Last week I wrote a little post on my personal blog and the reception was extremely wholesome. You know, when I first wrote the piece, I wasn’t even going to share it. I felt it was too negative, that it was simply a rant that no one in their right mind would enjoy. So I closed my laptop for a while and then returned to it later on. The words still resounded true and I felt, deep-down, that I wouldn’t be alone in feeling that way. So I hit publish and never looked back. I’m glad I did. Thank you for the heartwarming, encouarging feedback - this is probably the reason I write. It connects me to stories and people and makes me feel less alienated. In a way, through my attempts at connecting with you, I connect with myself.
So THANK YOU. Truly.
To show you my gratitude, I’d love to send you a link with free printables you can download and use. It’s full of planners, book review templates and bookmarks I know will go down a treat with paper and book lovers like me ❤️
And as a little something extra, I’m sending over my audiobook recommendations & Audible wishlist, in the hope this inspires you to find your next read or, if you don’t have Audible yet, to sign up.
I started listening to Audible earlier this year, and it’s been a lifesaver. I don’t know about you, but road rage is a real thing for me. I get very close to experiencing panic attacks when I’ve been stuck in the same 100 metres for over 10 mins. So I made it a goal this year to listen to at least 5 audio books for a couple of reasons. For one, it’s distracting. I switch from thinking to how miserable I’m feeling in the moment, to not noticing how quickly it all goes by. Secondly, I’m filling up my time with something that’s actully valuable. I’ll be listing what I’ve listened so far, and what’s on my wishlist further down. It’s February 12th, and I’m already on my third book. It’s been an eye-opening experience and I can’t imagine not having it available.
Here’s what you get with Audible;
a. With every subscription, you get a credit that you can spend on a book of your choice. Every. Month.
b. But you also get a plethora of books and podcasts that are currently exclusively on their Plus Catalog. These are a mix of classics, fiction and non-fiction. Last month I heard Women in the Picture by Catherine McCormack, a 7-hour gem that came “free” with my subscription.
So here goes, my list of recommendations and a snapshot of what’s on my Audible Wishlist (PS - I’ll be linking to the UK market version of Audible)
Loved the practical tips found in this book, as well as the stories ot back the theories up. The premise? Show up, every day. A 1% improvemenet every day will lead to big results in the long run.
Women in the Picture: What Culture Does with Female Bodies by Catherine McCormack (free with subscription)
I never thought the history of how women are portrayed in art and media could be condensed in 7 hours, but the author manages, and it will leave you breathless.
Why has nobody told me this before? by Julie Smith
You might already be following DrJulie on Instagram, where she has a following of 1.8 million strong. I’ve started her book last week and I am already completely sucked in. She arms you with tips on how to face life’s upheavals in a simple and realistic way. I’m in love already.
On my Wishlist;
The Story of Art without Men by Katy Hessel
Raising Boys in the 21st Century by Steve Biddulph
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Wildwood by Roger Deakin
Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simrad
Jog On by Bella Mackie
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Podcasts I’m loving;
The Healing Power of Nature - BBC Studios
The above have been collected from a bit of everywhere. Book recommendations, TBR that I never managed to purchase in book form, books mentioned during one of the Slightly Foxed podcast I love listening to. I hope you found something relevant to you or that tickles your fancy, and let me know if you decide to give any one of them a go.
Remember, you can always subscribe to my substack by hitting the button below.
Your truly,
Robs x