4 amazing books that launched my Journey to Joy
If you’re a regular reader here you’ll know that this year I’m focusing on my Journey to Joy and in fact I’ve chosen JOY as my word for 2015.
At the beginning of the week I wrote a bit about my plans for unlocking the secrets of everyday joy, including my new #sharethejoy linky every Monday which I’m so excited to say has already had some wonderful posts linked up from bloggers I love and admire!
I also mentioned briefly the books that galvanised me into action and launched me on my journey. I’ve been itching to share these 4 amazing books with you!
Hands Free Mama by the inspirational Rachel Macy Stafford who blogs at Hands Free Mama
Cut the Crap and Feel Amazing by hynotherapist Ailsa Frank
by the truly awesome Oprah Winfrey (she’s a Goddess in my eyes!)
by the lovely Renee Davis who blogs at Mummy Tries.
Each of these books had something to say to me, something to teach me, something to reveal to me about myself.
Each of these books felt like they were willing me to read them.
They arrived at the perfect time for me, just before I had laser eye surgery and fell down the stairs, breaking my hand. The two operations I had just before Christmas were a wake-up call. I had to surrender – my business, my control, my perfectionism.
I had to REALLY slow down. Not just a mental shift but a physical one, a painful ‘you can’t lift your son for 6 weeks’ shift that had me in tears not from the pain but because it reminded me of having to stop breastfeeding at 6 months due to a serious infection.
The first time my Little Man held his arms out to me and I couldn’t sweep him up in a hug was like a blow to my heart. At just over two years old he doesn’t realise that Mummy really, really wants to pick him up, I just can’t.
Of course we’ve found ways round the physical challenge – floor cuddles are awesome and thanks to all the running I did last year I’m strong and fit enough to lift him up with just one arm if he doesn’t wriggle about.
And thankfully these 4 books helped me see the positives in my situation – a situation that could have been SO much worse. They’ve propelled me forward, guiding me in different ways away from negativity.
I’ve always loved reading books but the last few years I’ve moved away from the paper page in favour of screen-time. Turning the pages of these books and absorbing their lessons has been like coming home. A reminder that something as simple as reading can bring such joy, if you remember to carve out the time in your day for it.
I like to think that the universe has a way of forcing us to learn the lessons that will mean the most in our lives. A romantic and self-indulgent notion perhaps! But it serves my Journey to Joy and boosts my positivity. And so it was that these books entered my life. Two were gifted to review, one was a present from my Sister, the other a gift to myself.
Through them I am learning to be grateful, be mindful, be present and look for the JOY in every day.
I SO want to share more about these books with you! So let’s start tomorrow shall we? I’ll tell you about the book that I didn’t think I needed…
Linking up with Post Comment Love at Verily Victoria Vocalises, The List at Mums Days, Welcome to the Weekend at Claire Justine, All About You at Mama and More.
I think that everything comes to you in life at the time the universe recognises you need it. I also remember my mother saying that she really enjoyed being told she had to stay in the hospital for a week (she was often unwell with asthma and high blood pressure when I was a child), because it was the one time she had no choice but to really rest. Wonderful books lady, I love inspirational reads! Thanks for linking to #AllAboutYou xx
Mama and More aka Zaz recently posted…Home, Sweet Trinidad
Thank you for your blog.
I can’t wait to read your reviews of each book – I’m such a bookworm and I love a book that inspires me or teaches me
I totally feel for you with not being able to pick your little man up xx
Franglaise Mummy recently posted…Making goals for 2015
Oooh I do love a good book post! Thanks for sharing this, I’m off to purchase the Oprah one right now! 😉 xx
#allaboutyou
Katie / Pouting In Heels recently posted…A classic black dress and a trusty trench
What a great collection of books. I have heard such wonderful things about Oprah Winfrey so I really must give her a try. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo
Verily Victoria Vocalises recently posted…Simplicity.
Thanks for sharing huni! I have just bought the Hands Free Mama. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Baby Talk
Oh I’m so glad – it really is a fabulous book and one that I’ll be writing more about here over the coming weeks along the other books in my JOY stack! x
Aww Michelle, hope your hand heels quickly..I need to read more, blogging takes up all my spare time but I need to find more me time. They sound great books. Become the best you > sounds interesting
Thanks for linking up #weekendbloghop
Claire recently posted…
Thank you Claire! I know I’m the same… but I’m carving out time for reading now and really loving it x
Hope your hand heals soon. Become the Best You is a wonderful book – has really helped me have a much more positive approach too. Love the sound of your share the joy linky – will try and join in next week
Louise recently posted…Friday Fabulous Five #19
Thanks so much Louise, it’s definitely well on the mend and I agree with you about Renee’s book, it’s wonderful isn’t it? I’ll be writing more about it here very soon! And I’d love to have you join in at #sharethejoy if you get the chance x
Your journey is so inspiring. I totally understand your rolercoaster of feelings but it’s great to realize that you need to slow down. I hope Become the Best You is available as a regular ebook (not Kindle) too so I can read it, as I’ve been following Renee’s blog for a logn while and want to really read her book. #PoCoLo
Astrid recently posted…
Thank you Astrid – it really is an inspirational book. I’ve got a giveaway starting today to win a copy btw…
Not read any of these before but think I might give ‘Become the Best You’. Thank you
lifewithsixkids recently posted…How many children is too many?
It’s a super book – watch this space as I’ll be reviewing each of them in more detail and Become the Best You is first on the list! x
Thanks for the book suggestions. Think I might read the Oprah one.
Oprah’s book is AMAZING! I try to read one of the entries every day as I find they really centre me. I’ll be reviewing it in more detail here soon x
I’m so interested to hear what you have to say about the books. I’ve read Renée’s BTBY and thought it was so inspirational. It definitely made me feel more positive about the future. xx
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Holiday Snapshots #19 France
These books are so amazing Tiny – I’d love to be able to buy them for everyone I know! And I agree Renee is so inspiring – I’ll be sharing more about her book here x