My Top 5 Books of 2014

Ok so I know I'm a little bit behind here and this list should have come out a month ago but I'm sure you can relate that sometimes its just busy!
So here is my top 5 books of 2014. These are books that I've read that have had a profound effect on me and resonated big time.  I'm sharing them with you in case they bring something to you too and in which case it would be rude not to share.

If you click on the headings it will take you to amazon where you can buy the books if you wish to.

Number 1: The Desire Map by Danielle Laporte

I bought this book because I was/am going through a period of recalibration and I wanted to make sure my goals (both personal and business) were aligned with what I really want from life. I had read and heard that this book would be able to help me to achieve this and I wasn't disappointed! Its a very easy read but the challenge comes in when you have to spend some time to really think through and analyse what your core desires are.  I managed to whittle mine down to 5 core desires and these are the 5 that are permeating into every part of my life - each business decision - personal decision and generally the very core of me. Its quite deep stuff really and it might be the key to helping you to achieve what it is you feel you're missing out on and why. A definite recommend. 

Number 2: The Evolution of a Cro-magnon by John Joseph

Not your run-of-the-mill autobiography, or even a a lighthearted read to be honest but certainly one that will make you realise a few things. JJ has had an extremely rough life - his story is one of significant adversity and then overcoming all of it to make a life that he's happy with. Its a story of true courage and triumph.  
If you're easily offended by bad language then this book absolutely isn't for you... there is A LOT of swearing. By the end of the book though you don't even notice. A total legend. 

Number 3: Finding Ultra - Rich Roll

Ok so technically I didn't read this book in 2014 - BUT its one of the best books I've ever read so I have to include it in this line up. I don't want to say too much about this book except its one of the books that you HAVE to read in your lifetime. RR is someone whom I'm sure we can all relate to, someone who has a lot to offer and HUGELY inspirational. Up until recently there has been a definite lack of inspirational people in my life and so I'm pleased RR and his wife have shared their story. They totally rock. 

Number 4: Playful Parenting by Lawrence J Cohen

I've read A LOT of parenting books since Drew was born 2.5 years ago... and what have I learned from them all? Trust your instincts and do your own thing. Really.  And yet when a mother at my children's yoga class recommended I read this book I thought why not. Actually this is one of the best parenting books I've read - or even the best one. It talks about how children are here to connect with people (aren't we all?) and the way that they do that is through play. So on the days that it would seem they're just trying to bug you till you cave, what they're saying is "Hey, mum I know you're being distant and you're busy but I want to connect with you, please play". This approach has helped me realise that Drew wasn't playing up - he was trying to connect. What a breakthrough! Oh and I found it really quite refreshing that its written by a man!  Women seem to have the monopoly in this area - as if the men don't know what they're doing... but this book proves that so wrong! A definite read for any parent in my opinion. 

Number 5: Calm Kids - Help Children Relax with Mindful Activities

This is a brilliant book full of very useful activities with hints and tips for anyone looking to incorporate meditation and/or quiet time into their daily lives with their children.  As a children's yoga teacher and as a mum I know that its not easy to get children to wind down at the end of a very full, busy and hectic day... especially if they're over tired or restless or hyper. This book has something for everyone, literally - even adults. 

So there you have it, my top 5 for 2014. I have already got a great reading list for 2015 going and have started a few (why can't I read one at a time?) - I will, no doubt, write about some of them as I read them an whilst they're on my mind so keep tuning in to see what's coming next.

In the meantime I would LOVE to hear about what books have been special to you this year and why. 

Dawn xo