If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know how much I love books. Reading has always been a refuge for me, a way to find inspiration, tools, and even a sense of community. But this past year, it felt even more transformative. The five books I’m sharing with you in episode 5 of my podcast today didn’t just entertain me or teach me something new—they changed the way I approach life.
And here’s the thing: while reading is often a solitary act, reflecting on a book with others brings its lessons to life in an entirely new way. It’s like the wisdom in the pages gets amplified when it’s shared and discussed. That’s why I’m excited to tell you about these books and why I’m dreaming of creating a space where we can explore books like this together.
My Journey Through Five Life-Changing Books
As a busy mom, wife, and freelancer, I spent much of my life pushing through exhaustion, trying to meet everyone’s needs, and ignoring my own rhythms. These books helped me slow down, realign, and rediscover what’s truly important. Each one offered something unique, but together, they created a theme for my year: growth over perfection.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book reminded me of the power of small, consistent habits. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that transformation has to be big and immediate, but this book gently reminded me that real change happens one tiny step at a time. I started applying its lessons right away—and honestly, it’s changed how I approach everything from work to parenting. - Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
This was a game-changer for my home and my mindset. Marla’s approach to tackling clutter with kindness and consistency taught me to let go of perfectionism and embrace progress. It’s not just about a clean sink—it’s about creating a home that feels peaceful and supports the life I want to live. - The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
This book challenged me to dream bigger and think beyond my self-imposed limits. It encouraged me to take bold steps, believe in my abilities, and shift my mindset to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles. It’s a classic for a reason, and it gave me the courage to pursue some of my biggest goals this year. - I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Money can be such a stressful topic, but Ramit makes it approachable and empowering. This book helped me rethink my relationship with money and inspired me to take charge of my finances in a way that feels aligned with my values. It’s practical, insightful, and surprisingly fun to read. - Womb by Leah Hazard
This was my deep dive into honoring my body’s natural rhythms. For years, I’d ignored what my body was telling me, treating it like a machine that should just keep going. But this book opened my eyes to the beauty of cyclical living. I’ve started giving myself permission to rest when I need it, to slow down, and to live in alignment with my own natural flow. It’s been a transformative read.
Why Reflecting in Community Matters
One of the most beautiful things about books is how they connect us. Sure, we can read alone in our favorite chair or with a cup of tea, but when we talk about what we’ve read, something magical happens. Sharing our insights, hearing how others interpreted the same words, and applying these lessons together makes the experience so much richer.
This is why I’m starting to dream about creating a space for us to do just that. Imagine a group of like-minded women coming together, not just to read, but to reflect, support, and inspire one another. A book club that’s about so much more than books—it’s about growth, connection, and shared wisdom.
What’s Next
For now, I’d love to hear from you. What books have had a big impact on your life this year? Do you find that reading in community makes a difference for you? Drop me a message or share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’re excited about the idea of a book club, let me know! I’m starting to put together ideas and would love to create something that feels meaningful and supportive for all of us.
Here’s to a year of learning, growing, and embracing our perfectly imperfect selves. And remember: growth always beats perfection. 😉