As I steer away from mindless internet surfing and over-checking email during my 90 days of discipline, I’m diving even deeper into my great joy of reading. I listen to audiobooks during my morning walks and read other books throughout the day although I only read fiction in the evening. I don’t have any goals around how many books I want to read or listen to. I just like to have a non-fiction and fiction book going at the same time so I can dip in to exactly what I need anytime.
Why I let go of my books:
When I first started decluttering, books were a protected category. I never thought I’d let go of the books I’d collected over decades and moved from state to state, and home to home. After all, less does not mean nothing. After I let go of most of my other stuff though, I revisited my vow to hold on to my books. I rarely reread them, so why was I keeping them? Eventually, I let them go. I kept a few, but let hundreds go. I let them go simply because I didn’t have a good reason to hold on to them. Now books come into my life, inspire, entertain, or educate and then move on.
I don’t save most of my books, although I do keep a few. Some I check out of the library and return, others I purchase and give away on Instagram or pass on to friends. Letting go of my books hasn’t discouraged my love of reading, but instead created more space and attention to support authors and discover new books. I recommend a gentle approach to letting go of your books when you are ready.
My books (reading now, read recently or reading soon):
Audiobooks
I love listening to books when I’m walking in the morning or doing things around the house. I can’t write, drive or do anything that requires much of my attention and listen to an audiobook at the same time though. It just doesn’t work for me.
Books
I read hardcover books, paperback books and books on my Kindle.
- Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs
- Kitchen Confidential Updated Edition: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
- Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything
- The Marriage Pact
- From Sand and Ash
- How to Walk Away
- Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World
- Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done
- My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired
Book research
When I was writing Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More
, I intentionally didn’t read other books, but while I write my new book, I’m researching by reading the following books:
- The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe
- How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip
- Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion
If you love books as much as I do, remember why. It’s the experience of reading that connects with our hearts. We don’t need shelves full of books to be moved by beautiful words.
