As I welcomed 2010 with a sip of champagne and a kiss from my fiancé, I wished I were a resolution-making type of gal. Because then I’d resolve to 1) lose five pounds in time for my wedding (now under two months away), or 2) stop eating meat and potatoes for every meal (I guess those two go hand in hand), or 3) vow to go to the gym five days a week (see #s 1 and 2). But let’s face it weight-loss resolutions are no fun! So, if I’m going to resolve to do anything this year, it’s going to be something easy. Because between planning a wedding and writing a book, I’ve got my hands full with enough challenges. So, in 2010, I’m vowing to read as many books that teach me to live my fullest life and be a better person as I can.
EAT, PRAY, LOVE is a memoir that I’ve read at least four times (I guess it will take at least five times for me to truly become that better person). It’s the perfect book for anyone to read as they start 2010. The author, Elizabeth Gilbert, was in her early thirties when her life fell apart. At a time when she should have felt happy and excited, she got divorced and suffered from depression. But instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for herself like many of us would, she got off her booty and did something about it. She journeyed to Italy, India, and Indonesia and in a nutshell, she ate, prayed, and loved. But most importantly, she was able to let go of her pain and move forward.
And maybe I’ll even take my resolution a step farther and take EAT, PRAY, LOVE and other books like it with me to the gym and read them on the treadmill. And then I’ll not only lose those five pounds I’ve been hiding under my bulky winter sweaters, but I’ll also be inspired to be that better person. Here’s to 2010!
What books are you turning to for inspiration or motivation in this new year?
Lisa Steinke, along with her best friend Liz Fenton, co-authored the chick lit novel I’ll Have Who She’s Having and co-created the popular Chick Lit blog, Chick Lit is Not Dead.
