There was something missing. I just didn’t know what it was. For years I’ve ignored the New Year’s Resolution thing and instead focused on just surviving the winter. Honestly, this has been my approach for years.
But this year I’m doing something a bit different. I’m focusing my energy on my books for moms list with an attempt to nurture myself throughout the year instead of simply surviving.
THE YEAR OF SURVIVAL
You see 2017 was and is a year of survival for me. My husband has had to go on 3 extended trips away from us over the course of the year. It’s been a year of eye-opening realizations.
Some of those realizations were hard to swallow and for many of you if you were to really put a light on yourself and your relationships might find the same truth.
How much do you ignore your own well-being to take care of your kids every last need?
How many times have you been sick and toughed your way through it just because you had your kids and husband to care for?
Truthfully, how many times have you ignored your own wellness, fitness and mental health because your household needed you?
Well, Mama, that has to end. Yes, I’m looking at myself here too, but I’m talking to you.
No one else in this world is going to take care of you the way you NEED to be taken care of but YOU.
Sure our spouses do their best, but at the end of the day when you’re mentally exhausted who is the one that is truly raising that white flag?
You are mama. At least you should be.
TAKING CARE OF YOU
I’ve decided one of the best ways to take care of myself mentally is to read. So this year I’ve read more books than I can count. In fact, this is out of the ordinary for me.
I’m the type of person that always needs to be moving. My hands have an incredibly hard time sitting still.
So with that, I want to bring you a list of books for moms that you need to read in 2018.
BOOKS FOR MOMS
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Full disclosure here… I’ve read 5 of these and the other 5 are on my reading list for next year.
Whether you get them on audible or buy the book itself you need to consider it.
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Neiquest
This book while based on Shauna’s life has been truly eye-opening for me. You see over the course of 2017 like I mentioned above my husband has traveled A LOT. Leaving me to raise our daughters by myself with little to no support from anyone but my military spouse friends.
This book truly opened my eyes to the things in life that I should focus more on and the things I need to ditch. I picked this book up because it was suggested by a friend, an ad and Amazon all in two days time. It was a sign and I took it.
You will learn so many great things from her journey and I couldn’t recommend this more to my mom tribe, uh ummm… you mama, I’m looking at you.
The Intentional Bookshelf by Samantha Munoz
There is something wonderful about recommending your friends books. You see this is a shameless plug for Sam’s book and because I love her, work with her closely and talk to her daily so it’s only natural that I recommend this book to you. It’s not only that though… it’s because I truly believe in her mission.
While you start your own reading journey you should read her book to learn how to build an intentional bookshelf for your kids.
Then if you want to take it a step further you can join her book club because hello… no more wondering what to pick up at the library! Hello, convenience and community!
You see Samantha teaches you how to think differently about the books you are reading to your kids and how to use them to help you in those tough parenting situations.
RELATED: The Intentional Bookshelf: How I’m Parenting Through Books
Only Love Today by Rachel Macy Stafford
I’ve recommended this book before and I will continue to recommend it. It’s a beautiful way to remind yourself to just breathe and let go of the stress that our children may bring.
It’s hard sometimes when we get wrapped up in the fights, bickering and on occasion the disrespect from our kids.
They are humans and we are here to guide them down the path to being an adult. One that hopefully thrives in society. That’s the single biggest wish I have for my girls and I have a feeling you do too.
So Rachel has this way of reminding you to stress less and breathe more. To be present and allow your children to guide you through the magic that they see in the world.
Because let’s be honest with ourselves for a second… the way they see the world is often times a lot more pleasing than the way we do.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
I hadn’t heard of Brene Brown until this year. Then I turned on a podcast with Oprah and bam there she was in my ears.
If you need a way to let go of the person you think you should be and embrace the person you truly are then you need to read this book.
She will give you a true kick in the pants and you will start looking at things a little bit differently.
Despite all of the crap you see and hear on social media, on television, and on the radio you have control over your life. You get to decide who you are and what you will be.
Brene helps to guide you through some of those tough thoughts that you may need help realizing you’re holding onto.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
For Brene to make the list more than once it must have been good right? Right you are! This lady really knows how to change the way you think about yourself and the way you lead your life.
I’ve always put this shell up around myself and the life I lead for the fear of someone judging me, thus feeling shame.
Well, Brene will help you to break down those walls you’ve built around yourself.
If you’ve ever thought of yourself as “not enough” then you should stop and read this book because you are mama. You might just need a little help realizing it.
BOOKS TO READ
So here are the 5 books for moms that I’m putting on my list to read in 2018. I’m really excited to read these because I’ve already read some of these authors works this year.
Clutterfree With Kids by Joshua Becker
I’m really excited to read this one because you know I want my home to be clutterfree!
But there is a way to do this that doesn’t have to bring hardship to anyone in the home and that is what I’m hoping to learn from Joshua. While I’m not looking to become a hardcore minimalist, I do think there are things I can learn here.
52 Lists for Happiness by Moorea Seal
This book is a spin I’m taking here on this list because you know… I can. So I came across this book and knew I had to add it to this list.
This is right up my alley. The tagline of the book is, “Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy.”
This is a great way to think through the things that you love in life and that means something to you. By putting the focus on those things you can focus less on those negative things that drag you down.
So this is a different take on the book list and I can’t wait to get it!
Hands Free Mama by Moorea Seal
This is yet another list book by Moorea but I want to read through it and make my lists and I really think a lot of my mama tribe will love this one too.
This book is meant to help you realize the beauty of life right in front of you. I for one can’t wait to grab this one and start making my lists! I could use more creativity and joy in my life.
Hands Free Mama by Courtney Joseph
There are so many things that I could do better in life and I’m sure you’re probably thinking the same thing.
This book description reminds me of the post I wrote about looking for happiness in the wrong places.
This is a more religious type book so if that isn’t your cup of tea then this one might not be for you.
Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford
I have struggled for years with being present within my family. I have a problem with being attached to my phone. I know that it has been an issue and yet I’ve never had the courage to speak up and change it.
Until this crappy year of 2017 happened to me and I realized that things had to change. Now I’m talking to mamas like you and teaching them the same things I’ve learned and that have changed my life.
This book, I’m hoping, will help me dive deeper into that desire to be more present and to focus on what matters in this life.
So that’s it. Those are my 10 suggestions on the books for moms list. Are you ready to take 2018 by storm and start taking better care of yourself and focusing on what matters?
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