Toil and Trouble seems to be an apt way to describe this year, and fits in rather well for the month that we are currently in. Unbelievably, we have made it to October, or ‘March +7’ in some circles. I will be using the same formula next July when I turn 29+1.
We’ll always look back on 2020 as a lost year, a point in history of deep turbulence and long lasting consequences. For those of us whose lives have been significantly affected by COVD, 2020 has felt like an endless spell in purgatory. Life is never linear however. If so far your life has been one beautiful upward curve, you have been incredibly fortunate but you ain’t done living yet. To quote Jurassic Park “Life, uh, finds a way” (the uh is very important). This is a post for when you feel that life has indeed thrown you a curveball that very much hit it’s mark.
Books have always been a comfort to me. I am a real bookworm and I read them for pleasure, for guidance, to relax and soothe, to energise, to take a walk in the past, or in somebody else’s shoes. The most wonderful quotation comes from George RR Martin and states “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, and the one who doesn’t read, lives just one”. Hits the nail on the head, doesn’t he?
For this post, I have curated a selection of the books that have helped light a fire under me. These women have not had perfect lives - we all make mistakes and experience failures, but we can continue to learn from them. These women share the lessons they have learnt, and freely give their advice so that we can all grow. If you’ve found yourself having a dip - maybe just for a day, or maybe more long term - these are the books that I would recommend. Some are uplifting, some are inspirational, and some are there to show that we all experience the same highs and lows - it is part of being human. 2020 is the year where we have all collectively struggled together - regardless of what stage of life you are at, nobody has been left untouched by this pandemic. Shall we go for a more in-depth look into why these books made my shortlist?
Untamed - Glennon Doyle
I had not read any of Glennon’s other books before I picked up this one, but something about ‘Untamed’ caught my eye. It’s a beautiful design, but really it had me at the words “stop pleasing, start living”. This book is like a call to arms. It gives you permission to live your life on your terms - and in Glennon’s case that meant some really dramatic changes. She is courageous, vivacious and will encourage you to set yourself free.
How to Own the Room - Viv Groskop
Oh I loved this book. You’ll notice a theme here - these books are all about encouraging people to take up space and find their voice. Although this did come out a few years ago, it is one that earned a permanent place in my bookshelf. In our current climate we are seeing and experiencing mass unemployment and a job market that can not provide for everyone. Lots of people will be looking to, or be forced, to retrain or make career changes - that will mean lots and lots of job interviews! It’s ok to be nervous, reading this should help.
Work Like A Woman - Mary Portas
James Brown sang ‘It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World’, but it doesn’t have to be. Watch any episode of The Apprentice, and you would be convinced that there is only one way to succeed - be the loudest, sell aggressively, be a ball-breaker, word hard & play hard. Essentially - be masculine. This book calls itself ‘a manifesto for change’ because it presents a different idea about how workspaces can benefit from thinking differently. If the alpha culture doesn’t work for you, then you don’t need to play the game. We can instead embrace the more ‘feminine’ qualities of collaboration, flexibility and connection - and it really does benefit us all. Read the book, thank me later.
The Skills - Mishal Hussein
Again, this is one from a few years ago that I feel is very relevant to life today. It’s certainly one that I have turned back to this week. Mishal helps set out the tools that you need to thrive in your career, whatever that may be, but it is also a book about building self belief and not being afraid to put yourself out there. When new opportunities come knocking, it can be tempting to play it safe and pretend you’re not home - but what if you opened the door? Any change can be nerve-wracking - but we can adapt and you may even find yourself thriving. As an aside, another great book about pushing beyond your boundaries is The Discomfort Zone by Farrah Storr.
How to Fail & Failosophy - Elizabeth Day
So good she made the list twice! ‘How to Fail’ broke my heart, and built me back up again. I really connect with Elizabeth. This was the book that introduced me to her work and her podcast How to Fail. It is a wonderful listen, and on her podcast it’s so refreshing to hear big name, ultra successful guests admit the things that have gone wrong. Not that I take any joy in anyone else’s misery or mistakes - but in times of strife it’s good to know that it’s not just you. It also feels good to know that alongside their failures and regrets, these speakers have also come out the other side too and enjoyed success too. ‘Failosophy’ is a wonderful follow up to ‘How to Fail’ and a companion to her podcast. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Catalogue of Failures’. A reminder, or aid to keep on, keeping on.
The Empowered Entrepreneur - Elizabeth Cairns
Another Elizabeth! I was fortunate enough to meet Elizabeth on The Brand Stylist Retreat in 2018. She is the most warm, soothing & present individual - and her book exudes these qualities. This is one that you want to read slowly and savour. Whilst marketed to business owners with the subtitle ‘mastering the art of a thriving business’ - this book is 100% relevant to the individual also. Elizabeth ran the most incredible session in Mallorca about finding inspiration in everyday life (it brought many of us to tears, genuinely!) and it is something that I have used every day since. The main lessons I took from this book is the importance of staying rejuvenated. Creativity should never be a stagnant pool, you need a continuous flow in order to keep producing your best work - finding inspiration every day is what keeps it topped up and moving. I am more than overdue a re-read. I should also note that Fiona’s (The Brand Stylist) books are wonderful & beyond inspirational. I shall have to do a whole new post talking about them, the wonderful workshops I have attended over the years, and the Stay Home Seminars she has been holding over lockdown.
So I could go on and on, but I don’t think you’d thank me for it. There are so many wonderful books out there, that I could see this list just running and running. Even as I was writing this I was thinking of new books that I have not read yet, but which I could see as being great additions. Sabotage by Emma Gannon is one in particular that I have my eye on. How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? by Pandora Sykes is one that I recently devoured.
I think this is a post that will require updates. But for now, I just want to say that this too shall pass.
Have you read any of the above? Let me know! If any pique your interest then please do support your local bookshop. The ones I recommend that are local to me are The Forest Bookstore in Selkirk, and Mainstreet Trading in St Boswell’s.
Happy reading!