The fires burn and the kettles sing, and earth sinks to rest until next spring – Clyde Watson

 

 

Fall is here and I couldn’t be happier…

Because, really, what’s not to love about cozying up by the fire with a hot cup of tea while the brisk air settles outside?

Cooler, shorter days are nature’s way of inviting us to slow down. There is no better time to rest, reflect and get inspired for the year to come.

With that in mind, I prepared a list of books so you can indulge in some good-reads this season.

 

 

1. Goodbye, Things : The New Japanese Minimalism 

– Fumio Sasaki

 

Thanks to international organizing bestsellers like ‘the life-changing magic of tidying up”, the Japanese minimalist movement is growing and reaching the west. 

Books on how to declutter your home are selling like hotcakes and in the midst of all the craze, one book stands out:

Goodbye, things.

With this memoir-type book, a “regular” thirty-something takes us on his journey from being an unmotivated, envious hoarder to an intentional, happy and calm minimalist.

This isn’t your typical how-to type of book but more of a genuine, honest account on how transformative minimizing your possessions can be.

An inspirational read if you are looking for some motivation to simplify your life.

 

 

2. The Curated Closet

– Anuschka Rees

 

As a non-fashionista, I never gave much thoughts to what I was wearing. I always thought “I just don’t have it in me to dress well” or “I have better to do than worrying about clothes”.

Until I came across “the curated closet”. 

In her book, Anuschka Rees, lays out a detailed, easy-to-follow, actionable plan to help you find your style, purge your closet and build a selection of carefully curated pieces.

A must read if you are looking to find your style, streamline your closet.

 

 

3. The Artist’s Way 

– Julia Cameron

 

We are all creative and artists at heart.

Writing, painting, building, singing, etc., is how we express ourselves.

The sad thing is that many of us have lost touch with our innate ability to create. So much so that we simply tell ourselves that “we are just not the creative type”.

In the Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron proves you wrong.

Through personal anecdotes, she empowers the reader to explore hidden talents, find inspiration and unleash his / her creative self. A must-read!

 

 

4. In Praise Of Slowness : Challenging the cult of speed

– Carl Honore

 

From fast food to speed dating, we all seem to think that faster is better. We try to cram more into each day, always looking for ways to increase our productivity.

But what if faster actually meant less? Less meaningful connections, less qualitative work, less creativity and less joy?

After exploring the consequences of speed on our health and lives, Carl Honore takes you through the benefits of a slow life and the emergence of the slow movement, from slow food to slow parenting.

A must read if you are looking for ways to reduce your own hectic pace.

 

 

5. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

– Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles

 

Japanese have a word for a strong sense of purpose (or reason for living): IKIGAI.

Along with an adequate lifestyle, IKIGAI is what keeps people happy and healthy for so many years. It is the reason why some people still work well into their 80s and why retirement is a dying concept in Japan, the country with the highest rate of centenarians in the world.

While this book is not a step-by-step approach on how to find purpose, it’s a fun read with lots of insights on the Japanese culture and the secret recipe to live a long, happy life.

 

Happy fall everyone!