Some mentors of mine introduced me to the importance of growing your PIES—in other words, growing in your Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual life. So when I add books to my wishlist, I keep PIES in mind as I aim to grow holistically. Here are four reads that improved my life:
Physical: Blue Zones Solutions
I love Dan Buettner’s research on Blue Zones. From the show on Netflix to all his books, I nerd out over all of it. If you aren’t familiar, Dan studies the diets, eating habits, and lifestyle practices of the communities he's identified as "Blue Zones"—places with the world's longest-lived people. Blue Zones have unusually high amounts of centenarians and will inspire you with their stress-free approach to life. What a concept, right?
Intellectual: Mindset
My only regret is that I didn’t read Carol Dweck’s Mindset sooner. I am happy to see many schools including growth mindset principles. (Lord knows I could have used it.) If you ever feel “stuck” or “limited” this book will inspire you that you can grow, learn, change, and improve at anything. This book changed the way I looked at myself, approached writing, and the way I praise my kids.
Emotional: The Nightingale
Kristin Hannah is becoming one of my favorite authors. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France. It’s a beautifully written novel that celebrates the resilience of women and the unseen role they played during the war.
Spiritual: After Doubt
This book came at a pivotal time in my life, when someone close to me (several people, actually) began to question their faith. AJ gives you space to ask the big questions about your faith but shows you a wise way to do it. I found myself highlighting nearly every line. Follow along with AJ’s Substack too, he’s a wonderful theologian!
What book(s) helped you grow?