Happy Summer friends!
Okay, maybe it's not technically summer yet, but Memorial Day Weekend always feels like the official kickoff to me. Parades, pools opening, warmer weather, frosé all day - you know, the signs that summer is coming!
In an effort to help you make this the best. summer. ever. for your personal and professional development, I've put together a list of the things that I'm LOVING right now!
Each item on this list is something that I've been listening to, reading, or using to get inspired in work and life or to just have some fun. It's summer: time to lighten up and work towards those personal goals!
Please note: No asked me to include them in this list, nor will I get paid or credit if you decide to purchase or listen to any of the below items. I'm just obsessing over them right now and think you will find some inspiration too!
Alright, now for the goodies:
What I'm Loving lately:
1. Cathy Heller's Don't Keep Your Day Job Podcast
My sister told me about this podcast months ago, but unfortunately, it fell into the long, long list of podcasts that I have queued up to listen to and sat there at the bottom, totally forgotten. And then somehow it resurfaced itself, just when I needed it most.
This podcast is AMAZING! Cathy Heller's story is truly inspirational and she has amazing guests come onto her show. While this podcast is pretty entrepreneur focused, most of the episodes have awesome takeaways for anyone wanting to feel fulfilled in their career - whether you want to be an entrepreneur or not.
Recently, I've actually "assigned" listening the Jen Sincero episode of this podcast to a couple of clients as an action item to do before our next call. It's a great confidence boost that everyone could benefit from!
In case you're looking for some recommendations, my other favorite episodes as of late include Gretchen Rubin's episode and Martha Beck's episode, though I must say I haven't found an episode of this podcast that I haven't loved yet!
2. little fires everywhere by celeste ng
My book club is reading Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng this month and I haven't been able to put it down since I started. In fact, I finished it last night - a whole 3 weeks ahead of schedule for book club. It's just that good!
The story takes place in the late 1990s in Shaker Heights, OH, and follows the lives of 2 families, each with their own secrets and views on what is right and wrong. The book is a very interesting character study and Ng captures family and societal dynamics beautifully. It's an engaging read that makes you think and quickly sweeps you up into the lives of the characters. Plus you have to love the 90s pop culture references!
If you need a beach or poolside read that lets you escape into a fictional story (but isn't total fluff), then be sure to throw this one in your bag!
3. rifle paper co. mint floral everyday journal
I talk a lot about journaling on the blog and in my coaching because I think it is an incredibly powerful exercise. Personally, one of the keys to actually getting into it consistently has been finding a journal or notebook that I love. Rifle Paper Co.'s Mint Floral Everyday Journal has become that journal for me.
There is something about the size of this journal (it's 5x7 in) and the spacing of the lines that lets my writing flow easily. Plus the floral pattern on the cover is beautiful and makes me want to constantly pick it up.
I bring this journal with me everywhere, and use it to write everything from blog posts to notes during a speaker talk to new business ideas. It's been my trusty sidekick since before I even started Compass Maven and I'm now onto my 4th copy!
If you've been searching for a beautiful journal to begin a journaling practice of your own, I highly recommend this one!
4. brené brown's episode on elizabeth gilbert's magic lessons podcast
There are certain podcast episodes that I come back to over and over again because the nuggets of wisdom within them were just that insightful and inspiring. Brené Brown's episode on Elizabeth Gilbert's Magic Lessons podcast is one of them - I've listened to it at least 10 times.
I'll let Liz and Brené (yes, in my mind we're on a first name basis) do the talking for themselves, but the biggest takeaway from this episode is: we are all creative beings and to live fully we must find outlets for that creativity.
So if you've been feeling drawn to flex your creative muscles lately, but have been shying away from it, pop this episode on while you're traveling on your next summer Friday and let it be your permission slip. These ladies will inspire you to lean in and get those creative juices flowing.
5. self-care in the city by michelle cady
In case you haven't heard, my amazing friend Michelle Cady of FitVista, WROTE A BOOK!!!! I'm so freaking proud of her and couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy!
In Self-Care in the City, Michelle gives incredible advice for how to live a healthy lifestyle in an urban environment. Each chapter is actionable, relatable, and customizable. Her biggest takeaway is: Be the CEO of your own health - meaning different things work for different people, so listen to your body because you know best.
While the book is NYC-centric, any urban dweller will find takeaways that work for them. I know I've been using her tips here in Cambridge, which is more laid back than NYC but comes with a lot of the same city-life wellness struggles.
If getting more intentional about practicing self-care is on your To Do List this summer (I know it's on mine), then grab a copy of this book on Amazon and take care of yourself!
6. grace and frankie on netflix
No summer is complete without a Netflix show to binge watch on rainy days, right? Enter Grace and Frankie - your summer not-so-guilty, guilty pleasure of a Netflix series.
I was a little late to the Grace and Frankie game, starting the show when it was already 4 seasons in, so it's possible that you've already watched it all. BUT I've had lots of conversations with my girlfriends who haven't watched it yet so I wanted to spread the good word! (Also it's good news if you're late to the game like me - you've got 4 whole seasons ahead of you!)
There are so many things I love about this show: Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin made an amazing duo, the episodes are only 30 minutes long, etc. But the thing I love most is how much this show made me laugh. Like deep, uncontrollable laughing. I binge watched the last 2 seasons while I was super sick last month, and while I had energy for nothing else, this show still made me laugh hard than I'd laughed in a long time. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.
If you need a feel good, summer show for when you just need to veg on the couch, Grace and Frankie is just the ticket!
Now, what are you loving lately as we kick off summer? I'd love to know!
Be well,
Carolyn