I’m embarrassed to write this. On August 26th, I realized that I had barely finished one book this month, and that was an audiobook. After realizing this, I did a lot of reflection about why that was and I got reading!

• I realized that I binge watched a lot of mindless television, so I am now making a conscious effort to choose reading over TV watching more.
• I spent a lot of time this month at work, since our district has been back in session since late July. I’ve read a lot there- emails, blogs, newsletters, articles, book excerpts, etc.
• I also spent over a week fighting off a sinus headache that made reading very painful.
• I enjoyed some of the fun of living in beautiful San Diego, including many trips to the beach with friends and family, where I spent more time interacting and enjoying myself in the moment. #mindfulness
• I’ve found a lot of new podcasts to listen to, which have replaced audiobook time when I’m in the car.
• I was using a Library e-reader app that expired and I lost a book I had been reading.
• I was trying to get into a fiction book a colleague loaned me for over a month. I finally gave myself permission to abandon it and find something I really wanted to read! This added some reading at the end of the month.

The books I did finish this month:

• Retire Inspired: It’s Not an Age, it’s a Financial Number by Chris Hogan- I’ve heard a lot about this book on Dave Ramsey’s podcast. I wish I had read this in my 20’s. I don’t think we talk about finances enough as a society, especially with young people before they make choices that will negatively impact their future. I knew a lot of the content, from the podcast, but I learned some valuable new things that I will put into practice. If you are unsure of your retirement plan, this is a great read full of useful advice for readers of all ages.
• Scandalous Behavior (Stone Barrington #36) by Stuart Woods – I love an easy-to-read mystery, and this was the perfect book to get me out of my reading rut. I love that Stone, the main character with never-ending amounts of wealth, bought yet another home, this time in England. This home came with some crime, adventure, and a movie being made on site, all with the usual characters in a Barrington story.
• Talk to Me: Find the Right Words to Inspire, Encourage, and Get Things Done – Six Principles of Effective Communication by Kim Bearden – I LOVED this book! My friend Shelley, who published this along with her husband, knew I would enjoy this book and gave it to me last week. Kim shares six principles to help you frame communication: consideration, motivation, appreciation, validation, conversation, and celebration.  I have worked hard to develop my communication skills over the years. The longer I am a leader, the more I realize the value of listening and effective communication with others. This book is full of specific tips and real life scenarios that will help anyone improve their communication.  Go out and read it today!