'Lean In'

I often like to read funny fiction books (the kind that are easy on the mind) 

I read the '50 Shades of Gray' trilogy in about 5 hot minutes and also flew through all 3 'Hunger Games' books without stopping to take a breath.  Every single thing that Chelsea handler has ever written have been some of my quickest and most enlightening reads to date.  That is how I roll and how my brain works most efficently.

I'm not only into toilet humor, (haha who am I kidding) I'm also a big fan of non-fiction books that are true to life or tell a story of someone's life or troubles.  I really got into Polygamy books a while back (weird, I know)  read 'Favorite Wife: Escape from Polygamy' by Susan Ray Schmidt and you may be hooked too. Another obsession I have is with stories of pioneer men and women on the wagon trails.   I started with a book called 'These is my Words:  The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1891-1901' by Nancy Turner.  Told from diaries of a young girl on the wagon trail  and the life she endures and she learns to read and write along the way.  Pioneer and wild west stories have been on my reading list ever since.

More recently I read 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed (read it, you'll love it - Oprah even recommends it) and I have a burning desire to sell everything I own and hike the remote 1,000+ Pacific Coast Trail and find myself....only a few problems, I'm scared to camp alone and my hair gets greasy after only 2 days...she went like 10 days each trek without a wash...eek.  Also, I have no idea how I would lug all of the wine that my body requires up and down rugged mountain ranges. (she did get skinny though)", hmmm, I'm still thinking about it...

FINALLY what inspired this post:

I might have jumped on the bandwagon a little late and just picked up a powerful book, I'm reading the book 'Lean In' by Sheryl Sandberg right now.  I thought I was buying the audio book on iTunes (because I would much rather 'listen' to a boring leadership book than actually read one) I actually accidentally bought the e-book on my iPhone and have been kicking myself ever since for not getting the original hard cover while I am squinting to read it on my phone.

I am 100% engrossed in this book and Sheryl Sandberg is speaking right to me.  I want to highlight every single line!!  Next stop Barnes and Noble (or an airport bookstore) for the hard copy and a hot pink highlighter.

So...I am only on chapter 6 and have already made so much self discovery.  I think the dude sitting next to me on the plane yesterday was wondering why I keep shaking my head and saying 'um-hmm' out loud!

As a generally quiet female (until you get to know me) in a male role in a very male dominated field, this book has spoke volumes to me thus far.  It is easy to read and she tells real-life stories that are inspiring and have made me look at myself in a new way.

She asks the question:  "What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

The first answer that comes to me is "say whats on my mind"

So many times I - hold it in - bite my tongue - agree when I really disagree - keep the peace - keep my ideas to myself - smile and go about my day.  BORING

BE A STANDOUT, Montgomery! Quit blending in so dang much. Don't be afraid.

If I am going to be the standout that I know I am, I have to learn to bust out of my comfort zone from time to time and say what's on my mind.

I hope the next several chapters are just as engaging as the first 6, I'm excited to learn more and discover myself along the way.  I love a good book that motivates me, and this one is doing just that.

Ask yourself: What would you do if you weren't afraid? 

It's a great question.

What would I do, you ask?

Don't mind me - I'll be over here Twerking with Miley.

OK - had to revert back to my comfort toilet-humor zone.
To be honest - I do have some underwear that fit like that.

Make the most of your day and do think about what you would do if you werent afraid!  Thank you Sheryl Sanberg for writing such a great book and being an inspiration!