In 2023, I intentionally wanted to notice the flow and ease of my 'being' throughout the year rather than my 'doing'. I decided a year of slower, light heartedness would line my book shelves because I can go quite deep and had been taking a personal deep dive on my grief journey since 2020. I read a lot of fiction specifically Colleen Hoover books! Which of hers is your favorite? Mine are below.
I did love a couple of personal development books that had been on my list for far too long. Check out Big Magic and Braving the Wilderness!
And finally, I revisited Courage to Grow, which catapulted me into a new commitment to unschooling! Wow, do I have another year of deep diving coming up. 2024 is a year to trust what I already know so I can trust that I'm living into my highest values for myself and my family.
Happy Reading in 2024!
Verity
by Colleen Hoover
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.
Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered.
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.
Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered.
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.
Maybe Someday
by Colleen Hoover
College student Sydney’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her in Maybe Someday. Wondering what her next step should be, she crosses paths with the mysterious Ridge and the two soon find themselves drawn to one another. Featuring songs by Griffin Peterson.
In the novella Maybe Not, roommates Warren and Bridgette can barely stand to be in the same apartment together. But Warren has a theory he wants to test—surely someone with that much hate inside must also have the same amount of passion. But can he convince Bridgette to reveal that side of her?
Finally, in Maybe Now, couples Ridge and Sydney and Warren and Bridgette face tumultuous changes. Further complicating matters is Ridge’s friend Maggie, whose determination to live life to the fullest raises Sydney’s suspicions. This stunning conclusion features new songs by Griffin Peterson.
In the novella Maybe Not, roommates Warren and Bridgette can barely stand to be in the same apartment together. But Warren has a theory he wants to test—surely someone with that much hate inside must also have the same amount of passion. But can he convince Bridgette to reveal that side of her?
Finally, in Maybe Now, couples Ridge and Sydney and Warren and Bridgette face tumultuous changes. Further complicating matters is Ridge’s friend Maggie, whose determination to live life to the fullest raises Sydney’s suspicions. This stunning conclusion features new songs by Griffin Peterson.
I think perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes and a mink coat, pretending to be elegant when actually it's just terrified. Because underneath that shiny veneer, perfectionism is nothing more that a deep existential angst that says, again and again, 'I am not good enough and I will never be good enough.
Big Magic
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
“If you're alive, you're a creative person.” - Elizabeth Gilbert believes that to create something is to be human. I couldn't agree more.
Courage to Grow
by Laura Sandefer
In this second edition, Courage to Grow is the intimate origin story of Acton Academy, one of today's most innovative schools with a model quickly spreading around the globe. If you have ever wondered if there are more powerful ways for young people to learn, step aboard for a behind the scenes tour of how Acton Academy unlocks the genius in every child, while embracing personal accountability and forging young characters. However, this is not a how-to book. Nor is it a book about educational theory. It is a fast-paced tale of courageous families, transformed by what young people can accomplish when armed with the right inspiration, questions and tools. Like all good tales, there is a surprise ending, a final bit of magic about parenting and life you won't want to miss.
Braving the Wilderness
by Brene Brown
Brown argues that we’re experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other. She writes, “True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone when necessary. But in a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts.” Brown offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and to each other. And that path cuts right through the wilderness. Brown writes, “The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.”
Are you ready for a journey of self discovery?
There are things to watch, things to read, things to do, and other conscious moms to chat with.
Om in the Home Revolution courses and coaching is the place for you!
Check it out here.
Grab the Free PDF 15 Ways to Build Self compassion here
