“You are what you eat...your body starts in the kitchen”

I am sure you have heard these statements before when you tell someone you are trying to lose weight. Have you ever considered the effects of what you consume outside of the kitchen? Things like media, the stories your friends tell you, books you choose to read, or the mindless scrolling you do on instagram. Each of these choices has an effect on your mental state, your well being and your beliefs about the world and your place in it. Depending on what type of content you choose to consume it can have a profound impact on your mood, emotions, self-confidence and feelings of self-worth, self-esteem and your ability to authentically live your best life.

Getting caught in a negative spiral or moments of self-comparison can be short-circuited by creating awareness around the content you are feeding your mind. Feed your brain well and boost your mood in positive tangible ways.

Minds of great thinkers have shared that you live in a world of thought. Your thoughts create your experiences, and thus you experience what you think. The quality of your thoughts, then create the quality of your life. If you are unhappy in life, you need to seek and create change in your thinking. By changing your thoughts you can start to explore and experience a more positive and joy filled life. Seems to make sense, do you agree?

I too believe that your attitude and thoughts create who you are and how you live and the life you experience. If something isn’t working it may be time to examine what you are consuming and start feeding yourself with some positivity.

I personally found that once I started consuming different types of media and made a conscious choice to fill myself and my mind with positivity I am happier, have a more positive outlook, see optimistic possibilities, and believe I can do great things in my life. I want that for you too. Below are some of my favorite books that provide an easy dose of positivity into your day. They don’t require a big time commitment as you can flip to any one page in the book and find inspiration with a quick read and minimal effort.

Simple Abundance - A Daybook of Comfort and Joy 

This book written by Sarah Ban Breathnach is broken down into days of the month so makes it so easy to follow along. Each day provides gentle lessons and thoughts to guide you to a happier fulfilling life while leading you on a path to find your authentic self.

Good Vibes, Good Life - How Self-Love is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness

Written by Vex King this book is a guide to release undesirable feelings and become a better person than you were yesterday. Each concept is broken down into a bite sized chunk that takes less than 5 minutes of your time to read. Profound thinking that creates plenty for your mind to chew on.

Reaching the Sun - Poems, Quotes and Lessons on Growth and Transformation

April Green does a great job at getting to the root of those emotions you didn’t know you had until you read her writing and have an A-HA moment. So easy to read and while I only read one page a day it is very tempting to keep reading as her writing pulls you into a deeper thought process.

365 Ways to Live Generously - Simple Habits for a Life That’s Good for You and for Others

Throughout this book, the author Sharon Lipinski features a daily lesson that focuses on one of the seven generosity habits: physical health, mindfulness, relationships, connecting with yourself, gratitude, simplicity, philanthropy. This book helps to create positivity in your life and the life of those around you through daily habits, practices and journal prompts. 

Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love - 50 Practical Tips to Live a More Fulfilling and Purposeful Life 

Kate James has created an easily digestible book that can be devoured in one sitting, yet is equally enjoyable and maybe even more so when enjoyed over a period of time. Filled with great insights and tips you will find yourself underlining things you want to remember and implement to start living your best life.

By supplementing your reading diet with positive books and media you can affect the way you think, feel, and have an impact on the way you live your life. Your emotions, attitudes and behaviors are not as controlled by your environment as many believe, but rather by the choices you make and the content you consume. Consume wisely and live a better life. 

Enjoy!