This morning, I was drawn to Relevant Magazine’s Summer Reading Guide, only to quickly discover that the titles were familiar.  It was originally posted in 2013.  I wasn’t overly disappointed.  Instead, I was reminded of how many titles are on my own reading list and some of them have been in the queue for much longer than two years.

Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States once said that “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”  Whether you are sitting on the board of directors for a Fortune 500 company, or rocking your little ones to sleep each night, you are likely in a position of leadership.  The personal growth of a leader is nourished by multiple sources.  Our physical bodies remain healthy through nutrition, exercise and sleep.  In the same way, our emotional intelligence, knowledge and understanding will flourish as we seek mentorship, take risks and study.  Even reading purely for the sake of entertainment stimulates our creativity and engages imagination that is all too often reserved for Childhood.  When I facilitate LifePlans, it is not uncommon for reading to make its way into the Replenishment Cycle in one form or another.  The bottom line?  We should do more of it.

I really love when a close friend asks, “What are you reading?”  To me, it translates: “I’m curious to know what you are learning and want to learn from you!”  This question can quickly move a conversation from simple small-talk to a more meaningful exchange.  Ask a friend what they are reading the next time you meet them for coffee and you might learn something new about someone you have known for decades!  Recently, I have been asked this question by clients, coworkers and friends.  I thought it might be fun to make space on the blog to occasionally share something from my bookshelf.

Admittedly, I am only almost half-way through Living Well Spending Less (12 Secrets of a Good Life) by Ruth Soukup.  Even so, I can’t help but to encourage you to pick up a copy!

At first glance, the title might lead one to believe that the pages are filled with money-saving tips that could lead to financial prosperity.  While Ruth shares some valuable insight to carry with you on your next trip to the grocery store, this book offers so much more.  Part I (Living Well) strikes a chord with the LifePlan Facilitator in me.  Ruth dedicates a chapter to the importance of Vision titled “Written Goals Can Change Your Life,” which follows closely on the heels of “We All Have a Sweet Spot.”  Part II (Spending Less) gets into the nitty gritty of having a beautiful home without blowing the budget.  Ruth challenges her readers to recognize that this life is more than a sparkling kitchen and a healthy savings account.  This book closes with “The Best Things in Life Are Free” and “We Get More When We Give.”

But wait. . . THERE’S MORE!!!  At the risk of sounding like a Saturday morning infomercial for the latest fitness program, you get access to bonus content from the author with the purchase of this book.  Even if you’re not quite ready to add this one to your personal reading list, I would highly recommend signing up for her newsletter to receive a download for the Goal Setting Workbook.  The Living Well Spending Less website also has a plethora of printables!

This is the book that is currently traveling in my purse with me!  I invite you to leave a comment below to share what will be in your Summer book bag.  May our cheeks be sun-kissed and our minds be put to good use!