The Gift of New Books

Some girls like jewelry and shoes.  Some like to eat out at trendy, new places.  For me, new books and blank journals make me giddy.

At the start of every new year, I love to sit down and figure out what books I want to read.  I know--it's a nerdy thing, but it truly gets me excited about the new year--which sometimes feels daunting to me.  Especially if the last year didn't end on the high note I wish it had.

One of my favorite things to do is to send someone a book after talking to them.  Again, I know it's a bit nerdy, but books can be so personal.  I never send the same one to everyone--each is specifically chosen for that person.  I have several favorites that I often rotate through, but that's just because they are sooo good that I want to share them.  Every one is one I've read and that made an impact on me.

Last night, I decided to start a wish list on Amazon of some of the books I hope to read this year.  I have a list I carry on my phone, but those are more the books I want to get on my kindle.  I like to read my more inspirational things in a physical book that I can write in and highlight.  I figured the wish list would be a good place to start in separating my lists so they weren't jumbled together. 

This morning I woke up to an Amazon gift card in my inbox from a friend who gets me.  And the card was enough to cover 2 books and leave me a quarter toward my next purchase!!  While I am sooo very excited about the new books, I'm equally as excited about the fact that my friend thought of me and picked out a gift specific to me.

Of course, being me, I went deeper with the simple act of kindness.  It reminded me that in this new year, people need to be noticed for who they are. Not who we want them to be or think they should be.  Giving a gift to someone based on what THEY enjoy makes them feel seen.  And in a world where we can hide behind screens so very easily, that is a felt need.

Who was the last person you talked to?  What type of gift do they need?  It might just be more time with you.  Or help with a small project--or even big project.  It might be more phone calls from you or a coffee date.  It could even just be a card in the mail instead of just a text.

Or, it might be a book.  You decide.