On The Important Things in Life, Genuine Freedom and Happiness, and Following One's Dreams
On The Important Things in Life, Genuine Freedom and Happiness, and Following One's Dreams
Books that changed my thinking, my behaviors, and my life
Hello all!
It’s nice that this week’s Three Book Thursday falls on Thanksgiving because there are three wonderful books I’d like to share with you.
Before we get there…I’ve received feedback asking how the books on 3BT have specifically impacted me (i.e. when in my business, career, relationships, and life certain books were most helpful). This led to an idea.
There are many of you who are starting a business, building a business, selling a business, pursuing a dream, self-reflecting, re-directing, starting school, making career decisions, building wealth, building relationships, finding oneself, growing, learning, achieving…the list goes on and on. The common denominator of 3BT is lifelong learning.
Let’s experiment…use the button below to submit a question. Any question. And I will do my best to provide insights based on my experiences and books that I’ve read. By no means do I presume to have the answers, but I’d like to share the books and experiences that were most helpful to me when I had a similar question.
Now, your weekly dose of goodness.
1. Living a full life
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Summary
If you have not read this one, stop what you are doing and order this book.
It’s real, vulnerable, sincere, and impactful.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a heartwarming tale that delves into the essence of life's journey through the interactions of its four unlikely companions.
The story unfolds through a series of encounters and conversations between a curious boy, an eager mole who loves cake, a cautious fox carrying the scars of life, and a wise, kind horse. Their journey together is less about the physical path they traverse and more about the exploration of life’s vast emotional landscape. The author weaves themes of kindness, friendship, courage, and vulnerability into the tapestry of their dialogue.
This book is a gentle reminder of the important things in life that we often overlook. It’ll resonate with people of all ages, offering a respite from the complexities of adulthood and a fresh perspective on what truly matters. It’ll encourage you to embrace vulnerability, to accept and love yourself, and to appreciate the power of asking for help.
You’re almost certain to shed a tear or two…or just let it all out.
Insight: Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself.
Insight: Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.
Insight: We have such a long way to go, sighed the boy. Yes, but look how far we’ve come, said the horse.
Insight: “What is the bravest thing you've ever said?" asked the boy. "Help," said the horse.
Author: Charlie Mackesy
Themes: Living a full life, Fable
My personal notes from the book
2. Personal development
Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality
Summary
This is a transformative book that delves into the concept of self-awareness and its profound impact on personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. De Mello, a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist, combines Christian spirituality with Eastern wisdom to explore the journey towards understanding.
The book is structured as a series of insights and reflections that guide you through understanding what it means to be truly aware. De Mello discusses the various illusions that cloud our perceptions, the societal conditioning that shapes our beliefs and behaviors, and the traps of emotional dependency and attachment. He emphasizes the liberation that comes from true awareness–an awakening to the reality of life, free from illusions and false beliefs.
This is a compelling read if you are seeking to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. It's particularly enlightening for those who feel trapped by their circumstances, emotions, or societal expectations and are looking for a path to genuine freedom and happiness.
Insight: When we cling to our illusions, we don't see reality.
Insight: You are never upset for the reason you think.
Insight: The root of sorrow is clinging to the 'I', to what I want, or do not want, or am afraid of.
Principle: Wisdom tends to grow in proportion to one’s awareness of one’s ignorance.
Author: Anthony De Mello
Themes: Personal development, Living a full life, Health and wellness
My personal notes from the book
3. Personal development
The Alchemist
Summary
This is a popular and enchanting novel that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide.
The story centers around Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of finding a worldly treasure located somewhere beyond the Egyptian pyramids. Driven by a relentless quest for deeper meaning and fulfillment, Santiago's journey becomes one not only across physical landscapes but also a spiritual pilgrimage. Throughout his adventures, he meets a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly treasures turns into a discovery of the treasure within.
The Alchemist is more than a novel—it's a reflection on the importance of following one's dreams and listening to one's heart. It’ll resonate with anyone who is searching for their own path in life, offering inspiration and the courage to pursue dreams despite obstacles.
Insight: When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change.
Insight: It's not the destination but the glory of the ride
Insight: The wise are wise only because they love. The fool are fools only because they think they can understand love.
Insight: Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.
Author: Paulo Coelho
Themes: Personal development, Living a full life, Fable
My personal notes from the book
That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading! And thank you for being a part of the 3BT community.
Please continue to share with me the books that changed your life! And let your friends, colleagues, and the strangers you meet at Trader Joe’s know about 3BT.
Best,
Adam
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All Three Book Thursday Personal Notes