Photo Credit: Camera Eye Photography

Winter is a great time for cozying up with a good book especially with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Here are some my favorites to get you through the colder months or even if you’re lucky enough to be somewhere warm.

For Finding a Sense of Purpose / Inspiration on What to Do Next:
Inspired and Unstoppable: Wildly Succeeding in Your Life’s Work by Tama Kieves
I had the privilege of attending Tama Kieves’ annual workshop at the New York Open Center earlier this year after following her work for some time. This book speaks to every fear I’ve ever had about charting my own course and offers wisdom and inspiration on continuing forward on your own path.

Meditation:
The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving Kindness by Pema Chodron
This is my all time favorite book on meditation and life, not only because my mother gave it to me over ten years ago. There’s a reason Pema Chodron has a huge following around the globe and this is a beautiful introduction to her work. You really cannot go wrong with any of her books.

Workplace:
Becoming the Boss: New Rules for the Next Generation of Leaders by Lindsey Pollak
This latest book by millennial workplace expert Lindsey Pollak isn’t only for millenials; it’s full of gems on leadership, management, productivity apps to use and more. I found myself instantly implementing Pollak’s advice after reading the book.

Money/Finance:
On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Personal Finance by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar
Sound, clear and solid advice on money and finances, with updated content in the most recent edition. I read this book and immediately took a variety of financial actions I had been procrastinating on like checking my credit score and reports.

Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny
This is one of my favorite books that addresses both the inner and outer issues around money, and is especially useful for pointing out ways you may be undervaluing your worth. Essential reading if you’ve ever thought you should be earning more.

Goal Setting/Living Your Best Life:
Your Best Year Yet! By Jinny Ditzler
An excellent book to set goals with for the New Year or anytime of year. Your Best Year Yet starts out with having you reflect on the prior year’s accomplishments and disappointments as a way to get you off and running with setting values-based goals for the next twelve months.

All-Around Inspiring:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Read it before you see the movie if you did not already. Strayed takes a solo journey on the Pacific Crest Trail as a means to finding herself.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain
I absolutely love this book and wish it had been written years ago for introverts like myself who are not always validated in today’s workplace or in American culture more generally. Thankfully that is changing, in part because of Cain’s book.