How To Read More!

Reading feeds my creative well. I remember falling in love with reading and writing as a young girl. My brothers, sisters and I would play school when we were kids and I was always the teacher. As I got older, going to buy school supplies at the beginning of the school year was my FAVORITE time. I loved it. English ended up being my favorite subject in grade school. It came so natural to me. So much so that I went on to study it in college. It seems as if I have been destined to be a professional writer since childhood. It’s not a wonder that I ended up teaching English both abroad and in the states for a total of 10+ years. I was having a conversation with a dear friend recently and she said, ‘…with this new digital age of social media, people want to be entertained and not educated!’ She is absolutely correct. It seems as though people are just not interested in reading anymore. Unless it’s just something that is deeply imbedded in your spirit, it seems like reading and writing are so yesterday. With this post, I want to encourage those of us who still enjoy reading and motivate those of you who don’t find reading fun as well. Here are some tips on how to read more!

1. Get a library card.

2. Read in the morning.

3. Read at night.

4. Read electronically. Whether it’s on an iPhone, iPad, E-Reader or on a tablet.

5. Choose from and download an app specifically for reading. There are the Nook app, Kindle app, Goodreads app and Audible app. Goodreads has a book challenge every year. This pushes you to read and keeps you accountable with your promise to read a set number of books.

Audible is a good app to listen to audiobooks. I downloaded this app a few years ago when I lived in Charlottesville, VA. This app is strictly for audiobooks. I would listen to ‘The Four Agreements’ and ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ while running around Charlottesville. 

Since becoming a member of Goodreads, I have read close to 20 books. That is nowhere near my goal. Right before the pandemic began, I started a book blog on social media. Here is the list of books I featured and read! I hope going into 2022 you are able to create a good reading regimen. In my opinion, education is the key to success and reading is at the forefront on that journey!

1. The Purpose Driven Life.

2. Beat The Clock.

3. Blessings From The Dust.

4. Less.

5. The Bluest Eye.

6. Tipping Point. 

7. The Dorito Effect.

8. When God Says Wait.

9. Trick Mirror.

10. Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married.

Gateway To Greatness!

Since being invited to become a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, I have access to so many resources and empowering people. This week’s ‘Motivational Monday’ blog captures those individuals who were a part of the Fall 2021 Speaker Broadcast Series with the NSLS. All of these very influential individuals have come from different walks of life but have found themselves in a very powerful position. It is not by chance. Despite the hardships they have faced throughout their lives, they have managed to persevere and I find them very inspirational.

Here are a bio and three Key Takeaways from each speaker that I wanted to share with you! These are the dates and lessons I took from each speaker to use as fuel to create my own success in life or whatever that looks like to you! In my opinion, these gems are needed to enter into the Gateway to Greatness.

Gabrielle Union-October 12, 2021:

Born in Nebraska in 1972, Gabrielle Union studied at UCLA after working as a model for different agencies in her teens. While watching Union speak during her speaker broadcast series, she talked a lot about lessons she learned as an actress before her fame hit full throttle.

1. I want to be known as a truth teller.

2. I want to be known as a freedom fighter.

3. I want to be part of the resistance.

Anita Hill-October 19, 2021:

Anita Faye Hill is an American lawyer, scholar, educator and author. She is a university professor of law, social policy and women’s studies at Brandeis University. She gained fame by accusing Clarence Thomas, her supervisor and US Supreme Court nominee of sexual harassment.

1. We need new thinking.

2. We need new thinking in gender equality.

3. The baton to social justice must be passed from generation to generation.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama-October 20, 2021: 

Born July 6, 1935, His Holiness The Dalai Lama is a member of Tibetan Buddhism. He is 86 years old. These are the three takeaways from His Holiness’ speaker broadcast session.

1. My religion is kindness.

2. Compassion is important.

3. If you want to change the world, change your heart.

Bill Clinton-November 3, 2021: 

Born in 1946, Bill Clinton is an American politician and attorney who served as the 42nd president of The United States of America from 1993 to 2001.

1. Be kind.

2. You have to trust people.

3. It’s not the outcome, it’s the journey.

Rachel Ray-November 9, 2021: 

Rachel Ray is an American celebrity cook, tv personality, businesswoman an author. Host of Rachel Ray and the Food Networks, 30 Minute Meals, Ray also has a line of dog food that is very successful.

1. Have gratitude.

2. Having gratitude gets her out of bed in the morning.

3. Find beauty and grace in the low points in life.

Jamie Foxx-November 10, 2021: 

Born in Terrell, TX, Jamie Foxx  began his career as a comedian on, ‘In Living Color!’ After breakout success, he starred in ‘The Jamie Foxx Show.’ His success in comedy led him to a career in acting where he is now an Academy Award winning actor.

1. Don’t limit yourself.

2. You can come back from anything.

3. Use all of your gifts.