In 2018, one of the things I set out to do in the new year was to read more.

I find activities like reading and coloring a way for me to calm down, detach from the world, and still feel “productive” while resting. Yet, the activity of reading often gets pushed aside when I’m busy, tired, or anxious.

To make reading more of a priority this year, there were a few things I did which included:

• Reading for 15-20 minutes while drinking my coffee in the morning.
• Instead of being on my phone my entire commute while still in college, I spent either my morning or evening commute with my nose in a book (about 30 minutes).
• Taking social media breaks—they allowed more space for creative outlets.
• I took a few road trips last year and spent portions of the drive reading either in my head or to the person driving.
• One of my favorite places to take my book is in the bathtub, so I took a few extra baths in 2019 as part of my day of rest.
• Graduating from college. It turns out reading is a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have mountains of textbooks to read from.
• Turning my phone on silent at night and reading myself to sleep.
• Choosing a book instead of Netflix while eating dinner.

I’m sure there are other things that aided my ability to read more in 2019 than I did in 2018, and I hope I can make my list of books read even longer in 2020.

If you were expecting me to say I read something like 100 books, you probably won’t be impressed by my short list of 12 books and that’s A-okay. All I know is I’m proud of myself for slowing down more to enjoy a few good reads.

To be honest, I probably read about 3 more books with how much editing I’ve been doing for the book I’m writing. The first draft should be done at the end of January. YAY!

Anyway, I’ll move on to my books read in 2019. If you read one of the same books this year or have a book suggestion for 2020, shoot me a comment below.

Books I Read in 2019:

1. Fasting: The Ancient Practices by Scot McKnight
2. Loveology by John Mark Comer
3. Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green
4. The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
5. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
6. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
7. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
8. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
9. The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer
10. Quiet by AJ Sherril
11. Quarterlife Crisis by Abby Wilner and Alexandra Robbins
12. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

To name my favorite book from the list above would be quite hard because I believe each book served me in a unique way. Earlier in the year, I wrote a blog post called The Top Resources To Help Me Recover From An Eating Disorder where you can find more of an explanation for some of the books listed.

To End

The main purpose of this blog post was to remind you to make time for the things that bring your soul both rest and joy. Set yourself a reasonable goal, one within your limits. Create space for that goal, a designated time. Stick to your schedule, don’t double book yourself but also accept the moments when life does happen.

My list of books read was small compared to some, but the minutes dedicated to reading—something that soothes my spirit—helped me let go unnecessary worry, learn a thing or two, and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of 2019.

It was the little things that contributed to a big year and I believe if you commit yourself to a few small goals, you’re bound to have a successful 2020 ahead.

No year passes without a few trials, yet even those trials have the ability to shed beauty. It’s all dependent on your perspective, something you can change any time you wish.

It’s my prayer that your 2020 is filled with not only blessings and love, but guidance when life does get tough. I pray you find joy and rest through thoughtful time doing the things that light you up. Remembering life is precious and every second counts.

Cheers to a new year.

Xoxo,

Carly