time for it, even if it’s only 15-20 minutes a day. I know that I retain things best in the mornings, and with the traffic changes on my commute, I head to work an hour before I actually need to start training. I have shifted my morning routine to take place in my facility. It was a change at first, but I wake up around 4:30am, am out the door by 4:50am, and at the gym by 5:05am. By the time I make my coffee or tea, put makeup on, and make sure the facility is ready for peeps, I have about 20-30minutes to read, which is actually ideal (and you’ll learn why when you read “Limitless.”) I always try to read things I am interested in, and if I am not finding myself engaged, I stop reading that book. Simple. I’m not in school and it doesn’t mean I’ll never read it again, but it may not be the right time for that.
So overall, books are amazing and I am so thankful I was able to rekindle my love and practice of reading consistently. I plan to start our very O.W.N. Book Club one day, but if you’re interested in what I’m reading before that officially takes off, check out @own.healthandstrength on Instagram. I post mini reviews on there, and sometimes there’s a cute little cameo from Misty or Jack.
Next blog will be about the elephant in the room… HOW I OPENED MY O.W.N. FACILITY during the trash fire year of 2020!!! Everything you’ve been reading, especially on this blog, lead to my first official facility opening. Spoiler: I did it myyyyyy wayyyyyyyyy!
Stay tuned, stay healthy, and stay strong!
X- Shea
ownfitnesspnw.com 