January Recap

On this last day of January, I thought relevant to reflect on the first month of 2014 and the reading I’ve accomplished. One of my new year’s resolutions is to “create time for hobbies most important to my physical and emotional well-being” (yeah, my resolutions are intense this year), and I feel like this blog and my January reads have done just that. I’m proud of the time that I have dedicated to reading instead of watching TV, puttering around the house or checking Facebook (although let’s be honest, I did a lot of that too). January has been a great first step to making time for myself and my passions, and I’m looking forward to see what February has in store!

Here’s a recap of the books I read this month:

1. Outcasts United by Warren St. John
2. Nurture Shock by Ashley Merryman and Po Bronson
3. Seriously..I’m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres
4. 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam
5. Amped by Daniel H. Wilson

So 5 books total, with 4 being non-fiction and 1 fiction. Amped¸ my fiction read, was also my first audio book (review coming soon!). Although January was obviously very non-fiction heavy, I’m proud of the variety of non-fiction: investigative, research based, humor, and self-help. Each of these five books taught me something different. I learned:

• I need to be more grateful for what I have and try to help others achieve their dreams.
• Sometimes we need to trust ourselves to do the right thing.
• Question everything.
• Laughter always helps, and it’s okay to be silly.
• I have more time than I think, and that time needs to be spent doing things I love.
• Technology is complex and we need to consider the effect it has on people, for good or for evil.

Happy Chinese New Year and bring it on, February!