You gain knowledge when you read. Reading is relaxing. It improves focus and reduces stress. It is oftentimes even more entertaining than watching a movie. I mean, how many people say that the movie version of a story was better than the book? It’s usually the other way around.
And, reading for entertainment is fine. But, reading to learn is even better. A non-fiction book has all of the above benefits, PLUS you are learning about something relevant in your life.
I make it a point to read almost daily. Of course, I miss some days, because well, #momlife. But, even if I can take 2 minutes to read one page of a book, I am doing myself a huge favor.
Top 5 Books to Help You Become a Better Mom
Before I give you my book recommendations, I first want to say that these are not parenting books. I wholeheartedly believe that if you want to be a better mom, you need to start with yourself first. So, these might be unexpected, but I guarantee, they will change the way you see yourself and your family.
1. “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown
This. Book. Is. Everything. This is my number one, “must-read,” book. Whatever you do, start here.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
2. “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud
If you struggle with feeling like you are always helping others and no one is helping you, then you need to read this book.
“No is a complete sentence.”
3. “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod
When you feel unproductive, stressed, overwhelmed, like you are drowning… Well, then it’s time to read this book.
“Every goal we have is preceded by a process. The secret to success is to be committed to the daily process, without being emotionally attached to your results. You should absolutely be emotionally engaged in your goals, but not emotionally attached. What’s the difference? When you are emotionally engaged, you create excitement & enthusiasm for the possibility of achieving your goals, but when you are emotionally attached you create fear & pain that you might not.”
4. “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman
This book should be required reading for all married couples. It provides simple, but effective, ways to improve your relationship with your spouse.
It was even helpful in knowing how to help my children feel loved and understand their personalities even better.
“What we do for each other before marriage is no indication of what we will do after marriage.”
5. “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olsen
This is an amazing book on reaching your goals. Whether you have health goals, financial goals, or life goals, this book will put those into perspective and show you how simple it can be to achieve them.
“Simple disciplines repeated over time will create success, while simple mistakes repeated over time will create failure.”
Start Reading Books Again
If you’ve been following me for a while you have probably heard me talk about these books before. Because these were the books that were absolutely life-changing when I went through my breakdown a couple of years ago. These books actually gave me the tools to reinvent my life.
They shaped who I am today. They made me a better mom and a better person.
I’m sure that you’ve heard the saying “You are the average of the 5 people that you spend the most time with.” Well, maybe those 5 people aren’t the best influences on your life. Or, maybe you spend so much time with your kids that you don’t even have 5 people. I’ve been there.
Activities like reading, listening to podcasts, and belonging to support groups are the next best supplement for hanging out with really great people that are going to improve your life.
Then, choose a book. The best part about reading books is that it can be free. We have libraries. Free information and free learning.
If you feel like you are too busy to read, you can always get an audio book and listen in the car or while you are making dinner.
No matter what, make reading a priority again.
So, what is your favorite book? What book has absolutely changed your life? Let me know in the comments.
PS — Want to see more of my “must-read” books? Check out the full list here.
PPS — Do you already know that you need to start taking time for yourself, but you’re not sure how or when to do it?
Sign up here to get instant access to the FREE 5 Day Self-Care & Well-being Challenge, and get back to YOU so that you can be a better, happier, and more patient mom, wife, friend, and co-worker — in under 15 minutes per day.
Originally published at www.bridgettepetrino.com.
Originally published at medium.com