Tag: inspiration

Book Reviews, Poetry

Whiskey Words & a Shovel II by r.h. Sin

by IdaLeave a Comment on Whiskey Words & a Shovel II by r.h. Sin

IMG_2134the future.

I hope something real

finds your heart

I hope your heart discovers

the truth about the type

of love that you deserve.

The second volume to Whiskey Words & a Shovel delivers a collection of poems that are short, simple, and powerful in their message about love, loss, and moving on.  It is a comfort blanket in the form of a book for the broken hearted or anyone struggling with relationships.  It is directed at women and while comforting it is also inspirational, feeling like the author is directly speaking to the reader as well as for the reader.

IMG_2175

A wonderful collection that evokes and portrays emotions beautifully.

Book Reviews, Non-Fiction

Make Me Remake Me by Gillian Cott

by Ida2 Comments on Make Me Remake Me by Gillian Cott

IMG_1810“I realized that I deserved romance if I dreamt it and adventure if I desired it.”

With a desire to travel and expand beyond what is familiar, Gillian Cott embarked on an adventure by saying “Yes!” to an opportunity to live on a farm in Burgundy, France.  A decision which would lead her to Paris, Prague, Montreal, and New York, among others.  Through a combination of poetry and prose, she recounts moments, people, and locations that were significant to her experience, along with the feelings that came with those moments.

Walking on Windy Days

Embrace all colours and feelings of life
like the wet autumn leaves that stick together
crushed under boots
but still bold

At times, you still feel inexplicably alone
more like the last leaf left on a tree
begging to fall
to feel more than
just yourself
shaking against the wind.

Make Me Remake Me: Writing Myself Across Two Continents is a lovely little book that beautifully conveys the author’s feelings about the different and new places she found herself along with romantic hopes, desires, and disappointments.  The combination of prose and poetry works very well and I loved the writing style, finding myself quite often marking phrases that particularly struck me.  Mostly this is a book about self-discovery, finding your place in the world, learning to love yourself and not be defined by another.

Features, Life

The Dailies: Achieving Your Long Term Goals

by IdaLeave a Comment on The Dailies: Achieving Your Long Term Goals

IMG_2526About a month ago I read Louder Than Words by Todd Henry, which discusses ways to find your authentic voice.  There are many points that really stuck with me, with one in particular being the concept of “dailies.”  I wanted to share this as it is something I have found to be very useful in my own life.

“The dailies” is a group of activities done everyday that is set to keep you on track.  Many of us have plenty of things we intend to do but excuses are easy to come by and we end up putting them off.  Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before you know it there is a chasm of time between you and where you thought or hoped you would be.   Continue reading “The Dailies: Achieving Your Long Term Goals” →

Recommendations

Books to Read When You’re Feeling Stuck

by IdaLeave a Comment on Books to Read When You’re Feeling Stuck

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.”

photo-3At a certain point, everyone finds themselves in a very uncertain place in their lives.  The idea of where you should be conflicts with the reality of where you are, made all the more frustrating by the fact that you’re unsure of where you really want to be.  And it is at this uncertain and confusing time that our fears and insecurities surface, making it all the more difficult to move forward.  It sucks.  But, it’s okay.  If this is where you find yourself at the moment, you are most certainly not alone.  Take it easy, be kind to yourself, and browse through this selection of books.  I hope they provide some inspiration and guidance you may be searching for.

1. Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media. by Aliza Licht
Aliza Licht, a global fashion communications executive for DKNY provides advice, tips and personal stories about pursuing a career, following your passion, and making a positive change in your life.  Continue reading “Books to Read When You’re Feeling Stuck” →

Book Reviews, Non-Fiction

My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey and Maria Burns Ortiz

by IdaLeave a Comment on My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey and Maria Burns Ortiz

BLOG“The fight is yours to win.”

Ronda Rousey is an Olympic medalist in judo and the undefeated UFC women’s champion.  In her autobiography she details her life growing up, the tragic loss of her father at a very young age, her struggles with relationships, her dedication to judo, and the challenging road to becoming the undefeated UFC women’s champion, sharing life lessons along the way.

My Fight/Your Fight is the story of an inspiring journey of incredible dedication, difficult challenges, hard-fought battles, life-lessons and success. Rousey teamed up with her sister Maria Burns Ortiz in creating this book, and the final product is well-written, engaging, and truly uplifting.  Each chapter begins with a message or a lesson such as: Know When to Move On, People Around You Control Your Reality, and Do Not Accept Less than What You’re Capable Of.  It then goes into personal stories and life experiences.  It is written and presented in a way that makes it relatable to everyone in addition to UFC and Ronda Rousey fans.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves in need of an encouraging word and whole lot of inspiration.

Favourite quote: “I never would have been able to do any of those things without hope. The kind of hope I’m talking about is the belief that something good will come. That everything you’re going through and everything you’ve gone through will be worth the struggles and frustrations. The kind of hope I’m talking about is a deep belief that the world can be changed, that the impossible is possible.”