I am an avid reader. I’m one of those people that have at least three books on the go at any one time. In fact, right now, I have two books on my nightstand and one outside – I simply devour words. But it’s not just words..it’s ideas, sentiments, constructs, the way language makes me feel, want to act and in truth, makes me want to learn everything can as fast as I can.

I simply devour words.”

I’ve always had a passion for books and reading. I recall sitting in my room as a teenager reading whatever I found in the house. My mom has always (and still does) loved true crime so that was what I had access to – I’m sure that’s where my other love began – my love of how the mind works, what makes people do what they do and solving puzzles. I find the mind of a criminal a fascinating maze that I wish I had pursued in school – but that’s for another post.

It was only natural that my University degree would be in English Literature (minor in Criminal Sociology…see the pattern forming?) – I read book after book and marvelled at every word, sentence and idea presented and wondered if I could ever be a writer. In fact, I used to want to be a high school English teacher so I could spend my days inspiring a passion for language and reading among teens. I also saw it as a way to get summers off so I could write. You see, my end goal was always to publish a book. But again, that is for another post…

…this summer I am focusing on intentional learning”

Back to summer and reading. When I worked a 9-5 (she says with a snicker) downtown Toronto, I didn’t read as much as I once had. I spent about 3.5 hours a day commuting and spent at least 10 hours at the office or with clients. I loved my work. But I didn’t love how little time I was left for my family and that proverbial self-care that all women as supposed to make time for. Another snicker.

When I reprioritized my life a few years ago, making time for me became a huge priority. Not only did I change my career focus, but I started to bring back all the things I loved…like reading.

So I began reading again. Oh, how I missed the sound of a book cracking open, the smell of the paper and ink, the foreword and acknowledgements in the first few pages…

I’m just about to finish Becoming, by Michelle Obama, and I have to say it – I have such a girl crush on that woman. She makes me want to be a better human. Truthfully. As I’m reading about her education, her strength of character, personal relationships, and her career, I realized that every day we are faced with choices, and we can be intentional with that choice or not. But we have the power to choose.

This leads me to my 2019 Summer Reading List – this summer I am focusing on intentional learning – how to think differently, how to be a better friend, business owner, mom and wife, how to be intentional in my choices so that I can achieve my goals. Ok, so here is the list…so far!

2019 SUMMER READING LIST

1. The Beauty of Discomfort, by Amanda Lang
2. The Smart Start-Up, by Tom Hopkins & Omar Periu
3. A Tribe Called Bliss, by Lori Harder
4. The Fifth Agreement, by Don Miguel Ruiz & Don Jose Ruiz
5. The Path Made Clear,by Oprah Winfrey

While I’ve always been self-aware, I’m hoping that by reading these books I will be gifted with a nugget (or two) of insight or an ‘ah-ha’ that will make me a better marketer, business partner or human being.

I’ll share my thoughts on these books and any others I ready this summer. And please, if you have any books you think align with my summer reading list, let me know in the comments – I’m always on the hunt for another book (or three!).