In attempting to continue to improve myself, I’ve made a few goals. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. One of the goals that I’ve made for myself is to read 10-15 pages a day. I would like most of these books to be things more centered around either physical or mental health. This month I’m starting with a book suggested by my husband. It’s called, “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey. I decided I was going to kind of give a review of it as I go. Just my impressions and thoughts that the book instigates. I do want to say, I am not a very avid follower of famous people. I will probably learn a lot more about this guy as I read his book. However, I honestly know very little about him, other than he is an actor in some movies I’ve seen. I don’t know his political views, his mistakes, his relationships, etc. Reading this book is more about continued discovery of my own journey.
An Approach Book
On the very first page, he makes it clear that this book is not a know all book. He says that it’s not about advice or preaching but about approaches. Sharing his thoughts and feeling based on his own experiences and adventures in his life. I love this introduction because for me, that is all I’m trying to do with my website. I don’t write it because I think I know more than everyone else. I don’t write it because I think that I’ve got everything figured out. I write my blog because I want to share my journey and what I’ve learned. A lot of my journey I’ve read the same kind of stuff from other people struggling with the same thing. I don’t think those people made me successful in my goals. Only I can make myself successful. However, being able to find other people going through the same stuff, helps me think about things differently. It helps me find a new approach. It helps me to feel comfort that I am not the only person struggling with different things, to not feel alone. I know sometimes I can come across as blah, blah, blah. Maybe that’s because I overthink things… like way too much, just ask my husband. I would like to think that sharing my journey, can help others with their journey.
Bumperstickers
He puts a lot of emphasis on bumperstickers (and he writes it like it’s one word on purpose). Throughout the book he has little separate notes. They all kind of sum up the thoughts or feelings that he is trying to write about in the moment. I’m pretty sure some of them are copies of thoughts he wrote down while pondering. I am a huge advocate for writing things down. If we have inspirational moments, or ones that we feel down, or just a question in general. We should write it down to be able to give it the focus and thought it deserves. Our brains are capable of holding so much information, and a lot of the time a thought is fleeting because it becomes tossed aside with the next thought a moment later.
Positivity
I’m not very far into the book yet. However, he has already pointed out some of the things that have happened in his life. He doesn’t describe them as struggles or successes but just as moments. Even the things that make most of us feel like the world is against us, he says the absolute opposite. He says that he has always felt like the world has been on his side. I have an amazing sister that says all the time that what you mentally throw out and the effort you give to the universe, will give just as much back. This kind of positivity is absolutely amazing to me. My attitude is something I have hugely struggled with in the past. At times, I still struggle with it. I know I have come a long way both mentally, spiritually, and physically. However, it doesn’t mean that I need to stop that progression. I don’t look down on myself for the things I need to still work on. On the contrary, I see it as an opportunity to attain more.
As I read this book, I don’t plan on detailing anything specific. I just want to address my own personal thoughts that it may instigate in my continued search to grow. So, there may be references to the book in future articles. Have you read this book? What other self-care, or inspirational books should I put on my list of things to read?
Mel's Health and Fitness 