Hey Rule-Breakers,
As always, I am so happy that you are you and that you are here. This is a special quarterly edition of Rule-Breaking News in which I am happy to tell you what I’ve been reading, what songs I’ve had on repeat, and what is currently saving my life.
What Books I Am Reading:
I try to keep two books going at all times. One book is lighter or “just for fun” and the other is more for personal development. This is something new I’ve started this year, and it’s been a great way for me to get back in to the reading habit when my to-be-read list feels out of hand. Here are three that I’ve either finished reading or am currently reading with some thoughts.
The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes: I’m halfway through this cozy fantasy that was recommended by megstearoom, one of my favorite BookTok creators. I’m enjoying the storyline of this one so far. The main character is a writer also, and her struggles as a creative make this book even more appealing to me. It’s a fun twist on stories like Encanto involving magical families so if you loved that movie, you may enjoy this one as well.
2. Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker: This one I’m just starting so I don’t have a lot to say about it yet, but what I can say is this—Sometimes, you pick up a book and immediately put it back down because your brain says, “Psh. That’s stupid and definitely not for me.” I picked up this book at the library, and I internally rolled my eyes. It’s become trendy these days to talk about sobriety, it seems. Every celebrity and their mother is talking about it. I’ve always been a bit of a rebel when it comes to trends.
However, because of the stronger-than-usual pushback I felt from my inner self about this book, I decided to give it a longer glance. Sometimes, it’s good to lean in and listen when your first response is a “Hell, no.” Sometimes, we don’t give books and ideas a chance because it feels too personal or scary or makes us feel things we don’t want to feel or because it’s “trendy.” Because I’m learning this, I decided to take this book home with me, too.
What Songs Have Been on Repeat:
I Am Not Who I Was by Chance Peña -
With a chorus that sings “When you see what I've become, will you love me for who I am, not who I was,” this song touches on a core fear we have surrounding any transformation—will I still be loved and accepted? Will I still belong? It’s a beautifully emotional song and a reminder that change and growth are natural parts of life even if our growth makes others uncomfortable.
Saving All My Sinning by Lake Street Dive -
First of all, the music—their musicianship is brilliant, and their style is so fun! Then, there’s the song. It’s a little bit spicy in theme, but just the right amount for the recovering rule-follower. 10/10 recommend.
Loose Change by The Highwomen -
Lately, I’ve been listening to Brandi Carlile radio quite a bit. The Highwomen showed up on my Spotify feed because of it, and I was not disappointed. For someone who is finally learning to appreciate their own value, this one resonates deeply. It is one of my current favorites to belt in the car or shower. I think you’ll enjoy it, too.
What’s Saving My Life:
The Cyclical Nature of Life: Learning to recognize the cycles and phases of life is helping me through these tough winter months. It’s easier to embrace the difficult seasons of life if you remember they are just that—seasons. The trick is learning to be content and embrace all the things that the current season has to offer you. I talked a bit more about this here:
This meme from @quaratineathomedad:
Silence and Stillness - For the last couple of months, I’ve struggled with writing. Quite simply, I haven’t felt like talking much in general. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit in the silence. As an easily over-stimulated person, I’ve always loved silence. But stillness—that one is a different story. Stillness means less productivity, and the lack of productive writing time has been difficult to navigate. However, I am learning that silence and stillness are both part of the creative process as well as the decision-making process. Instead of feeling shame for not being able to force movement and flow, I’m learning to embrace the stillness along with the silence. It is ok if nothing gets “done.” Silence and stillness ARE productive.
These lovely humans who have written or are currently writing books to share with us all.
Kate Bowler’s recent release is on my TBR list, and it keeps inching its way up to the top of the list because of nuggets like this, and Victoria Hutchins from @thedailyvictorian will be sharing her book with the world next year. Her words always seem to resonate.These other artists and creatives:
Creativity Without Rules - One of my goals this year is to create more without so many rules attached. It can be traditionally productive, but it doesn’t have to be. Rules are there are no rules. It has been so incredibly refreshing for my artist soul. I’ve been experimenting with the idea of creativity as a spiritual practice, and it’s been liberating to just allow myself to create without the, “but what am I going to DO with it?” question attached to every product I create. Creating something can be simply for the act of creation. It doesn’t need to be “for” anyone or anything.
That’s all from me, but I’d love to hear from YOU:
What’s saving your life right now?
What books and music or other things are you enjoying at the moment?
Thanks again for being here. You make the world better just by being in it.