Stephanie Jean

Happy New Year!

I know people have mixed feelings on New Year’s resolutions, and personally, I think that you definitely do not need a new year to create a new you, but if the new year inspires you to make a change, that’s excellent!

Was “be more positive” on your list of resolutions this year? Check out the list below for twelve books to have your most positive year yet:

• January: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero.
  Jen Sincero writes with humor- but the best part is that it sounds like getting advice from a relatable older sister. I loved her ideas on how to have a better relationship with money, and I feel this book is the perfect one to start off the year.
• February, if you’re single: He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.
  Don’t wait until you’ve been dumped to read this book. This book, in my opinion, is a must read for every single woman. It’s been a few years for me, but when I read it, I felt so empowered and like I finally understood the way guys approach dating. It made weeding out the ones not meant for me so much easier.
• February, if you’re in a relationship: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman.
  This book is timeless. My husband and I took the love languages quiz and it turned out we prioritize our love languages in the exact same way. Having this knowledge lets us know how we feel and give love, which has only improved our relationship.
• March: The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown.
  Brené Brown is a shame researcher (yup, that’s right) and this book takes all the things you don’t like about yourself and spins them in an entirely new perspective. If you don’t feel changed by the end of it you haven’t paid close enough attention.
• April: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed.
  Cheryl Strayed is an incredibly inspiring woman who shares her tale of walking the Pacific Coast Trail in a way that makes you genuinely want adventure, too. It made me feel empowered and became such a favorite that my husband bought me a signed copy. A must read.
• May: Light Is the New Black: A Guide to Answering Your Soul’s Callings and Working Your Light by Rebecca Campbell.
  This book is definitely for the more spiritually inclined- while reading, Rebecca Campbell prompts you with questions along the way, while also incorporating her own experiences and stories. Like Brené Brown, Rebecca Campbell reminds you that life lies right outside your comfort zone, while also giving you tools, resources, mantras and confidence to feel like you can thrive outside there.
• June: Yoga and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Guide to Finding Joy in Unexpected Places by Sam Chase.
  This book does an excellent job of showing you that happiness is in places where you may not have thought to look for it before. I especially liked Sam Chase’s take on karma, and became more aware of my habits after reading this book.
• July: Rise Sister Rise: A Guide to Unleashing the Wise, Wild Woman Within by Rebecca Campbell.
  Rise Sister Rise is a guide to embracing your womanhood in a world that is dominated by men. To be completely honest I haven’t finished reading this one yet because it is so profound I often have to set it down and take a break to digest her ideas. But they’re good. So. Good.
• August: The Soul Searcher’s Handbook: A Modern Girl’s Guide to the New Age World by Emma Mildon.
  This is a sassy reference guide for everything you ever wanted to know about the New Age in the modern world. A must-have.
• September: Find Your Happy Daily Mantras: 365 Days of Motivation for a Happy, Peaceful and Fulfilling Life. by Shannon Kaiser.
  As I always say, “a mantra a day keeps the insecurities at bay.” Just kidding, I’ve never said that in my life. But I could after consulting this book, which has a mantra for every day of the year. Mantras are extremely powerful tools- what you tell yourself, you believe about yourself. This book is perfect when you need some inspiration.
• October: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
  This book is famous for a reason. It explains the law of attraction and gives real-life examples, as well as ideas and tools for making it work for you. I especially love the idea they give about making a gratitude list, and that’s still a tool I use to this day whenever I need to feel grounded.
• November: Little Book of Mindfulness: 10 minutes a day to less stress, more peace (MBS Little Book of…) by Patricia Collard.
  This may be a “little book” but it is chock full of mindfulness tips that don’t require a lot of time. A little mindfulness goes a long way in stress management, and is the perfect book to read as we enter the holiday season.
• December: Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration by Meera Lee Patel.
  Get to know yourself a little bit! This is an interactive journal that prompts you to sit down and explore your dreams. The first step to finding your passion is self-exploration, and this journal forces you to do just that.

What would you add to this list? Did you make any resolutions for the new year? Let me know in the comments!

For more ideas to have your most positive year yet, click here for a free self-care checklist! #ilovefreebies

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