Spend Less; Give More: Inspired Book Club

As many of you know, I'm on a mission to make the holidays debt-free and stress-free. One of the ways we can all accomplish this is by giving gifts that have a lot of meaning, but that don't cost a lot of money.

On the home page of Simply Celebrate, I've posted a video about this concept and next to the video is an opt-in box where you can sign up to receive three great gift ideas that are low in cost but high in impact. If you haven't already, I hope you'll sign up for these free ideas.

Today I want to share yet another idea of a great gift that can be energizing and connecting for people in your life. I call it the "Inspired Book Club" and all you have to do is borrow from the library or purchase (new or used) several copies of a book that you really love — or think you'll love. It can be fiction or nonfiction, but my own preference is that this is a nonfiction book about something that really brings you to life. It could be a book about creativity, spirituality, training your brain, bringing more presence to life, finding more joy, etc.

Give a copy of the book to one or more friends, along with a gift certificate you make for the "Inspired Book Club," which is a one-time or ongoing meeting that you'll set up with these same friends — one the phone or in person — to sip some tea and share ideas about the book. You can use your imagination and be as structured or unstructured as you want. A chapter a week? In-person tIme to complete exercises from the book? Making up your own exercises? Anything is possible! The main thing is to connect with people you love about a topic you love.

Need an example of a book for your Inspired Book Club? Well, two days ago I posted an entry by guest writer, Christine Mason Miller. Christine has a new book coming out in mid-December called, Desire to Inspire: Using Creative Passion to Transform the World. Great book for your club, eh? Also, I have personal experience in a book club that used The Artist's Way — it was wonderful to have support while working through the chapters of the book! Another book that I really love and refer to a lot is Cheri Huber's recent book, What You Practice Is What You Have: A Guide to Having the Life You Want.

If you spend just a few minutes thinking about it, I bet you'll easily come up with an inspiring book you want to dive into — and some folks who'd not only benefit from that book, but who'd be supportive and fun in your own Inspired Book Club!

Happy reading!

S.

Image © Can Stock Photo

*** Please read my Affiliate Disclaimer:  Sometimes I promote products or services that I think you'll enjoy. Please know that my recommendations are always based on my personal relationships with the product creators. I don't believe in promoting products if I haven't had personal experience with the person/company. Sometimes I will be compensated if you decide to purchase the product I promote. But what is most important to me is that I want everything I promote to be of service to you — that help you feel more alive and vital. Please consider carefully before making any purchases. Is this something that will connect me to myself or the people I love? Is this something that will help me feel more fully expressed?