….because I have *so* much time to read…. Okay, really, even if you have five kids and five hundred projects going and haven’t showered in days, you *can* enjoy a good book or two (in between changing diapers and chasing the cats around the house). Anyway, I’m focusing on areas that will lead to action in my life. Or, life betterment, if you will. Let’s take a gander at the books I’m reading in February!

I love self help books. Isn’t it simply lovely that you can have the gumption to realize that there are areas in your life that could be better? Like let’s say you’re an enthusiastic Target shopper and need to reign it in (that’s from Derek and now I feel personally attacked). But by gosh I bet there is a book out there to empower you to make that change (if there’s not, Derek will write one entitled “The Frugal Target Shopper, HA!”). Derek-isms aside, I love being able to take control over areas of my life that could be better. It’s a very empowering feeling and I’ve been loving these books, so far.

Books I’m Reading in February – The Frugal Vegan

I’ve talked before about my chronic health issues. Fibromyalgia and Ehlers Danlos make my day to day life painful, exhausting, and affect my mood and mental health. Dealing with these physical challenges is all about management – doing what you can to feel the best that you can. I had heard others have success going plant based and I’ve decided to make that change. But it’s daunting — any big change is — and I had a lot of questions about how I could do the Vegan thing as economically and easily as possible.

I stumbled across The Frugal Vegan during a late night Amazon search for “easy Vegan recipes” and decided to give it a go. I loved that it not only included a wide variety of easy recipes but also provided suggestions on how to go Vegan on a budget. There are suggestions on where to shop, how to plan, and easy substitutes that really make the whole idea of going Vegan less intimidating. I’ve already made the Vegan enchiladas that were a big hit and am planning on making peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip bars later this week!

Books I’m Reading in February – Embrace Yoga’s Roots

I love exercise and working out – but I have to be choosey about what I do. I have a subtype of Ehlers Danlos that makes my joints and ligaments loose and prone to dislocation. My kneecaps have dislocated more times that I can remember since I was a kid and the effects of that trauma are apparent as I get older. I’m also stubborn. I have jogged marathons because a doctor told me I shouldn’t/couldn’t (whoops). Now, I want to be gentle on my body while keeping strong and healthy. Yoga is something that I’ve loved for both my body and my mind. I haven’t practiced regularly in years and wanted to begin an individual practice that was both meaningful and authentic.

Remember that late night Amazon search? Well I came across this gem during that search as well! Embrace Yoga’s Roots focuses on the history of yoga in an effort to begin and authentic practice absent of cultural appropriation — and I love it. I’m looking forward to working my way through this as I try to be intent in my focus and practice.

Books I’m Reading in February – A Year of Zen: A 52 Week Guided Journal

Part of my focus is to increase mindfulness in my daily life. I feel like this will help me in a lot of ways — from appreciating the moment to become more self aware. In my search, I found A Year of Zen: A 52 Week Guided Journal and thought it would be a good fit for me.

I love the style of this guided journal — each week includes several prompts for meditation and self inspection. The weeks are simply labeled by number which is fantastic because I feel like I can work through it without being obsessed if I miss a specific day. I can go with the flow without feeling like I’m obligated to adhere to a strict outline (I’m a creative and, you know, a little scatter brained). But I feel committed to this and love the little prompts each week.

I’m excited for these changes – and I also know I’m going to screw up now and again. That’s just being human. It’s so important to remember the journey to self discovery and improvement comes with pitfalls but that shouldn’t keep you from making an effort. Do you have any favorite “self-help” books that have given you that push to be better? ….Derek chided in with another book idea “The Idiot’s Guide To Reading Less Books”….sigh. I can’t take him anywhere, guys. Until next time – peace, love, and light!