Something different

Audiobooks. Y'all, I hate to admit that I am late to the game on this new life changing way to consume information.  Also, I am a little ashamed to admit this BUT I am even later to the game out of my own stubbornness.  My husband has been listening to audio books for a while (insert deeper level/layer of shame here) and I actually enjoyed teasing him and making fun of him for it. He also likes to read real life hold in your hand books on a regular basis, not fiction books to escape reality for entertainment but books to better himself and grow his business (even more shame) I referred to them as his "self-help" books and would tease him constantly  (I am not a nice person sometimes people 😳). He in his very steady way would simply encourage me to read different books that he thought I would enjoy or could get something out of.  Of course, I had no need for these silly self improvement books. I was too busy to be bothered with working on anything else, let alone bettering myself as a human! 

But then, I found a book I wanted to read. Problem was, at the time I was driving all over the country in my Mom Uber trying not to miss seeing my kids do the things that they love. So, I downloaded my first audiobook while driving 50 minutes to watch my daughter cheer. And, I was hooked. Completely and utterly hooked.  It all clicked, like why in the world have I been wasting so much time stuck in my own head? Y'all, my husband is so patient and gracious to me in so many ways. He only smirked at my new found addiction. He never even once said that he had told me so. (Which he totally had!) He let me discover it all on my own and I love him even more for it. I began consuming books, even all of the silly "self-help" books that I had made fun of him for. Every day, while I drove, folded laundry, made dinner.  My brain was swimming with information and it felt so good. I asked for all of his recommendations and we started talking about the concepts and new to me ideas. I told him that this is exactly what the bible refers to as "being transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). 

That first book was I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants) by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston in case any of you are wondering. (Amazon - I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants)) It was read by the authors and it was just what I needed to hear (read!?!? Do you say you read an audiobook? I have no idea.). Then I just kept going. I would listen to a whole book in a day or two and move on. If you are like me, and think you don't have time to read, grab an audiobook and put it on your phone in the car, in your pocket while you clean, challenge yourself to be changed! I promise not to make fun of you for bettering yourself. If we aren't learning we aren't growing. I have used the Audible app, and I also got a library card from the local library and downloaded the Libby app which links to your library card and you can "check out" digital books. (AMAZING!)

I am currently working through the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and I cannot recommend it enough (this is also recommended by the hubs). It is absolutely loaded with very practical information that can be tied at least in my mind, to biblical principles. I have taken 3 pages of notes over just the first chapter.  He talks about the power of our habits and about how we are a product of our habits, and if you want to be a different kind of person then you can design habits that reflect the kind of person you want to become. Basically start acting like the kind of person you want to be. I plan on working through this book again this summer with my kids too at least that is my intention, I always start the summer with the best intentions. Here are a few takeaways from the first chapter that will hopefully encourage you to take the time to read, or listen to the book. 

"Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement...Success is the product of daily habits not once in a lifetime transformation."  This one makes me think of the passage in 1 Timothy 4:15-16 "Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." The idea of practicing has been resonating with me.  I do not have to always get it right. I am practicing, learning. Progress no matter how small is still a step in the right direction.

"Time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it. Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy." I feel like so much "good advice" can find some kind of biblical foundation and this one made me think of a lot of verses in Proverbs, but I will settle on 21:5 for this one, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."

"Knowledge compounds. Learning one new idea won't make you a genius, but a commitment to lifelong learning can be transformative. Furthermore, each book you read not only teaches you something new but also opens up different ways of thinking about old ideas. As Warren Buffet says. 'That's how knowledge works. It builds up like compound interest.'" This idea also ties back to Romans 12:2!

Everyday learn, grow, change. Be made new, be sanctified. Practice.