Author: Ursula Stuter

Last Year’s Books

I’ve been meaning to write about the books I read in 2022. Here it is already half through 2023, so you can see I’m a little bit behind in my execution.

I track my books in Goodreads and I usually rate and review them. On a very rare occasion I might not post a review, but it is often because I may know the author. Or I just haven’t gotten around to it (like posting book reviews from last year!).

I read 103 books last year, when I was aiming for a “modest” 62. Of course, some of the books were small, but hey, a book is a book. Here’s a few of my discoveries last year.

I discovered James Patterson’s Book Shots. First, I’ve never really read James Patterson although of course I know who he is. The Book Shots were a perfect, engaging length. I don’t like extended stress, although my usual selection of books (mysteries, true crime, etc.) would lead you to believe otherwise.

I still enjoy murder mysteries set in the last century, often in England during WWII or earlier. If there’s a woman breaking the rules and investigating, I usually enjoy those. Strong willed women bucking society. Yes, that’s what I like to see. New to me authors were Ashley Weaver and Alison Montclair.

I also got caught up on a few Victoria Laurie books, and dived into Jayne Ann Krentz AKA Amanda Quick. Her psychic mystery/thriller books were fun. I note I am not reading a lot of them this year, as I think I figured out the formula after reading many of them last year.

Another fun foray was this interesting trend of Amish murder mysteries or Amish romances. I’m not sure why they are so popular, but they’re intriguing, perhaps, as there is the familiarity of other humans, but a completely different set of rules and expectations. Perhaps that is why they are so fun to read.

Escapism at its finest.

I’ve already read 44 books in 2023. Many of them are non-fiction rah-rah motivational books. Much needed, I suppose, as we recover from pandemic lockdowns.

I’ll be posting a few reviews as we move further into the year. Until then, happy reading!

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Morning Running Thoughts

The thing about running (or jogging) is that, when you are getting ready to go do it, it doesn’t sound like fun. At least, not at 5:30 AM when you didn’t sleep so well and you know you won’t be able to go back to bed afterward.

So, today was another one of those days. I didn’t want to go. In fact, I was arguing with myself on the way to the running class I’ve signed up for. My inner negotiator was telling me I could do less. Today we were “time trialing” a 5K for baseline speed. I could tell you I know I am going to be in the slow category. I don’t need a “time trial” to tell you that. Every run/jog/waddle, I am faced with the trial of being slow. Being last. Being late. But, as I was told by the mentor today, and as he has told me before: “You’re already way ahead of everyone who stayed in bed this morning.”

I had to think on that. I’m ahead of all the people who slept in. All the people who said they’d start an exercise plan. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next week. Maybe when they lost 20 lbs. I’m already ahead of the excuse-makers, the quitters, the when-I-get-around-tuits. It made me feel better. I’m ahead.

But most importantly, I’m ahead of who I was a few short years ago. The person who didn’t run. The person who was about 90 lbs heavier. Who could barely walk a few blocks without getting winded. I’m ahead of her, my former self.

And when I finished today, there was that familiar feeling of accomplishment. Of doing something good for me. Endorphin rush. Oftentimes I get an actual buzz from a good run. Today was no different. Even when it was hard to start. I’m ahead and I feel good.

If I were to tell my prior self that I went for a run today, she would probably blink a few times in disbelief. But I like to think she would be glad for me. And she would cheer me on. And we would both celebrate the fact that I’m ahead of where I used to be. And I’m going to keep on going. Because I can. And because it feels good, especially when I finish.

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The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Have you had trouble achieving a long term goal? I have definitely dealt with setbacks in at least three of my longer term goals. I think it might come down to consistency. As in consistent actions adding up to long term results.

This book was first recommended to me in a group I attend related to mindset. The presenter discussed the idea of compound interest and related it to progress on our goals. She mentioned this book. I got myself a copy from the library.

I read my library copy fairly quickly — which is not typical when I am reading a non-fiction, self-help book. This may be an older book as far as some of the examples in it, but the concepts are timeless. I particularly appreciated the conversational style and the focus on small changes that add up to long term success and good health.

In fact, I liked the book so much I bought a few copies to read with my children.

Our weekly family book group is almost done with this book, and the lessons have been helpful. Even the 11 year old has learned a few things about consistent effort and how external things influence us.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I gave it a five star rating for the plain writing, ease of use, and practical tips and to-dos.

Recommended if you need a dose of motivation with some very practical steps for how to apply the advice.

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