7 books that will help you slow down and appreciate your life
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We live in a fast-paced, frantic, noisy, and highly overcharged society. Wired in more ways than one, the thought of disconnecting strikes fear in the hearts of most.
We are addicted to speed — online, in life, and even in our dreams. But is this constant push forward healthy?
Are our never-ending to-do lists causing our own undoing? Why do happiness and fulfillment always feel just out of reach?
If you are looking to slow down and live in the now, read on to find out about a few authors and books that aim to help us relax, recharge, and enjoy the smaller moments in life.
Zondervan1. "Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path" by Erin Loechner
Erin Loechner, founder of the blogs Design for Mankind and Clementine Daily, became an internet superstar before turning 30. She has been profiled in The New York Times and has an audience that numbers in the millions. In her first book, "Chasing Slow," Loechner explores all the ways in which her own life was speeding toward fame while her heart was being left behind.
Here Erin explains why slowing down is more important than ever and how she has seen her life improve since taking a step back:
"I think we all walk around feeling this tiny shred of invincibility, as if we'll live forever, as if tomorrow is guaranteed. But life isn't a given; it's a gift. We must slow down enough to enjoy today, because the (slightly morbid) reality is: tomorrow was never promised to us.
"Slowing down our lives allows the time and space to see beauty around us; to notice life with each of the senses it was intended for. We were not built for mindless scrolling, for two-dimensional experiences. We were built for eye contact and wide grins and messy relationships and fully immersed, in-person living. When we stop to slow down and learn about the people around us, we learn more about our own humanity."
Check out an exclusive excerpt from Chasing Slow here!
Baker Books
2. "Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me" by Alexandra Kuykendall
Alexandra Kuykendall, writer, blogger, and mother to four daughters, was feeling overextended and drained. She decided to do an experiment on her own life. She made the decision to take nine months to "rekindle her love of her ordinary life."
What emerged was her book "Loving My Actual Life". Kuykendall's book not only acts as inspiration but also a how-to book about incorporating one new thing every month that will help you uncover a more fulfilling life. She says:
"We have lots of expectations that we bring into our everyday. Often we don't even know we carry them until we feel disappointment creep in. When we slow down we can recognize these expectations, come to terms with our reality and then notice what we do have. When I pay attention to the good currently in my life my gratitude grows. Grateful people are happier people. I can't be grateful for the details of my life if I don't pay attention to them. We live at rapid speed these days. Our years are made up of days which are made up of hours and moments. The smaller moments are the building blocks of our lives. When we notice them and appreciate them we are making small decision after small decision to fully embrace today live out of gratitude."
Zondervan
3. "Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic For a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living" by Shauna Niequist
Shauna Niequist is steadily becoming a leader in the field of inspirational and spiritual living. Her book "Present Over Perfect" not only explores her own personal journey through slowing down but also provides valuable advice to incorporate a slower, more meaningful pace in your own daily life.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider