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There are two stories I told myself for a very long time that I believed to be fact: “I’m not good at napping,” and “I’m not good at reading.” They’re both false. I felt as though I wasn’t good at napping because every time I would lay down, I wasn’t falling asleep “fast enough.” When it came to books, I get easily distracted from the act of reading, and I wasn’t making it a priority to come back to the pages.
Over the last couple years, I’ve stopped giving into those narratives. I’m napping more (my body is thankful), and I’ve become the kind of lady who loves to sit down with a book on a Sunday afternoon with my phone on Airplane Mode. While I love indulging in the latest and greatest, I do have a handful of books that I find myself picking up over and over again to revisit — five of which I wanted to highlight for this week’s Weekly Hurdle. Each of the below have really impacted the way I act or think. Also, they make great gifts as well.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Angela is brilliant, and it’s no wonder that someone with a podcast called Hurdle would be enamored with her book Grit. So many valuable bits in this, but the through-line really is that it’s not talent or luck that gets you through hurdles — but rather what goes through your head when you hit them head on. She writes so eloquently about the combination of passion and perseverance that makes every high achiever special.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
No one is better at explaining the foundational aspects of creating and maintaining habits than James Clear. Also, side note, make sure you’re subscribed to James’ newsletter. It’s one of my favorites.
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
During the pandemic, we read this for the Hurdle book club (book club was short-lived). It really impacted the way I think about gathering — specifically the aspects I didn’t pay much attention to before (notably, how you end a gathering).
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Every day we experience uncertainty. In this book Brene encourages the reader to embrace vulnerability as a measure of courage. The premise: We have the opportunity to harness that courage in order to get through turbulent moments.
The Way Forward by Yung Pueblo
Oh man. I loved Yung Pueblo (Diego Perez) before I read this book, but the words in these pages really, really spoke to me. Focused on the power of intuition, Diego brings the reader on a journey geared toward inhabiting your personal power in order to bring your healthiest self to your relationships. “People may not get you, but what matters is that you get you.”
So tell me: What books do you go back to time and time again?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: 276. Dan Levy’s Good News: No One Knows What They’re Doing
I loved Dan’s movie Good Grief and this podcast episode touched on so many of the thoughts I, too, have surrounding the grieving process. I also just adore Dan, period.
I’m Watching: The Olympic Marathon Trials
Broadcast at 12 p.m. this Saturday on NBC, I’m heading down to Orlando today to watch it in the flesh. I’m so geeked to cheer my heart out. No one does it better than Alison Wade when it comes to giving the comprehensive rundown of what we can expect to happen on Saturday. If you’re not yet subscribed to Fast Women, get on it.
Gear I’m Loving: lululemon SoftMatte Insulated Cropped Jacket
Admittedly, it’s a splurge. I tried it on in the store the other day and fell in love with the contrast between the ribbed fabric under the arms and the PrimaLoft insulation. Looking forward to rocking it on my long run tomorrow.
Quote I’m Loving: “We need people who want us to get better and feel better. We need people who can help us up when we fall.” — Cleo Wade
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
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Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
Tone It Up co-founder Karena Dawn has had her fair share of hurdles, both personally and professionally, evolving the popular workout brand and product line over the last 15 years. Through the highs and lows, she always comes back to one word: resilient. This week, I sit down with Karena and go deep into her upbringing, plus the chance encounter Tone It Up co-founder Katrina Scott at the gym, and how the duo evolved the company throughout the years. Plus: She talks openly about her experience navigating mental health struggles within her family, and how she hopes to impact others for the better moving forward.
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.
I loved your book list! Two of the titles (Atomic Habits and Grit) are on my own list of favorites so I'm intrigued about your other titles. My own false narrative used to be 'I don't read non-fiction'. That's all changed. Other titles I love are: The Good Life, Thinking, Fast and Slow. Hidden Potential by Adam Grant is also quite good. Thanks for your great posts!