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It’s the beginning of a new year and although I don’t make resolutions, I set goals. Maybe like you, many of my goals are carryovers from 2020 (thanks, coronavirus pandemic!). I’m sharing Solo Travel Girl’s reading list to enrich my life in 2023. I’m getting older, and maybe a bit wiser, so I’m aiming to live a more meaningful and intentional life. These books will help enrich my mind, body, and soul and lead me to a more meaningful life.
To Enrich My Health: “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” from America’s Test Kitchen
It’s Dry January. “The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks: Powerhouse Ingredients, Endless Combinations” by America’s Test Kitchen is perfect for kicking off the new year. It has healthy ways to drink fruits and veggies. Since 1993, America’s Test Kitchen has been helping “curious cooks become confident cooks.”
I love starting my day with a morning smoothie. There are two dozen smoothie recipes in this book to inspire me with new recipes. For Christmas I gifted myself a BlendJet and I made the Orange Creamsicle recipe from the book. It’s delish! In addition to smoothies, find recipes for juices, teas, tisanes, flavored waters, fermented, soaked and even simmered beverages.
“The Complete Guide to Healthy Drinks” begins with an in-depth getting started section. This includes reasons for making your own healthy beverages, best ingredients, tips for storing produce and beverages, and suggested equipment. Sure, I’m trying out the BlendJet but I’ve been a loyal NutriBullet fan for over a decade. (Not sure if I’ll ever let that go!)
After losing more than 50lbs., I’m more mindful about what I’m consuming. This recipe book will help me enrich my body in 2023. If you can’t view the video above, see the Orange Creamsicle Smoothie video here.
To Enrich My Professional Game “If You Want Something Done: Leadership Lessons from Bold Women” by Nikki R. Haley
Margaret Thatcher notably said, “In politics, if you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”
Being a self-proclaimed workhorse vs. a show horse, I can relate to her impactful statement.
Ambassador Nikki R. Haley shares this quote in the first chapter of her latest book, “If You Want Something Done: Leadership Lessons from Bold Women.” Haley shares 10 lessons of overcoming obstacles from 10 women while sharing her personal connection, experience, and philosophy to each one.
The women represent different backgrounds. They are politicians, athletes, adventurers and activists. Some are household names. Although others are lesser known, their experiences in leadership and demonstration of strength are equally significant.
I’m only one chapter in and know this read is the inspirational jolt I need to tackle obstacles ahead this year.
Sidebar: This is the type of book I’ll gift to college graduates.
To Enrich My Bank Account: “Love Your Life Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want” by Rachel Cruze
Envying the life of the Joneses isn’t something new and social media has amplified that. What you see on social media isn’t necessarily the life these influencers live day-to-day. You’re shown what they want you to see. I’m not on TikTok but when I visit Walmart, I see displays stating, “TikTok made me buy it.” Heck, I purchased the BlendJet because ads filled my Insta and Facebook feeds for weeks.
Here’s a secret, I’m following the Dave Ramsey way of eliminating debt (I’m on Baby Step 2) and religiously listen to The Ramsey Show podcast. Rachel Cruze is Ramsey’s daughter and frequent host of the show. “Love Your Life, Not Theirs: 7 Habits for Living the Life You Want” will help me love and live a meaningful life without being buried under debt.
Cruze’s book guides and empowers readers to stop with the comparisons, develop new money habits, live on a plan, watch spending and saving for the future.
I’ve always been one to step to a different drum beat but sometimes I do get caught up into comparing myself to others. I’m hoping “Love Your Life, Not Theirs,” will help with saying “no” to things I don’t want to do and “yes” to living a more meaningful and intentional life with purpose.
Let me clarify this section’s subtitle. In addition to enriching my bank account, I’m hoping this book helps enrich my emotional bank account.
Sidebar: Speaking of social media, connect with me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook 🙂
To Enrich My Community “Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It” by Erin Brockovich
I had the privilege of hearing Erin Brockovich speak in Sarasota last month. She is a firecracker of a motivational speaker! The environmental activist touched on the water crisis in the U.S. and it. Is. Scary.
Have you heard of chromium-6? Exposure to it can cause lung cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues. It’s found in drinking water supplies of more than 200 million Americans. Alarmingly, there are no regulatory drinking water standards for this chemical.
Florida has had our fair share of water quality issues. As the Sunshine State’s population grows, the water quality will deteriorate if we stay on the same track.
The everyday citizen can do something about their water quality. Rather than waiting for the government or someone else to do something to improve it, Brockovich is encouraging and inspiring others to stand up and take action. Her latest book, “Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It,” lays out the drinking water crisis. It offers examples of how others stepped up to fight and improve water quality in their communities.
To Enrich My Sense for Adventure: “Escape Clauses: Getting Away with a Travel Writing Life” by Bob Payne
I’m a travel blogger. Are you really surprised I included a travel book?
A new year means new opportunities and after the past three years, I’m overdue for some travel. As a travel and outdoor content creator, I enjoy following the adventures of fellow writers and seeing the world through their eyes.
When Payne was 15, he ran away from home and hitchhiked throughout the U.S. That experience was a springboard for him to visit 142 countries and share the stories of those he met over the decades.
Travel expands your perspective and purpose in the world. Payne’s memoir, “Escape Clauses: Getting Away with a Travel Writing Life,” will enrich my sense for adventure and rekindle the travel bug that I’ve lost touch with.
Get Reading!
I’m hitting the new year running and I’m sure these books will help me achieve my goals for the year. If you’re looking for a new read or two, consider one of the above.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, I’m adding “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” by Rue Mapp to your reading list. It’s an inspiring read for those interested in the outdoors. The book is a collection of first-hand stories penned by Black leaders in the outdoor industry.
Best of luck in achieving your goals for 2023!
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