Resources
Pause Reader Book Recommendations
What books and authors have influenced your life? Readers of the Pause e-zine recommend their favorites.
Sue Baker recommends:
It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now – How to Create Your Second Life at Any Age by Barbara Sher
A short 2 years ago I was frustrated by my job, wanting to change, but feeling that "I'm 48, I should be winding down, getting ready to retire, not going back to school, not changing careers..." then I read this book...48, 50, is NOT the end! It's the beginning! Next Wednesday I'll turn 50 – and I'm so excited! I've taken a new job that would not have been practical earlier in my life; AND this new job pulls together all I have learned and experienced in my field in the last 30 years. My new motto is: Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming WOW! WHAT A RIDE.
Amy Bardwell recommends:
Boundaries by Cloud & Townsend
It helped me let go of pseudo-religious impulses to do too much and to ignore my own needs. It provides a context for saying 'yes' and 'no' in healthy ways in relationships.
Bonnie Bjorndalen recommends:
The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
This is one book I have read over and over again. I have even rented the cassette tapes from the library when traveling by car. The book always brings me back to focus in realizing that we are not the center of the universe and must humble ourselves and look outside to see what is important. It is not work or what we need for ourselves it is about loving others and being part of a greater community. This makes for a rich life.
Joyce Butler recommends:
The FIVE Dysfunctions of a TEAM by Patrick Lencioni
It is incisive and thought provoking yet very practical about what makes teams successful. The book is an excellent resource, rich with ideas for developing and leading successful teams.
Lou Charlebois recommends:
Slack by Tom DeMarco, Broadway Books, ISBN 0-7679-0769-8, 220 ppg
As people and organizations are restructured and reengineered to be more efficient, they become so busy (task oriented) they don't have time to think. Time to think is the prerequisite enabler of the change management process. How organizational efficiency leads to organizational slowdown.
Cheryl Dougan recommends:
10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace and Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer
Two of my favorite Dyer "secrets" are "Don't die with your music still in you" and "You can't give away what you don't have". This book is an easy read, full of wisdom to thumb through when you have a moment, or good to read and re-read for daily inspiration.
Rev. Marilyn Earhart recommends:
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander
It is based in the "Forum" work by Landmark Education (an update of Werner Erhardt's EST training from the 60's-70's). He is the conductor of a symphony orchestra and I believe she is a psychologist. The work is inspirational, motivational, and shows how to overcome perceived obstacles. The techniques were not based in "pressure", but provided "aha's" in places where one often gets stuck. The writing flows from one story to another, and makes succinct points while providing ways to relate the information to everyday living. The information is very impactful and I still use the ideas and techniques to manage four people in my department, even though I read the book two or three years ago.
Elaine Froese recommends:
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
A great read for Christians looking to serve according to the way they are shaped. I taught a 36-week course to adults using this resource, and it has been life changing!
Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
A resource I give to coaching clients, because we all benefit from clear passionate conversations.
Melody Hawryluk recommends:
There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem and 10 Secrets of Inner Peace and Success by Dr. Wayne Dyer
What I have so enjoyed about both is the common sense messages that help me to slow down, get quiet. "Listen to the music within" and "infinite patience produces immediate results" are lessons that have truly helped me be a better mom, partner, and co-worker.
Larry Hurst recommends:
Why Leaders Can't Lead by Warren Bennis
First read it back in '91. The title and the subtitle ("The Unconscious Conspiracy Continues") resonated with a difficult leadership situation. His openness about failure was a source of encouragement.
Michael Kroeker recommends:
Leadership is an Art by Max DePree
Key thoughts I picked up: treat your employees like volunteers, because they could go work anywhere else; and contractual relationships versus covenantal relationships and the contrasting results they both enable.
Wendy Lloyd recommends:
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
When I read this book, I thought 'this is me! Now I understand some of the feelings I have!' I actually found myself with tears running down my face several times. It has been two years since I read this book and I am planning to re-read it this summer because I think I need to be reminded of some things.
Jackie Marshall recommends:
High Tide in Tuscon by Barbara Kingsolver
It is a series of short stories with insightful comments on life's 'big pictures.'
Amy McDonald recommends:
Clutter's Last Stand by Don Aslett
The basic message of the book is not to use your energy for maintaining and storing your possessions, but free your energy for more interesting pursuits. I read the book at a time when we were thinking about moving to get more room. After de-cluttering we had plenty of room and more time for enjoying life.
Vanitha Mutukistna recommends:
Illusions – Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
This book still impacts my life nearly a decade and a half after I first read it. I discovered and read it on one of the best days of my life and what I now recognize as the conscious start of my journey to me! It became my "bible" and I read it yearly marveling at my evolving self!
JoAnne Neely recommends:
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christiane Northrup
This book is a must read for all women. It solidified many things that I was discovering along my journey and gave me wisdom in many more areas. This really puts holistic health into perspective. Once I started reading I could not put this down.
Joyce Olson recommends:
Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Liveby Martha Beck
It was like a breath of fresh air! She's a life coach who feels everyone should live authentically, with joy and enthusiasm. This book is a like road map on how to find your essential self, with self-awareness exercises and stories (some of them absolutely hilarious) both to identify "the life you were meant to live" and learn how to use your body (your gut reactions) as the compass. The section on removing soul shrapnel (healing emotional wounds) was the first that actually helped me forgive and move on. I've had this book for three years, read it multiple times and get something different from it every time I do. I can't lend it out anymore though because I've made so many notes in the margins.
Laurie Peck recommends:
The Path by Laurie Beth Jones
Her book gave me the tools and formula for writing a life mission statement – a life mission statement that has not changed in over 14 years and is truly a timeless life mission statement for me. Having clear direction is invaluable.
Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
This book confirmed how important it is to listen to your inner self – acknowledge how difficult it might be to stop and recognize your inner calling and then have the courage to step forward and do what you were meant to do on this earth. He reinforced the importance of daily self-examination and how important it is to reach out to others to fulfill our purpose and contribute to others at the same time.
Be Real: Journey to Authenticity by David Irvine
David has changed his whole life to live authentically in all that he does. A beautiful person, speaker and author who truly cares.
Sheila Seccull recommends:
From Panic to Power and Life Without Limits by Lucinda Bassett
Lucinda overcame anxiety & panic attacks. She is now the founder and CEO of a successful company called, the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety. She is a firm believer that our thoughts harm us. She has made it her life mission to help others overcome this debilitating condition by teaching techniques to help us take control of our lives. She also offers a self-help audio program that is offered worldwide. Her website is www.stresscenter.com.
Sharon Simpson recommends:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
If you master these four agreements you will have a wonderful life. His writing style is uncomplicated with great examples.
Lynn Skrabek recommends:
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
She writes positively, optimistically yet realistically. Her personal story is very inspiring. It's a very peaceful book with powerful mantras in the belief that you can heal your life. Being a believer in mind over matter this book will be my lifelong reference companion.
Rosemary Venne recommends:
The Procrastinator's Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing it Now by Rita Emmett
This small book is full of humor and great advice. It also delves into the whys of procrastination, which I found to be illuminating.
