I always love the start of a new year. While nothing actually changes (same ten fingers and toes) I do feel like it’s a time to really look at yourself and reevaluate the things that you’ve done. It’s sort of like spring cleaning for the body and soul – but several months early. In a way, the new year naturally puts change into motion. For me, it’s a new semester of school. Coming off of last semester (where I thankfully did very well!) I can already see things that I would tinker with and others that I would completely change. The important thing for me at the start of each year is to continue my journey forward and constantly challenge myself to be better. One thing I love to do is read some inspirational books. Here are two of my favorites:
1) French Women Don’t Get Fat by: Mireille Guiliano
This may seem like a silly book to start the year off with, but I absolutely love it for how it puts food and eating into perspective. I feel like at school sometimes I am rushing so much that I forget to really enjoy and experience my meals. This book is great at reinforcing that each meal is a celebration and that you should not feel the least bit guilty for treating them that way. I also love the recipes peppered throughout the book and all the little French-isms.
2) The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
I’ll admit that I am not completely done with this book yet, but what I have read has had a profound impact on me. It is basically about living your life with a soul that it free from worry, doubt and anguish. It teaches you to take the difficult moments that life hands you and work through them effectively as to not have them weigh you down afterwards. As I’m heading into interview season at school, a book that teaches you how to manage stress effectively is just about the closest thing to a gift from heaven that I can get. It’s also written in very plain, straightforward language which helps with the occasionally yogi-granola-ey material.
I would highly recommend both of these books. Neither are very difficult reads but they give you a lot to think about later. If you’re really in for a treat you could even whip up one of French Women’s recipes and eat it while you read The Untethered Soul. Talk about multi-tasking!
What are your new year traditions? Reading any good books?
Tip Top Shape 
I love the idea of that second book, sounds really interesting. I am taking a break from reading until the grad school semester starts back up. There will be too much reading at that point (wait, that probably means I should read something fun right now–dang it)!
I highly recommend the second book. It is life changing!
I’ve been wanting to read the first book, but haven’t had time! I’m going to add it to my summer reads list!
You definitely should! It’s one of my favorites!!
I think I should definitely check out the French Women Don’t Get Fat book, that sounds like a fun and interesting read! I just finished Julia Child’s biography and this could be a great follow-up!
Oohh, definitely! I’ve never read that biography but I’ve wanted to for a while!