I LOVE learning but paper bound books have always conspired to put my brain into nap mode. In high school a friend would call and ask what I as doing.
“Reading biology,” I’d say.
The she would reply, “You mean napping?”
I’m not sure how I passed AP Biology. I definitely did not read all the history books I was assigned in college. Thank goodness for good teachers, lectures and the act of note taking!
These days I’m thankful for reading the printed word in lengthy news headings (not the article, mind you, just the titles), pictures with captions and short informative articles (note to self regarding this blog).
One of my neighbor can be seen reading physical books while she takes her daily walk. She says she actually trips less on our uneven city sidewalks when she is reading a book because her peripheral vision is more alert. Amazing! This could be the solution to my “books = naps” dilemma if I too had such a superhuman skill. I don’t. I definitely don’t.
Although my #1 technology BFF is the map on my phone (so much less stress trying to figure out how to get out of a mall parking lot!), my other technology BFFs are audiobooks and podcasts. I can learn new perspectives and ideas AND walk our dog (like a child, she isn’t as well behaved when I’m talking on the phone). However, toothpaste splatter and dog hair removal apparently require another level of concentration for me, as I cannot listen to paradigm sifting info AND clean.
I’ve downloaded many-a podcast only to delete them for one reason or another. Sometimes I love an author’s book but not their podcast. Sometimes I love a podcast but don’t want to read their book.
The following are my favorite, love-them-so-much podcasts:
- Rich Roll
- What You’re Craving with Molly Carmel
- Thich Nhat Hanh Dharma Talks (I cannot get enough of his voice and peaceful humor)
- The Plan Simple Podcast with Mia Moran
- Chris Beat Cancer
- Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
- Become a ProBlogger with Darren Rowse
My current favorite books for listening and re-listening:
*Links are youtube videos to give you a taste for the info and/or authors.
- Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
- Breaking Up with Sugar by Molly Carmel
- Essentialism by Greg McKeown
- Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
- Chris Beat Cancer by Chris Wark
- Thinner, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Matthews
- Think Again by Adam Grant
- Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson
- Fiber Fueled by Will Bulsiewicz
- The Power of Purpose by Les Brown
- Living a Life of Inner Peace by Eckhart Tolle
- Realizing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Grit by Angela Duckworth
- Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson and Sara Gottfried, MD
- Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K White
- Mindset by Carol S Dweck, PhD
- Goals! How to Get Everything You Want–Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy
- The Greatest Secret of All by Marc Allen
- Unleash the Power Within by Tony Robbins
- How Not to Diet by Michael Greger, MD
- The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz
- The Pleasure Trap by Douglas J Lisle, Alan Goldhamer
- Getting Things Done by David Allen
Information is food for my soul. Sadly, all that info didn’t do much for me until I started taking action. Figuring out what is really important to me, making a plan, asking for help, and collaborating with others are actions that lead to more actions. Positive actions over and over are leading me to a healthier, happier and more purposeful habits for my life.
I’ve also learned that I cannot take on all the ideas or actions at once but by taking one step after the other I can accomplish anything I am determined to accomplish. You can too. We all can!
What are your favorite, wish-everyone-could-listen-to-this podcasts, and audiobooks? What action steps are you taking for a healthier and more purposeful life?
Jen Grauer 