12 Books That Are Perfect For Your Morning Routine
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a big reader. I was that girl who was STOKED for the “summer reading challenges” at the library. Read a bunch of books + win prizes? Sign me up. : ) At age 8, I would read Women’s Health Magazine + Self, ++ dream about running a health + wellness magazine in New York City.
Once college rolled around, I stopped reading — a mixture of lack of time, exhaustion from textbooks, + wanting to spend my “free time” in other ways. I still devoured magazines [especially on vacations], but I can’t think of a single book I read in college other than The Happiness Project [which, of course, I loved].
Thankfully, reading eventually came back to me. I was in a yoga class a year + a half ago —right when I started practicing yoga, ++ the instructor read a beautiful passage from The Book Of Awakening. Immediating after the class, I purchased the book. That kickstarted my self-love journey… ++ I’ve been on an “amazon prime — grab a book in one click” high ever since. So much so that I promised myself I would NOT BUY ANOTHER BOOK IN 2017 — I’ve been purchasing books at a much faster rate than actually reading them. I love the quote in The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up — The moment you first encounter a particular book is the right time to read it.
Anyways, now onto the “daily reads” — these are all daily devotionals, tips, journal prompts, news, etc that are a perfect compliment to your morning [or nighttime] routine. Here we go…
#1] The Book Of Awakening
This book has truly changed my life. Inside is 365 passages of wisdom, each complete with a meditation//reflection piece. While I’ve read every passage, I’ve yet to complete the complimentary meditation pieces with it — since I’ve been getting much more into meditation lately, this is absolutely on my radar. // Grab The Book Of Awakening
#2] The Five Minute Journal
I’ve always been into journaling [I had a journal in kindergarten — it’s HILARIOUS to read… I basically talk about what I ate + recess #goodtimes]. However, I know not everyone falls in love with journaling at an early age. If you want to get into journaling, but don’t know where to start — this is a perfect guide for you. The sections are below…
- Quote of the day
- I am grateful for…
- What would make today great?
- Daily affirmations. I am…
- 3 amazing things that happened today…
- How could I have made today even better?
While you can easily do this on your own, it’s nice to have them in a pretty, organized book — plus, there are weekly challenges like “give a genuine compliment to a stranger today.” // Grab The Five Minute Journal
#3] A Year Of Miracles
Currently going through this devotional now! I’ve been in love with Marianne Williamson ever since reading A Return To Love. Every passage as a mantra for the day, a reflection piece, + a prayer. Her intention for this book is to help us develop a positive, loving mindset to live our best selves ++ bring miracles in our lives every day.// Grab A Year Of Miracles
#4] A Course In Miracles
I’m [very, very slowly] working through this book. WOW. It’s deep stuff. I recommend first reading “A Return To Love” before you dive into this. The Course has a 365 workbook in the back that you are encouraged to complete while reading through the book. Every sentence in this book will blow your mind… seriously. I’m thinking about doing a year long book club specifically for The Course — let me know if you are interested! // Grab A Course In Miracles
#5] Savor
My friend Melissa recommended this book to me, ++ while I haven’t read it yet — it’s SO PRETTY, I felt like I needed to include it : ). Every passage has a bible verse, reflection, ++ a journaling prompt. Also, there are recipes sprinkled throughout the book, like Blueberry Yogurt Morning Cakes, Grilled Peach + Caramel Sundaes, + Curried Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches… yes please! // Grab Savor
#6] Jesus Calling
This is a book — but I absolutely love the app version [it’s $10 — but so worth it!]. I read it every morning. The author created the devotional by listening to God, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her — thus, they are written from Jesus’ point of view. Every passage also comes with a few related bible verses. // Grab Jesus Calling
#7] The Daily — Podcast
I’m sure many of you guys read The Skimm. I’ve been trying to get into it… forever. While I’m still subscribed, I [sadly] delete the emails almost every time because I easily get overwhelmed by my inbox. I want to be more informed with what’s going on in the world without being suffocated by noise. I was recommended the podcast “The Daily” by a few people, ++ so far I really like it! It’s only 20 minutes, + tends to focus on 1–3 pieces of current news. // Listen to The Daily
#8] Let It Out
This isn’t necessarily a “daily” book — but I wanted to include it because you can use the tools inside for jounaling every day ; ). I’ve had the pleasure of listening to a “live podcast” with Katie [@katiedalebout]+ Rose [@rosetruesdale]… ++ oh my gosh, I just love these girls. If you want to step up your journaling//creative writing game, definitely check this book out. // Grab Let It Out
#9] The Cup Of Our Life
This is a perfect for someone seeking a more intimate + disciplined life of prayer. It’s a six week devotional that includes a quote, story, mantra, reflection, scripture passage, journal prompt, prayer, + an “action” for the day. I read this book with my Bible Study during Lent last year + loved it. This is a book I plan on re-reading. // Grab The Cup Of Our Life
#10] The Happiness Project
Ahh, this book just makes me smile ; ) I have so much respect for Gretchen for dedicating a year to truly living her fullest, best life. While I read this book as fast as I could because I was obsessed, I love the idea reading this book throughout the year — following her advice for each month. Or, better yet — creating my own Happiness Project. [I’m kiiiiiiind of doing it with my intentions this year — but I love how she has a specific monthly focus.] // Grab The Happiness Project
#11] Seth Godin’s Brilliant Blog
I’m obsessed with Seth Godin [seeing him in October in Chicago — so excited!]. He is just a wizard of knowledge for life… but particularly for marketing, startups, communities, + using your voice//actions to change the world.// Subscribe To Seth’s Blog
#12] 1 Second Everyday
Okay, this is a bonus for ya. I started this app a month ago, ++ I’m in love — all you do: record one second everyday… ONE SECOND! It’s a fun way to capture your *actual* life [no filters, no thinking about captions, no trying to get the perfect shot]. There’s also a spot to add a “diary entry” if you want to talk about the video. I can’t wait to watch my year in review ; ). // Grab 1 Second Everyday
Wow! That was a lot of info, + took me like three hours to write this : ). Do you have any “daily reads” [what is the genre called — I keep wanting to say devotionals… but, obviously these aren’t all devotionals ;)]? Let me know in the comments below or on insta! Also — use the hashtag #CHAARGBookClub to share your thoughts on the books… or any others that you are reading!
Rooting for you always,
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I am currently sitting down to right down my goals for 2018 and one of them is to read more and learn to meditate. I brought up this blog post and after reading it, I instantly purchased three of those books off amazon. Thankyou for the recommendations 🙂