How to Read More

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a blanket and a book… and a good cup of coffee, of course. Do you want to read more but struggle to commit the time to it? Here’s some of the things that have helped me read on a regular basis in the last year-

1. Little by little- Because of my work schedule, I don't really tend to have huge, uninterrupted spans of time when I could read for an hour or two. So, I read for 10 minutes a day. It doesn’t sound like much, but I was really surprised how quickly I would get through books by just doing a few minutes a day. Pick a set time frame (10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc) that you could devote to reading each day.

2. Set a timer- I found that it was easier to focus on what I was reading if I set a timer on my phone for my ten minutes so that I wasn’t glancing up from my book every couple minutes to check the time. With a timer, I can go all in on reading and my phone will tell me when it’s time to stop. And sometimes- I don’t! If I’m close to finishing a section or a chapter, I’ll keep going if I have the time. The timer doesn’t lock you in, but it does ensure you’re getting your minimum time in. 

3. Have a pencil handy- This tip would likely apply to non-fiction reading (which is my favorite), but I underline, star and circle things in books that I really want to remember. Quotes I like, ideas that sound interesting to me, or things that apply to me personally. Even in a fiction book, you may find a phrase or passage that you really like and want to remember it or have it for later. Making notations in  your books helps you commit things to memory and get more value out of the words on the page. If a book has a LOT of information that I want to remember, I will actually write my highlighted sections in a notebook so I have them to reference later .

4. Take action- The whole point of reading a book is to learn something new or broaden your perspective. DO something with what you’ve just read! I’ve found that actually applying a tip from what you’ve read motivates me to read more. For example, when I read The Home Edit, I bought some paint markers and labeled the containers we have  in our master bathroom cabinet, and when I read Homebody I bought a metal tray for our entry way to collect keys, hats, and purses by our main entry door.  Applying what you’ve read helps you see in real life how reading can make your life better. 

Not sure what to read? Check out my 2019 Reading List, Four More Books to Read in 2019, and my Bookshelf page on the blog. 

Hey, I’m Meghan

I love coffee, yoga pants, planners and color coordinating markers. Sound familiar? Yes! Let’s be internet BFFs. I am here sharing content on all things organization, productivity, goal getting and personal growth. Welcome!

Book Review: Big Magic

I thought I’d write this book review a little differently for you today because when I really thought about it the book “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert really addresses the misconceptions and fears that people have when it comes to trying something new in their lives. For me, that’s starting this blog. For you, it may be pitching a new idea to the boss at work, or starting a new hobby like yoga or salsa dancing or making a big change in your life. Here’s some of the key questions Gilbert responds to in the book. 

Are You Creative? Gilbert tackles this common misconception in the first section of the book, saying that creative living goes far beyond being an actual artist as a profession. She explains that a creative life is simply a life that recognizes that we are more than the sum of our daily duties and that pursues joy always. “A creative life is an amplified life,” she says. “It’s a bigger life and an expanded life and a hell of a lot more interesting life.”

She goes on to say, “Are you considering becoming a creative person? Too late, you already are one.

Am I Original Enough? This was definitely a fear I experienced when thinking of starting this blog. Will anyone listen or care about what I have to say? It’s been done before. Maybe you are thinking of starting a new project and work or at home and feel the same way. Gilbert says, “Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here and that merely by being here- you are allowed to have a voice and vision of your own.”

Even though something has been attempted before, it hasn’t been attempted by you. “Share what you are driven to share,” Gilbert urges. “If it’s authentic enough,believe me- it will feel original.” 

What If People Hate It? “I can only be in charge of producing the work itself. That’s a hard enough job,” she writes. “I refuse to take on any additional jobs, such as trying to police what anybody thinks about my work once it leaves my desk.” 

She later emphasizes this again when she says, “ Recognizing this reality- that the reaction doesn’t belong to you- is the only sane way to create.” 

What If It’s Not Perfect? Simply put, Gilbert says perfection should not be a goal. “It starts by forgetting about perfect. We don’t have time for perfect.”  She says that perfectionism is what tends to stop people from creating in the first place, which only holds us back from living fully. 

“At some point, you really just have to finish your work and release it as is- if only so that you can go on to make other things with a glad and determined heart. Which is the whole point. Or it should be.” 

Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

Four (More) Books to Read in 2019

In January, I shared the books that were on my 2019 Reading List and I thought I would update you on how I’m doing on the list halfway through the year. This is really the first time in my adult life that I’ve made reading a priority and set a goal of reading regularly. I genuinely have to say that I’ve been LOVING it. I’ve really gotten some great information and inspiration from the books I’ve been reading and I hope you can find a few good books to add to your own list. Here’s a review on a few of the books I’ve read this year PLUS a list of the ones I’m adding to read this fall and winter.

Adding to My 2019 Reading List:

Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Already Read in 2019: Of the five books on my original 2019 reading list, three have reviews up on the blog already: Homebody by Joanna Gaines, Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, and The Home Edit by Clea Schearer and Joanna Teplin. I’ve already finished Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert so look for that review to be up on the blog soon!

In case you are curious about any of these titles, I’ve also read The Checklist Manifesto, The Ultimate Sales Machine, and Shut Up and Sell More for work purposes.

Tell me-what books have you been reading lately? I would LOVE some recommendations! Happy reading : )

Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

Book Review: The Home Edit

“As we always say, you can have the item or you can have the space, but you can’t have both!”

— The Home Edit by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin

Why I picked it up: So many reasons! 1. I’m a bit of an organizational enthusiast, so I nerd out over this stuff in general all the time. 2. I follow them on Instagram and they are hilarious and 3. The book came out a perfect time for me, as we moved into our new house and spring cleaning season hit.

What I Learned:

1. In the book, the authors emphasize that their combination of organization combines function and design in a way that makes spaces not only look great, but stay organized for the long term. “Sprinkling this extra layer of pixie dust inspires people to maintain their organized spaces. Which is the whole point!”

2. It’s okay to get rid of things. I’ve discovered as I’ve tried to clean out our belongings before and after our move that I do feel a lot of guilt about getting rid of things that I don’t want, either because it was a gift, or it was expensive, or because I personally bought something that I shouldn’t have. When looking at an item you feel you bought by mistake, they urge “Don’t double down on the mistake by keeping it!”

3. Not every item will fall into the keep or discard pile. I loved that they spent time in the book to point out that there are some items that won’t fall into the binary choice of keep or toss. Something that is sentimental, but you don’t use everyday should be stored away in a basement or attic. That way it’s safe, but it’s not taking up valuable space elsewhere.

4. Label, label, label! As stated in the book, “We believe that this [labeling] is actually the secret to long-term maintenance.” This could be especially helpful in my case, as I’m the one doing all of the organizing. How’s my husband supposed to know where things go if I don’t tell him somehow? The thought of labeling things seems a bit too permanent for me, so I might look into labels that can be erased/changed if needed.

Do I think having a perfectly organized home is absolutely necessary? No, I really don't’t. But I do see the benefit in getting spaces organized if you have the time, brain space, cash and resources to make it happen. Getting the containers to organize every closet, cupboard and drawer in my house sounds daunting, so I’m going to try to break it into small pieces. Hey, they recommend starting with just one drawer.

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Hey, I’m Meghan

I’m here sharing content all about pursuing your own version of more and loving how you feel doing it. If that sounds good to you, stick around and let’s be friends!

My 2019 Reading List

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In the last six months, I have gotten back into reading for personal development. It’s been a huge shift in my life towards the better and something that I want to continue into 2019. Here’s what’s on my radar to read in 2019:

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert- This book comes highly recommended by many of the creatives I follow online. I’m looking to this one tol help me be creative and think open-mindedly about writing this very blog : )

2. Homebody by Joanna Gaines- I am on a mission to curate my new house this year, so this book (with a lot of pictures) definitely counts as productive reading, thank you very much.

3. The Home Edit by Clea Sherer and Joanna Teplin- Along the same lines as the book above, I am hoping this book gives me good inspiration for organizing all of the closets, cabinets, and etc in the house. I love their Instagram account, so I can’t wait to try this one out!

4. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis- This one comes out in March and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! I listened to the audio book of her first book in this series - Girl, Wash Your Face, and Rachel is one of my favorite inspirational personalities.

5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck by David Ranson- Despite the fact that I love the snarky title, I am reading this one to try and gain some perspective on something that I personally struggle with- caring about what other people think. I’m not sure that this book is the “cure” for that, but it sure is a start.

Other than these five, I am leaving some space open in the year for things I find along the way or things that get released throughout the year.

Is there a book you think I should read? Tell me in the comments below and let me know what’s on your reading list!

Hey, I’m Meghan

Welcome to Morning Coffee, a place where I’ll be writing every week- about my life and my goals, my house, things I love, resources I have and tools I use. It’s not only a place where I can feel joy in sharing my thoughts with the world, but hopefully a place where someone else, maybe you, can find entertainment, inspiration or camaraderie. Let’s be internet friends over a good cup of coffee, yeah?