Reading. It is something I say I want to do more of every year. BUT AIN”T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT… and the Netflix scroll is just infinitely more appealing right?

But.. LEADERS ARE READERS. Or so they say. I happen to agree. I know that when I am taking time to read and expand my mind and horizons, whether it be a nonfiction book or simply a fun pleasure read, I am growing, learning and understanding the world and other’s points of views with greater empathy and compassion.

I recently joined a book club and it forced me to get back into the rhythm of reading. It felt forced at first but it didn’t take long for me to resume that familiar love affair with the turn of the page.

BUT THEN REAL LIFE HAPPENED. And I only read one chapter until the week before and I had to cram cram cram to read the rest of the book.

So- here are my tips for actually reading and how I have learned to carve out time for myself to read.

AUDIBLE.COM let me say that again … AUDIBLE.COM

Audiobooks have been a GAME CHANGER for me. I can “read” while I’m washing dishes, cooking dinner, driving my kids around town, etc. It has been the biggest factor to me actually finishing books. I love to have the physical book as well, because in my opinion, there is just no replacing the feel of holding the book in your hand. I also love to use pretty books as decor, so especially if its a nice sized/ well designed book cover I will buy the hardback copy as well.

Don’t forget about the Library!

It took me a long time to finally make the time to go join our local library – but let me tell you, it was well worth the 20 minutes it took to get a library card. For both me and the kids. When the kids see me reading, they typically like to “read” too. Teddy will often choose to “read” his books over asking watching a show when he observes me choosing to read. I want to instill in them the habit of reading and going to the library to pick out new books is equally exciting for all of us. ( AND COST EFFECTIVE)

My sweet friend Kimberly Klaer is an avid reader and created this great book list and reading guide at the end of last year. I definitely have a few of my own books to share and add to this list – but hers is too good not to share. I 100% agree with her selections here, and have created my own little addendum guide to supplement her choices.