All the books I have read in 2016 (so far): "What I Learned When I Almost Died" by Chris Licht "Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future" by Tim Elmore "Hello Darlin'" by Larry Hagman with Todd Gold "Grandma Gatewood's Walk" by Ben Montgomery "Addressing the Challenging Behavior of Children with High Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome in the Classroom" by Rebecca A. Moyes "Find it in Everything. Photographs by Drew Barrymore" by Drew Barrymore "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed Not pictured because I just started reading it: "Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife" by Irene Spencer | For the past few years, I have ditched the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing. Instead, I set goals for myself and do monthly evaluations. I ask myself basic questions: Where am I with my goals? Can I check this one off the list? Am I falling behind, and if so, how can I get back on track? Now that 2016 is almost halfway finished, I decided to take a deeper look at one of the six goals I set for myself this year. You may not understand this, but it is a true selfish indulgence and personal delight that I committed myself to reading more books in 2016. Yes, actual books. I am not counting articles on glowing devices or facebook status updates, but books. I have always felt that the more I read and the more I travel, the more interesting I become. Others may not see it, but I do. I feel that the more I learn through experiences and books, the more I can tolerate being in the same room with myself. How boring would it be to be me if I wasn't growing intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually? My daughter and I often do nightly devotional readings (from a book, not an app), but I realized in 2015 that my reading beyond that nightly devotional had gone from pretty rampant to nonexistent. I blame my smartphone and my lack of self-control. However, 2016 is just a bit over halfway gone, and I have now read more books in 2016 than I did in the past three years combined. I have learned all kinds of amazing new things. I have been inspired, as well as brought to tears and laughter. I feel like I am again becoming someone I can stand being around. Perhaps, I am a little less boring in fact. ~ Until you read my blog again, MT PS Too many students complain about reading at WHS. I wish someone would say, "Michelle, here's 15 minutes of free time to just read every day." I would be so happy. Maybe the next time you view reading as a chore, you can think of me and how I wish I had the gift of time you are given by many teachers. Read. Learn. Grow. Become a little less boring. |
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Ms. TurnerStarting year 25 as a Journalism educator. Photographer. Mom. Nature-Junkie. Super Fan of Missouri State Parks and Conservation Lands. As a wise BJJTV alumni says, "Treat People Like People." Archives
February 2022
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