So you kicked off the new year with a fresh list of resolutions and we aren't talking about the resolutions you make then forget a week later, but ones that are easy to accommodate into your lifestyle–goals and desires that you have let linger in your mind but have never said aloud. Let this year be one full of excitement and personal innovation. Here at Black Bride we believe in self empowerment. So for this month's book club we've selected some great reads that match the top 10 most popular New Years resolutions found on the net. Check out our selection of awesome books that will help you meet your goals. Everyone loves a challenge! Therefore we encourage you all to incorporate more reading and learning into your New Year!
1. Make some more 'Me-Time' for yourself! – Nothing is wrong with refreshing yourself with a little reminder of how GREAT you are! Go pick up Abiola Abrams book The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love: The 11 Secrets of Feminine Power to gather some tips on how to accomplish self-love to it's entirety this year! To read more, click here.
2. Commit to staying fit year-round– We all struggle with trying to stay fit on top of an busy schedule, however, JJ Smith lays out some awesome tips on how to pursue fitness in a short amount of time in her book Loose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out: Discover Secrets to a Slimmer, Sexier, and Healthier You. To read more click here.
3. Eat Healthier– Come on, a smoothie every morning or a few times a week won't kill you! Cleansing your system is a great start to better eating and healthier living. Challenge yourself and read up on JJ Smith's 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: Lose Up to 15 Pounds in 10 Days! for more information and recipes. Click here to read more.
4. Build Your Networking Circle– Meeting new people is always rewarding, especially in the professional world. You are an asset to your career and community and these three authors N. Thompson, Michael Lawrence Faulkner, Andrea Nierenberg make sure you know it in their book Networking for Black Professionals: Nonstop Business Networking That Will Change Your Life. To read more click here.
5. Get rid of unhealthy habits in exchange for new ones!- We all know it's not easy to give up the ways and habits that have made us most comfortable. However, with every personal loss there is personal gain. Be sure to pick up 1-Minute Habits: Optimise Your Brain, Form Any Habit And Live A Fulfilled Life by Raghib Ahmed to help you get through the transition. To read more click here.
6. Spend Less Money- The worst part about new year's month is getting out of debt from the holidays! Get yourself back on the right track and manage your finances. Glinda Bridgforth's Girl, Get Your Credit Straight!: A Sister's Guide to Ditching Your Debt, Mending Your Credit, and Building a Strong Financial Future is a great read for anyone looking to manage their money problems! To read more click here.
7. Make some time to volunteer more- Giving back to your community and volunteering can go such a long way! Not only is it rewarding but it's helping someone in some way live better. President Clinton's Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World is a great read for someone looking for inspiration on giving back. To read more click here.
8. Finish something you started- Everyone can relate to this in some way. It's hard to remain dedicated to a project when life is happening every second of the day. Blow the dust off of that thing you left and forgot to finish, whether it was a book, song, or business proposal and finish it. Walter Mosely's This Year You Write Your Novel explains a writer's struggles and dilemma's in finishing a book, along with some tips on how to write your book right now! To read more click here.
9. Learn a new language– How exciting would it be to look back at the end of the year and know you've managed to learn a second language? Or a third or fourth? Author Gabriel Wyner of Fluent Forever did it! She speaks 6 languages and tells you all her best secrets in this book. To read more click here.
10. Get organized- The clutter in your life can actually effect you personally. Why wait till spring to clean up? In this book Breathing Room: Open Your Heart by Decluttering Your Home by Lauren Rosenfeld and Melva Green is a great way to discover how the elimination of clutter can lead you to a happier life. To read more click here.
We would love for you to tell us what your New Year's resolutions were for 2015! Does any of the resolutions listed above match any of yours? Which one of these challenges are you willing to tackle first? Comment below and let us know!
Curated by our Editorial Intern, Starr Davis, who currently studies Creative Writing at City College of New York. Keep up with Starr’s work by following her on Twitter here: @Metaphorqueen_
