Is anyone else extremely happy about the warmer weather? Dreary winter days, be gone! As we close out the month, here’s your February update talking about books, burnout, and more.
Best Book I Read This Month
February was a month where I started a lot of books…that I have yet to finish. Hah. Does anyone else relate? But there’s a book I only have a few more pages left of that has been extremely life-giving.
At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof speaks to me on so many levels. I hit a point of burnout back in December. While I have removed the chief source of that burnout, I’m still working to shape a schedule and routine that will help prevent me from burning out in the future. This book teaches you how to shape a schedule that leverages your energy cycles to actually work on your priorities. Highly recommend it – you can read more about the book here.
Best Article I Read This Month
Amir Locke’s murder was horrifying. And, all gun owners (such as myself) should be condemning the fact that police murdered a man because they caught a glimpse of his lawfully owned weapon. While this National Review article was much more sympathetic to law enforcement than I am, it makes great points about the fact that gun ownership is multiracial in this country.
Tip + Trick of the Month
Again referring to At Your Best, you should be doing your most important work when you’re at your best. I think we can all read that and have a ‘duh’ moment. But this can be easily boiled down to two things: working according to your energy levels and blocking distractions. For the first, pay attention to when you’re the most awake, efficient, and ‘on’ (for me, it’s usually before 10 am). As for the second…well…good luck.
Quote of the Month
This quote is attributed by many to John Wesley. On how to live your life…
“Set yourself on fire with passion, and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”
Kelvey’s Thought for the Month
Lent is right around the corner. As we enter into this season on Wednesday, many of you who are believers that, like me, do not belong to Catholic or Lutheran traditions may be questioning whether this season is something you should observe. I believe you should.
Observation of the church calendar is one of the easiest ways to orient yourself toward Christ throughout the year. Lent marks a season of renewal, of removing the things that take our gaze from Jesus. So dig in. Identify what, if removed, would draw you nearer to Christ. Remove distractions and turn toward the cross over these 40 days. You will not regret it.
Enjoy your March! I’ll see you next month.
KELVEY OLIVIA VANDER HART 