I love to read.
I’m not reading as much in my post-kids life as I did before I had children. I mean, it’s hard to read when there are loud kids around who like to use me as a jungle gym.
A Mom’s life doesn’t leave a lot of space for quiet reading time. Â Shoot, I usually fall asleep before I finish the first page in a book.
But I do love a good book.
I typically go for novels with a great story that sucks me in and lets me escape for a while.
However, I do enjoy books that help me become a better me. Â I’m always looking to improve, especially after I had kids, and there are some great books out there that have impacted my life in huge ways.
These books make me feel lighter, more motivated, and I feel like I can actually rock this motherhood thing.
I don’t always get time to curl up on the couch with a good book, but I do have an Audible subscription
I love improving myself while also getting stuff done!
Don’t have an Audible subscription? You can Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks.
Now, onto the books…
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Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner
You might be wondering how on earth I have time to read while staying at home with two kids. Â Well, it’s because I use my Fringe Hours.
I love how Jessica Turner has proven that Moms really can get some time to do things that they love.
This isn’t a book about how to do more with our time, but empowering us to do more for ourselves, because the more fulfilled we are, the better parents we can be.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown
I fell in love with Brene’ Brown’s message when I watched her first TED Talk about Vulnerability. Â This woman is smart. Â I loved her book, Daring Greatly, so when I saw this one, I knew it was something I needed to read.
I believe with every fiber of  my being, that there is no such this as perfection, especially when it comes to parenting.
This book helps us embrace our imperfections, let go of unrealistic expectations, and enjoy our authentic self.
It’s an AMAZING book!
Hands Free Life by Rachel Macy Stafford
This book landed in my hands at the perfect time in my life. Â I needed to read its words right then.
I have been struggling with life in general. Â I’ve been too plugged in, too busy to really enjoy the blessings in my life. Â This book helped me let go and just enjoy, while setting boundaries appropriate boundaries for myself and others.
“With a Hands Free Life perspective, you will have the power to look back and see you didn’t just manage life, you actually lived it – and lived it well” Â –Â Don’t we all want that?
I am a fan of a minimalistic lifestyle, and this book helped me get there.
Yes, it’s a book about dealing with clutter, but there’s so much more to it. Â There are great stories, life lessons, and light-bulb moments within these pages.
It’s not just a book to help you deal with the stuff, it’s a book that can transform your house and life, and it teaches us to fill our souls instead of our homes.
So GOOD!
Ready to start improving your life? Â Order the hard copy of these books, download them to your phone or tablet
I promise each one of these books will give you the tools you need to start living a happier more fulfilling life, today!
I LOVED The gifts of Imperfection. I recommend it as well. I read it with my sister a couple if years ago. It was such a satisfying read.
I’ve read three out of four, and the last one (clutter-free) is getting bumped to the top of my list! All so good. Thanks!
I love that we have similar tastes in books! I hope you enjoy Clutter Free.
Me too! And the same three! Love this community of women!
The Gift From The Sea by Anne Lindbergh – timeless advice
Oh! I don’t know that one! Adding it to my “must read list”. Thank you 🙂
The Gift from the Sea was a fantastic story. I read it at least 35 years ago. Now that I saw the title again, I am going to read it again.
Thank you for these recommendations! I’m always on the lookout for great books to help me become a better me. I love Gretchin Rubin’s books. The Happiness Project and Happier at Home really helped me and I loved them both.
I really appreciate your posts. Thank you.
I love that this is a list of 4 books, not an overwhelming “27 Books you need to read now” kind of list!
I’d like to add Maya Green’s books, “Resolution Evolution for Moms: Take Charge of Your Life at Any Time of the Year” and “Resolution Success for Moms: Set Yourself Up for Maximum Momentum and Obstacle Obliteration.” She has a wise and compassionate voice that really helped me work out my priorities in my life right now.
I’d read “The Gift of Imperfection” previously and loved it. I didn’t love Clutterfree as much, I didn’t find it either practical enough nor inspirational enough, it just didn’t motivate me.
I am part way through Fringe Hours and don’t think I will finish it. I find that not only does it encourage women to keep doing too much it never questions that many of the tasks and responsibilities getting in the way of doing the things that would be more fulfilling or relaxing are automatically theirs.
I was on board when it started the discussion of all the things women take on but expected it to move beyond that and it never did. It advised that leaving the dirty dishes in the sink in the evening to do other things was OK because you could always do them in the morning. What about getting the other people in the house to do them? What about questioning why you think this is your responsibility? The section about getting help with things was minuscule and I was almost appalled at some of the advice around actually asking for help. If you are married with kids, there is another capable adult living in the house who should be doing their fair share. There are children who should be doing the same.
Cannot wait to read these books, I LOVE my Audible subscription.
Thanks for the suggestions!
I haven’t read any of the books that you recommended, but I wanted to share how grateful I am that Audibles exists. I allow myself very few luxuries these days and I’m glad this is one of them. I listen while I mow, sit at practice, shopping alone, doing the laundry, and while I cook. I had set a goal to read 30 books this year for me and I am at 29. Even though I am not technically reading them I do have a great sense of accomplishment once I get through them. Being a stay at home mom with very few friends can be very lonely. Audiobooks makes it a little easier.