“Women don’t need to lean in to fix the system. We need to lean out so the systems that don’t support our well-being can collapse and new ones can be formed.”
So, I read a lot of books each year. Fiction books to entertain me and leadership books to inspire me. I love to share the books I’ve read with friends and right here on this
blog. Most early mornings or late afternoons, you can find me on my patio with my nose in a good book. I have my parents to thank for this; they both love to read and taught me to read at a young age. I fell in love with reading and have continued to read all throughout my life (do I sound proud? Because I am!).
Every once in awhile, a book will just absolutely knock my socks off. Either because of the great content, mind-blowing ideas, or infinite wisdom. And friends, let me say, this
Do Less by Kate Northrup has all the above. I first discovered Kate Northrup on Jenna Kutcher’s podcast and just LOVED her interview. I quickly went to Amazon to buy her book,
do | less.
To be truthful with you, this book is not rocket science, I already knew some of what Kate has to say in the book, but there were a few things that blew my mind. I was just gobsmacked! Like how our menstrual cycle is connected to the moon phases (say what!,) and we should plan our work around these phases in order to reach our best productivity. Here are the moon phases she listed out:
Follicular/waxing crescent: starting things, brain-storming, planning
Ovulation/full moon: connecting, getting out there, collaboration, communication
Luteal/waning crescent: detail-oriented work, bringing projects to completion, tying up loose ends
Menstrual/new moon: rest, evaluation, and research
Kate also provides a daily energy tracker that you can print from her website, but if you know me, then you know I LOVE a good template in Evernote. So, I made one to share with you that you can use in Evernote.
And egg wisdom…I’m going to let you find out about egg wisdom on your own…but trust me, it’s the coolest thing ever! And I’m practicing it right now. If you know, you know. And if you don’t…come back to me when you do. ?
If you follow me on
Instagram, you know that I am currently “resting” from working out…and it’s driving me crazy! But, I know I need the rest. A few pages into the book I read this:
“Our bodies ask us to take a break, and we feel guilty. We beat ourselves up for rest.” That truly spoke to me because I have been feeling so guilty for not working out the last 10 ten days, but I am grateful Kate talked about rest in this book.
Here are a few excerpts that I highlighted in the book:
“When you’re investing energy in things that don’t ultimately matter to you, life loses its luster.”
“What we appreciate appreciates.”
“If you want to have more energy for the things that truly matter in your life, you have to stop donating it to people who are using it as their life force.” (WOAH)
“Women don’t need to lean in to fix the system. We need to lean out so the systems that don’t support our well-being can collapse and new ones can be formed.”
The Verdict…
I have already bought this book for a few of my friends, and I plan to buy it for a few more. It’s that good, and I am convinced that every woman in my life needs to read it! Please let know if you have read the book or plan to…I’d love to discuss it with you!
