THE READING JOURNAL

Welcome to The Reading Journal: a place for my recommendations, key takeaways and reflection points. 

The Way Forward - Yung Pueblo

An invitation to tap into your inner wisdom to show you the way forward. Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book's five chapters.

Existing

'unpopular truth:

what's meant for you will sometimes feel scary, risky, and new

ease and calm don't always mean you're moving in the right direction

the biggest rewards usually come from having the guts and perseverance to create your own path' 

Emerging

'an attachment to control essentially comes from having a bad relationship with change'

Together

'you are not helping well if you are doing so to the point of exhaustion and burnout

love doesn't mean giving until you have nothing left

if you are taking it this far, that's a sign that self-love is lacking

tend to your own needs and return to balance'

Direction

'jealousy is a clear sign that you need to accept and love yourself more

being inspired by someone is totally different, the energy is uplifting and brings the mind clarity instead of heaviness

inspiration takes you further and helps you focus; jealousy is the ego's insecurity'

Confidence

'different people and environments bring out different sides of you, not because you are fake or performative but because your personality is expansive

who you are is an enormous spectrum; let yourself flow so your identity can express itself fully

you are not one thing; you are unlimited'

Thoughts..

Growth often involves stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing challenge and discomfort.

What is my relationship with change? 

Self-sacrifice is not a sustainable form of help or love.

When I notice jealousy creeping in, I can bring awareness, without judgement, and actively choose to replace those thoughts with inspired ones.

We are not confined to a singular identity. We are limitless in our potential for growth and expression.

Wintering. The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May

As inevitable as winter are winter-like periods of life: times that feel bleak and cold and hopeless.

Like winter, challenging periods of life are natural and inevitable. Whether it's illness, bereavement, job loss, or heartbreak.

Wintering is as essential to humans as it is to animals and plants, however we seem to resist winter's call to slow down and regroup.

Social media bombards us with inspirational quotes, encouraging relentless, even toxic, positivity. Society's focus is on finding ways to survive in the face of challenges. The message? We must cope with our difficulties whatever the cost.

When you see winter coming, begin to prepare.

Engage in slow, mindful activities that create space for reflection. These days our working lives lack ebbs and flows. We are expected to produce at a grueling, constant pace, and stay logged-on even during off hours. Slow activities can become meditative.

The point of preparations is not to avoid winter, but to gather the resources to face it.

Cultivate connection, ensuring you don't observe the darkest moments alone.

Extreme weather and temperatures can bring out the best in us. Cold water immersion leads to a roughly 25-percent increase in dopamine, decreases tension and fatigue, and lifts mood.

Thoughts..

Think back to your previous personal winters, what were the signs that winter was coming? 

Remember that the hard work of winter is preparing you for the rebirth of spring. Notice that the hardest seasons of our lives are often periods of significant growth, change and evolution. 

What advice would you give a friend who is facing a challenging winter?

Things No One Else Can Teach Us - Humble the Poet

Live life on your own terms.

Life is finite. Guzzle all the joy you can while you can.

Let go of people and things that don't fit you anymore.

Throw away the map and follow your internal compass. Live authentically.

Play. Get back in touch with the exhilaration of doing something for its own sake.

Make self-pity an occasional treat, not a default mode.

Fail hard and proudly.

Thoughts..

What is important to me?

Allow life to flash before your eyes.

Which parts light me up? Who really matters? What really matters?

The Buddha and the Badass - Vishen Kakhiani

The secret spiritual art of suceeding at work.

Knowing your core values brings clarity of direction and meaning.

Surround yourself with the right people,  who can help you achieve your goals by communicating your vision and deeper purpose.

Social connection is key to happiness, engagement and performance levels.

Choose a mission that will leave the world a better place.

No vision is too bold: bold visions help you accomplish great things.

Create an environment that allows people to communicate freely and quickly.

To overcome setbacks, hold onto the belief that you are enough and design a life that is uniquely yours.

Aim for constant, deliberate growth across all areas of life.

Your identity informs your experience. See yourself differently and your life will change.

 Thoughts..

How do I see myself? How do I want to see myself?

Kaizen - Sarah Harvey

The Japanese method for transforming habits.

The Kaizen Method values incremental growth: take one small action at a time and repeat it until you get results.

1. Step back and analyse your habits.

2. Make a commitment so small you barely notice a difference.

3. Set a time frame for your short, medium and long-term goals.

4. Monitor your habits and review progress regularly.

5. Go at your own pace: Kaizen is a personalised approach to lifelong change.

 Thoughts..

What barely noticeable commitment could I make in the next 24 hours?

Thrive - Arianna Huffington

Find a daily rhythm that supports your well-being.

Find wisdom by learning from your experiences and listening to your intuition.

Foster a sense of wonder.

Give generously.

Slow down.

Prioritise your well-being: it will support your productivity and success, not jeopardize it.

Thoughts..

What impact would priorising sleep have on my creativity, ingenuity, confidence, leadership, and decision making?