I actually encourage you to never stop—reading, that is. Reading is the door to adventure, inspiration, action, peace, imagination and creativity, just to name a few benefits. I prefer to physically hold a book or magazine when reading versus using a device. It keeps the information or inspiration coming. When you read a book or article you have more opportunity to be drawn into the pages. You feel like you are connected to the characters or information, because you can pause and take time to digest what you are reading, then return. You can write thoughts or points in the book or in a separate journal to refer back to later. The tactile aspect of holding something in your hands allows to you to feel its tangibility; it’s real, not just something you’re scrolling past.

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King

Part of living exceptionally well is expanding your knowledge, creativity and life flow. The more you know, the more you can make informed decisions. You also can identify what interests you more easily, and get busy doing it. When you watch electronics—TikToks, videos, television, reels and feeds—you take in more information than you can possibly process in such a small amount of time. One thing leads to the next, without any time for thought or reflection. Items consumed in this manner simply trigger receptors of emotion and stimulation. You still have to do something with all of that input. Reading enables you to use your imagination and thinking receptors. Mindful or intentional contemplation allows you to process and mentally export the information. Sometimes exporting comes in the form of energetic release, such as physical exercise or movement. Other ways to EX-form (versus IN-form) can be writing, journaling, crying, talking, being quiet or meditating. It is sometimes equally important to empty the vessel—in this case, your mind—as it is to take in information.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr. Seuss

Here are some of my favorite reads. Some, I have returned to often as a continuing resource or have referred to many people at various points in their lives.

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
In the rain forests of Peru, an ancient manuscript has been discovered. Within its pages are nine key insights into life itself, insights each human being is predicted to grasp sequentially, one insight after another, as we move toward a completely spiritual culture on Earth. This is a very engaging read right from the start.

The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living by (Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based author) Chip Dodd
This book is for postmodern searchers exploring who they are and where they are going, the wounded and brokenhearted who want healing to begin, the passionate faithful so busy doing that they have forgotten how to live, and burned-out believers who know there is more to life but don’t know where to look.

Succulent Wild Woman by SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy)
In her own words, “this book is my glowing invitation to you—to live a rich, succulent life! I explore love, sexuality, romance, money, fat, fear and creativity. It’s a little bit like reading my diary—with permission. Succulence is power•full and so are we as women.”

Upstream, by Dan Heath
An excellent read with lots of scenarios on the quest to solve problems before they happen.

45 Effective Ways for Hiring Smart! by Dr. Pierre Mornell
This book was a lifesaver of time, energy and money when I first started hiring and growing my business. I made many mistakes and sought a better solution to make the hiring process more streamlined, creative and effective.

Loving What Is by Byron Katie
Four questions that can change your life. Experience freedom from suffering and live with joy. This book will show you step by step, through clear and vivid examples, exactly how to use this revolutionary process for yourself. Once you have done “the work” in this book you can experience a sense of lasting peace and find the clarity and energy to act, even in situations that had previously seemed impossible.

“We don’t listen to what people say, we interpret what we think they mean.” — Byron Katie

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
A candidly honest view into this actor’s life taken from his journaling over the years. A wonderful adventure of discovery, humility and just livin’.

The Wisdom of Steve Jobs edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi
Excerpts, quotes and other thoughts that Steve has shared throughout his life and work.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A novel of adventure with a character who gets the chance to see what her life could have been like in many different scenarios, had she made certain choices. It will keep you intrigued.

Simply sharing my list with you makes me want to read all of these books again, thoroughly. No matter what your preference—self help, adventure, business—just make the time to read something each day. Watch yourself expand in unexpected ways.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.”
— George R.R. Martin