I am a lifelong learner. I often take classes at my local community college and when I want to know more about something, I either find a good podcast, or a good book. 2019 was a great year for reading – I read a few memoirs and a few novels – but I really got into some books that got my creative juices going last year and I thought I would share my takeaways! So here they are!
#1 The Year of Yes – By: Shonda Rhimes 
Biggest Takeaways:
- Conflict is normal and necessary
- When you start saying “yes” to your life, you are unstoppable.
- Saying yes to your life, doesn’t always mean being agreeable, it means being real and true to yourself, your needs, your wants, your desires, your passions
#2 Girl Wash Your Face– By: Rachel Hollis
Biggest Takeaways:
- There are so many lies that we tell ourselves and that the world wants us to believe about ourselves…but when we start believing the truths, we can change our lives and accomplish what we set our minds to.
- Don’t compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself. Be better than the person you were yesterday.
#3 You Are A Badass – By: Jen Sincero
Biggest Takeaways:
- When you identify the things you want to change, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.
- Procrastination is the enemy of creating the life you want.
#4 Own Your Everyday – By: Jordan Lee Dooley
Biggest Takeaways:
- Break your goals down into smaller more manageable pieces – if you take your time with those small goals you are more likely to achieve the bigger ones.
- Give yourself grace in failure, & be real.
#5 Big Magic – By: Elizabeth Gilbert 
Biggest Takeaways:
- To be creative, you just have to start. It’ doesn’t have to be perfect at first, or ever.
- Your creative pursuits should bring you joy. When they are no longer serving you, they don’t have a place in your life. This doesn’t mean that they will never serve you again, but rather that it is ok to put something down for a time.
What are you favorite books for creatives?
