Ah! The lazy days of summer are here! Wherever you are—relaxing at the ocean, hiking in the mountains (like me!), traveling to see family (me, too!), sightseeing around the world, or simply hanging in your backyard on a stay-cation—I hope you’ve always got a good book by your side.
If you’re looking for something different than a novel, I’ve got a few self-development favorites to share. Some you may have seen me recommend before, but there’s a reason for that—they’re that good!
My all-time favorite book on self-care and the power of rest:
Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives
by Wayne Muller
This book is underlined and dog-eared more than any book in my collection. I pick it up at least once a week and open to a random page for his hard-hitting wisdom and down to earth inspiration. In the opening pages, he reminds us that even nature requires rest. If certain plants don’t lie dormant in winter, they won’t produce fruit in the spring. And if they continue to be deprived of rest, the entire species can even die out. Summer’s a great time to fit a bit more rest into your schedule… and Muller gives us great reasons to understand why it’s so important.
A classic guide of Toltec Wisdom
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
A must-have book on your personal development reading list, The Four Agreements are straightforward: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. Simple, powerful and truly transformational concepts if applied to your life daily. What I love best about these? They apply in any and all situations in life – relationships, business, health, spirituality, self-care – you name it, it fits.
Looking for creative inspiration?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Look no further than this inspirational book with chapters on courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust and divinity. When I get a bit of writer’s block when working on my own book, I’ll open up to a page and see her directive “You do not need anyone’s permission to live a creative life!” or “always remember that people’s judgments of you are none of your business” and I suddenly feel freer to share my voice. Whatever creative project you’re working on, this book is a great shot in the arm when you need a kick in the pants!
Want to heal family issues?
I
t Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn
I recently attended a family constellations workshop and I’m reading this book right now. I’ve been interested in family constellations and family systems theory for years and this book makes a great case for understanding that your problems aren’t necessarily all your fault! Research in neuroscience and stress is showing us that sometimes the health challenges we face may be linked back to inherited family trauma. The author reminds us that with stress comes resiliency so delving into the difficult stuff in your family’s past doesn’t have to be depressing. When you learn the facts, you can use that information to realize just how strong your ancestors were—and be grateful they passed those traits forward to you!
Looking to improve communication at home and at work?
The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman
The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White
These are two great books to help you understand that your spouse, your child, your client, your co-worker or your employees all desire appreciation, but it looks different to each individual. My husband gave me The Five Love Languages on our second date (17 years ago!) and to this day, we use these principles in our marriage. The languages—Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Tangible Gifts & Physical Touch—are easy to understand. The key is making sure you give someone what THEY want, not what YOU want! (Remind me to tell you the can opener story some time!)
One last thought before we go.
Since I launched my new website, I’ve had some great feedback on my new free download 7 Daily Rituals for Self-Care, Sanity & Success. It’s only eleven pages but it may well be some of the most important reading that you do this summer if upping your self-care game is a priority!
“I love Elizabeth’s 7 Daily Rituals. She gives straightforward and meaningful rituals that are exactly what I need. When I take the space to care for myself, I’m able to care for others—and perform at my best. I’m adding these to my morning routine.” -Brandi Larsen, creator of The Finishers’ Club retreats for women
“I just downloaded Elizabeth Barbour’s 7 Daily Rituals guide from her site. Wow! Not only is it gorgeous in design, it’s practical insightful and doable advice! Download your copy today!” -Nicole Rathjen, Aloha Payroll
If you haven’t had a chance to download your copy yet, grab it here!
Happy Summer! Happy Reading!
Elizabeth
P.S. If you’ve got any GREAT books that you’re reading this summer that you think I’d like, comment below and let me know about them, OK?