2012 Must Reads for the Creative Mind

Hello 2012! Hello Tumblr! I am never consistent at anything I do. Somehow in 2012 I will tackle that challenge. But there is one thing I have been able to stay consistent at and that is learning the art of photography. I am a rookie trying to level up if you will. Can’t say I am much of a teacher at the moment but what I can share are books, images and all things under the sun that inspire the creative minds to keep climbing and to never give up…NEVER!

You may say to self, “Self what do these books she is sharing have to do with being creative?” Well let me say this,  a good relationship with self, with the world, with anyone is an art in itself. Some have mastered the skill, I envy those who have. If you are an introverted creative mind like me you may feel it just as important to me to master in order to make it in an extrovert world. Lets face it,  I like to capture faces, people, movement and I need to over come this fear of the human species to make that happen. I know a lot of creative minds are not necessarily extroverts and turn to art to express what it is they want to be heard. I envy the extrovert sometimes, ok~ most of the time! But I am beginning to understand and appreciate the introvert within and the gifts they can bring to the table.

Ok, so here we go ladies and gents! I give to you 3 must reads for those creatives out there who fear the unknown, question their greatness, & maybe just need a pep talk to keep going when your mind asks ridiculous questions starting with “Why” or “How”

#1    “How to Win Friends & Influence People” I have repeatedly heard from creatives everywhere to read this book. I am so glad I did! I left this book with a new perspective of relationship dynamics whether it be in marriage, professional, family or friendship, you will gain a point of view that seems so simple yet so many of us find so hard to maneuver on a day to day basis. This book bottom line screams to always, “Treat others how you would like to be treated!” Now let those words really sink in and imagine the endless possibilities to make this happen in 2012.

#2  “The Introvert Advantage~How to Thrive in an Extrovert World” By Marti Olsen Laney: Yes this may scream, “Introvert’s only read!” but~ NO! I encourage all to read to understand the often misunderstood introvert especially if you know one in your life. It will help you understand them on a level you never could otherwise & dismiss all the negative assumptions which come along with the title. I myself am an introvert. Some people laugh when I tell them this. Oh… if they only knew the pace of my heart as I struggle to get those first words out, the sweaty palms I try to hide by crossing my arms or digging deep into my pockets, or even the uncontrollable annoying laughter I will knock one over with out of nervous/anxious feelings I seem to be unable to control. I have struggled with this my whole life and been able to get by with stepping outside my comfort zones on many occasions, it’s hard, VERY hard and it never seems to get easier with time. I call these my “out of body experiences” because I have literally learned how to block out these feelings and conquer the task. Oh my word you have no idea what a wreck I am in a job interview….gahhhh! I adore this book for making me feel human again. For helping me accept my introvert character as a gift, not a flaw.

#3 “The Alchemist”~ By Paulo Coelho: I am not going to say this is the most powerful read I have come across, but what I will say, there is POWER in the message the author is sending out if you read between the lines and open your heart and mind to what he is trying so greatly to express. Encouraging ALL dreamers alike to listen to your heart, follow your dreams, live life to the fullest as you were chosen to do.

Now get to reading & please share any and all must reads on your list as I tackle one of my NY’s Resolution~ READ MORE!! There is so much power and inspiration in the written word!

Happy New Year~Much Love! MJ

• books
• must reads
• the alchemist
• paulo coelho
• the introvert advantage
• marti olsen laney
• how to win friends and influence people
• dale carnegie