New Year, New Book Club? Kind Of

New Year, New Book Club? Kind of? Stay with me…

I have a secret passion for creating art. I spend a lot of my non-work, non-book club time creating mixed media collage pieces. In fact, I have a lot (a lot!) of them stacked up on shelves, in bins, and even some (okay, a lot) hanging on the walls in my house.

I was talking to my daughter about all my art the other day and said, “Maybe this year will be the year I finally try to sell some of my art!” And she says, “Hmmm, I feel like you say that every year.”

Ouch.

It was definitely a Shonda Rhimes Year of Yes moment when her sister told her, “You never say ‘yes’ to anything.”

Honestly, she’s right. I probably have said that more than a few times. So why hasn’t it happened yet.  As I mentioned, it’s not for lack of paintings. It’s definitely not a lack of supplies.

When I started reflecting on it and why I haven’ t done it yet, my mind started running thru a hit list of just about every limiting belief out there. My work isn’t that good. No one really likes this kind of abstract art.  Do people put pink their homes? I could never ask someone to pay that amount for my work.

As someone who really works to build up and encourage others, this self-reflection moment was a pretty sobering experience for me.

But then I remembered this is where I was when I started the Badass Women’s Book Club (you can read about that here). And what I believed then is still true today: Just as my own journey to awareness and empowerment came through the pages of a book , I suspected the same could be true for other women. I believed that there was strength to be gained from reading the stories, advice and encouragement written by other badass women.

So, I’m taking this book club back to its roots.

First, here’s what is staying the same: these weekly newsletters will continue to be full of all kinds of books recs - fiction, memoir, mystery, all genres. I will continue to share show recs and podcast recs and articles I think you will enjoy. 

Here’s what is changing: the monthly book picks will all focus on some aspect of self-improvement. I’ve pulled from my owns shelves and started selecting the books I need right now to help me get beyond my own limiting beliefs and do the things I want to do. I’ve picked out books for the next few months – you can check them out here. If you have a topic you want addressed, or a book you want to suggest, just hit reply to this email and let me know!

I hope these book topics will speak to you. Maybe not every one of them will. And that’s fine. You can just dip in and out on the monthly readings as needed. I’m going to try to bring in the authors for their insights. When that’s not possible, I’ll try to pull in coaching friends and others who work on these issues. 

I am going on a journey to really, really, really do what it takes to be my most badass self. And I hope you join me.

And with that, here are our books for the next few months…

February: You Do You

Being yourself should be easy, yet too many of us struggle to live on other people's terms instead of our own. Rather than feeling large and in charge, we feel little and belittled. Sound familiar? Bestselling "anti-guru" Sarah Knight has three simple words for you: YOU DO YOU. It's time to start putting your happiness first -- and stop letting other people tell you what to do, how to do it, or why it can't be done. You can read more and get your copy here.

March: The Self-Talk Workout

Perhaps you want to be nicer to yourself but don’t really know how to get there. Or maybe you’re someone who assumes self-criticism is a permanent part of your personality. Rest assured you’re not alone—millions of people struggle with the toll that excessive self-criticism takes on their minds, energy levels, jobs, and relationships. And problems with self-talk vary dramatically from one person to the next: they can appear as mild but persistent inner criticism, full-blown self-loathing, or the pain of internalized oppression or abuse. After over twenty years of working with individuals, groups, and classes on self-criticism and related challenges, psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Rachel Goldsmith Turow offers the “self-talk workout”—six doable exercises that can help you replace self-criticism with self-kindness and self-encouragement. Each chapter features a core exercise, variations on the strategy that might feel right for you, scientific studies supporting each approach, and success stories to inspire your own practice. You can read more and get your copy here.

April: Comparisonities

It creeps up on you without warning—perhaps while chatting with a friend, scrolling through social media, or even just while walking down the street. All it takes is the hint of someone doing or having something you perceive as "better" than you, and it hits. A feeling takes over—intense, blinding, gutting. Your brain starts spinning with toxic thoughts about yourself (or others), and you're left feeling ashamed, guilty, and even worthless. It's called comparisonitis. And if you've suffered from it, you're NOT alone. Comparisonitis is a contagious, socially transmitted condition that occurs when you compare yourself to others so frequently and fiercely that you're left paralyzed, with your confidence in tatters and your self-worth plummeting. Described as a "self-help guru" by Elle magazine, Melissa has experienced the effects of comparisonitis firsthand, having worked extensively in industries like acting, modeling and dancing where comparison culture is not only rampant but openly encouraged. Melissa knows all too well how comparisonitis is infecting our minds and hurting our hearts, and in this book, she'll help you heal from this disease, liberate your headspace, and raise your self-worth so radically that you'll never let comparison rob you of your joy and happiness again. You can read more and get your copy here.

May: Set Boundaries, Find Peace

Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them--in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do "healthy boundaries" really mean--and how can we successfully express our needs, say "no," and be assertive without offending others? Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology--and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more. You can read more and get your copy here.

June: Bragging Rights

We’ve long been told, “Put your head down, do good work, and eventually someone will notice you.” But that limiting and diminishing advice doesn’t hold up in the noise and pace of these transformative times. The reality is, no one cares about your future the way you do. If you want to achieve remarkable results, it’s up to you to talk about your successes and accomplishments. In Bragging Rights, acclaimed speaker and advisor Lisa Bragg shows you how to get comfortable with sharing your strengths. Drawing on proprietary research, consultations with high-performing leaders, and her own rich experiences as a journalist and entrepreneur, Bragg examines why so many people are afraid to speak up about their work, illuminates why bragging is a catalyst of positive change, and offers practical advice on embracing and applying the art of authentic self-promotion. You can read more and get your copy here.

July: Sabotage

How do we get out of our own way? With personal stories and research-based insights multi-hyphenate Emma Gannon explores her own relationship with self-sabotage and presents a quick, meaningful guide to help you recognize your own forms of self doubt, identify what is holding you back, and the steps you can take to loosen its grip. You can read more and get your copy here.

If you have ideas for topics you’d like me to address, or books to suggest, please reach out at hello@badasswomensbookclub.com.