I Don't Do New Year's Resolutions

I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions. I love new calendars and I love planning for the year but resolutions? Not my thing.

Why? Because honestly I don't believe you have to wait until the New Year to change something. If you decide on October 7 that you want to go to the gym more- start going to the gym more that day. If you decide December 5 that you want to read the bible everyday- start reading the bible everyday that day. You see how the list goes on...

But one thing I did start doing which doesn't really have much to do with the New Year, except the fact that I finally have some free time, is reading more. I kind of forget how much I enjoy reading until I take the time to sit down and read a book. I am kind of a bad reader though because I get so involved with a book, enjoying the characters, that when it ends I sit there thinking how will I ever fall that in love with a book and the characters again....and then the cycle starts over.

I think the other tough part for me is that I like to read as an escape. I don't like reading anything too complicated or that may be depressing. Sometimes I just want to be entertained. I just want to immerse myself into a different world. And I want it to wrap itself up at the end and not leave me feeling depressed....maybe that will change but it's where I am at now with my taste in books.

Two fun things I have done that I recommend- I joined this online community called Goodreads. It's pretty great because I have a kindle but the tough part about a kindle is the lack of going to a book store and trying to find books...sometimes I get overwhelmed trying to figure out which books I would like or should try. Goodreads allows you to import your kindle books into the account, rate them and then gives you recommendations based on what you like. So far their recommendations have been dead on and I am really loving the site.

What have I read recently and loved?

I really enjoyed this book. I also really love Dan Harris. I may try out meditating as a result of this. That's another post for another day.

I know, I do love my GMA anchors. I saw this book at my Mother in Law's house over New Year's and picked it up and started reading it. It's a great story. Robin Roberts has been through so much. The biggest takeaway "make your mess your message." Life is messy, mine especially- wouldn't it be great if we were all more open about the messy?

Yes, I read this book. Do not judge me- you know I love The Bachelor. And I mean at the end of the day, I need to be more grateful for the positives in my life instead of focusing on the negatives....did I love it? Ehh, it was okay.

Loved this book. I want to read more by this author. It's a sweet story of sisters, love, Texas and NYC. I never would've heard of it if it weren't for Goodreads. 

Loved this book too. I read it because I had heard such great things about this author because of this book which I haven't read yet. It all revolved around a road trip. I've still been thinking about it since it ended. It was also another Goodreads recommendation. 

Have you read anything good recently I need to read? Want to follow me on Goodreads. I can't guarantee you anything mentally stimulating but I can guarantee you some "fun-take a break from life" reads. 

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I am not a huge reader but I have been trying to read more. Every time I pick up a book I am reminded of how much I do in fact enjoy reading. I attended a luncheon a few weeks ago and heard Cheryl Strayed speak on grief and writing the book Wild.

Photo credit via cherylstrayed.com

I honestly didn't know what to expect and my reasons for deciding to read it were pretty silly- at the luncheon the author mentioned being one of Oprah's book club books, the author talked about knowing Oprah and she mentioned that this book is becoming a movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

These reasons don't exactly scream I am a literary genius.

I'm not going to lie. This book is totally opposite of books I normally read of the chick lit, Hunger Games, Harry Potter genres. I typically prefer lighter books, because I want to know it's going to be a positive escape. My thoughts behind this are simply that life can be so tough sometimes that I struggle to get excited to pick up a book that is tough and sad the entire way until the very end…or it in fact never gets resolved. It's just the way I approach reading and I know it is not necessarily a scholarly approach.

What is the book about?

• Cheryl Strayed's mother is diagnosed and passes away quickly and unexpectedly from cancer while Cheryl is in college. Cheryl's family falls apart afterwards, Cheryl's life falls apart and she decides to disconnect from the world and hike the Pacific Crest Trail…in the process, finding a way to heal from her Mother's death.

What did I think?

• I enjoyed the story and I enjoyed feeling like I was part of Cheryl's journey and her hike. Her experience with hiking is the exact same as mine when she begins…nonexistent…so it was interesting to read along as she navigated the wilderness. 
• There were some very funny parts and then there were some very sad parts. The kind where you do get tears in your eyes. 
• It also made me in awe of the physical challenges and mental challenges you would face being all alone on a hike like this. I'm not a "hiker" but it really made me impressed by those that are.
• I will admit after awhile it got a little monotonous reading about the Pacific Crest Trail. 
• Overall though, Cheryl's story just also really opened my eyes to grief. How important having a support system is in those difficult moments if you should ever tragically lose a loved one. So often I wished someone had been there for Cheryl during her tough moments. Her Dad was not in the picture,  her step dad fell out of the picture, her siblings relationship fell apart and there were no friends in the background to pick up the pieces.It was really something I couldn't imagine.

Would I recommend it? 

• Yes. But if the book doesn't sound like your cup of tea then I would recommend the movie when it comes out. You can come with me to see it if you want!

I know some people don't like it but I love it when a book I've read becomes a movie because is like my imagination is coming to life. Plus, seeing this gallery of pictures courtesy of Reese Witherspoon on the set has made me really excited! 

And on a shallow note, high five for me reading an entire book! 

It may sound strange but I am pretty excited for that accomplishment too…sadly, it's been awhile.