How Reading Can Level Up Your Journey to Joyful

You Need a Book List
One of the things that helped me the most on my journey to joyful was reading.  Yep.  I devoured book after book after book.  Then I slid into my Master of Wisdom & Meditation Teacher Certification and with a title like that you just know there was a pretty heavy reading list.  The was required, suggested, and advanced lists.  From day one of my journey I devoured books on how to heal, manifestation, meditation, present moment, etc.  Then I kicked it up a notch and started learning about Buddhism and Yoga and vibrating higher.  It was food for my mind and soul, and I loved it.  This might sound like a not so humble brag, but I promise it isn’t and I actually have a point in all this.  If you decide to start (or continue) your journey to joyful you need a book list.  Yes, finding a coach you love to support you through your journey and inspire different viewpoints is an amazing thing (btw if that sounds like something you want let’s chat about how I can be that for you)!  But diving into the wisdom of others who have been on their journey and want to share what they’ve learned can be a powerful tool that you’d be silly not to take advantage of.

It doesn’t matter what level your love for reading is at, there’s a way to get through a book.  I have one client who loves to read but uses audible for all of her self-help, spiritual, and metaphysical books.  A different client only uses audible.  Another will download them on kindle.  Yet another will only read a physical copy.  I personally devour fiction on kindle but prefer having a physical copy of all of my spiritual/metaphysical books.  There’s a way to get the knowledge without having to force yourself through it.  And doing it in small doses counts!!!  One of my aforementioned clients starts her day with 10 to 15 minutes of non-fiction reading.  If she feels inspired later on, she’ll read some more but she’s set up that time as part of her morning ritual and loves the insight and clarity it brings her.  Some people will be loathe to put a book down regardless of how long it takes them (guilty cough) and that’s ok too.  There is no right or wrong way to make reading a part of your journey as long as you do it.
 
But Why?
Still not sold yet?  Let’s try this on for size.  Say you’re my client and we’re working together to uncover and release any blocks to joy that you have.  During our one-on-one sessions I coach you, but on occasion I’ll put on my meditation teacher or infinite possibilities trainer cap to offer some insight or a helpful tool for you to use.  Let’s say one of those tools I use really helps you and you’re so intrigued you want to know more about it.  You could pay my fee for an extra session where the focus is all about that thing, OR you could dive into a book or two or three and find out all you can about this awesome modality you’re so interested in and do it at your own pace.  Chances are I’ll even give you recommendations because as I so clearly mentioned before…I LOVE reading and I’ve read A LOT of books on everything I coach on.

You see, the books can be supplements to coaching but they can also be the coach.  There is a fountain of knowledge right there for the taking, all you have to do is reach for it.  So many people have gone through their own journeys of enlightenment, of awakening, of growth.  They have searched for purpose, for meaning, for joy.  And when they’ve found it or even started to find it, they’ve shared what they’ve learned because nobody who’s found success on their journey wants to gatekeep what they’ve discovered.  Anybody who’s truly transformed their life into one they love wants to shout it from the rooftops in hopes that it will help somebody else out who’s just starting, or even considering starting, their own journey.  Use that enthusiasm, use that wisdom, use that guidance!!  Level up your journey!  It’s like getting the insider local tips when you’re on a trip.  You get to find all the best spots and it makes the trip that much better.
 
If you Like It Keep It
So, how will you know if what you’re reading is true?  This shouldn’t be a concern for you.  As long as you cultivate and trust your intuition you’ll know if what’s being shared is bullshit or not.  There’s this inner ding (any Louise Hay fans out there?) that let’s you know when something is right and true.  And there’s this discomforting inner blaring alarm (that’s all me) that will let you know when somebody is talking just for the sake of talking.  It’s this innate knowing.  So, while you read and discover something you like you keep it and tuck it into your knowledge base, but if you don’t like something then you simply throw it back.  There’s no pressure to accept everything you read. 

Also remember, sometimes you’ll realize that maybe something you’ve read before doesn’t fit any longer.  Don’t worry about it, don’t let it confuse you.  Simply put, on your journey your perspective will shift.  It wasn’t that what you read before was wrong per se, it was exactly what you needed then at that point in your journey.  But now you’ve come further down your path and your perspective has expanded and shifted.  You’ve grown and changed and what was so important to you, so necessary to your growth then is no longer necessary.  I mean, you’re not going to judge yourself if you change up your fashion style, right?  What worked for you then, it just doesn’t fit in with your life anymore. You’re ready to level up your wardrobe to fit the life you have now.  I know, I know, it sounds like a simplified analogy, but it really is the same. 
 
A Rose By Any Other Name…
Here’s another thing to keep in mind, you will find “truths” that sound like they’re different or conflicting at first glance but are actually universal.  I remember reading something and loving it, only to then read something else that I loved that didn’t seem to fit with what that previous author said.  It was a different perspective and I liked them both but thought, well if they’re saying different things what am I supposed to do with that?  But the more I read the more I realized there are underlying themes, universal truths.  Sure, these authors have a different way of saying them, because even different spiritual beliefs have different names for things, but a rose by any other name is still a rose.  They may be looking at the rose through different colored lenses but when you take a step back you see that they’re all still talking about a rose. 

It can actually be fun, spotting these fundamental truths and themes that keep popping up.  You get to have these little aha! moments where you realize that Buddha saying this is just like Abraham saying that and they actually do fit together after all!  And before you know it these truths settle them into you and they become a part of you.  Something that you inherently know as opposed to being just a theory that you learned.  It nestles in and becomes a part of how you flow through life.  Every once in a while you’ll fondly recall when you first learned about it and chuckle at how it’s become such an innate part of you.  You’ll smile when you see somebody else who has it figured out too and feel a sort of kinship with them even if you never speak.  It’s a comfort, and to think it all came from a book!
 
So What I’m Saying Is…
Start a reading list!  There’s no time like the present to add books to your list.  Did you hear about a book that piqued your interest, put it on your list.  Do you keep seeing that one author pop up everywhere you look, put their books on your list.  Did your amazing Transformation and Empowerment Coach lovingly recommend a book that she thinks will serve you, put it on your list!  Then dive in and start reading.  Shift your perspective, expand your knowledge, level up, awaken parts of you that feel like you’re remembering not learning.  And if you have no clue where to start, please message me!  I have many, many books to share on a vast array of topics.  These were some of the most profound books on the early part of my journey and I share more over on IG and TT on occasion.