The Book That Will Change Your Life

Kate Hudson is a role model of mine (i.e. I am totally obsessed). She is talented, down to earth, her style is to die for, she is an entrepreneur, and Almost Famous is my all-time favourite movie. Kate Hudson is also an author; her book, Pretty Happy, has had an enormous impact on my life.

Pretty Happy could essentially be described as a guide to improving your well-being. Kate (I think she’d be cool with a first name basis) preaches four pillars: “cultivate an intuitive relationship with your body”, “eat well”, “awaken your body”, and “the miracle of mindfulness”. She shares advice, tips, and tricks that help her through everyday life, but she also stresses that each body is different and what works for her may not work for everybody.

So what was so life-changing?

Kate’s approach to living a healthy lifestyle and achieving your ideal body is REALISTIC. This is where so many other self-help books miss the mark. Pretty Happy will encourage you to embrace change, take life day by day, and take small steps toward your goals. It suggests healthy lifestyle changes, such as changes to your daily routines and diet, that are realistic for busy students, jet set business people, and parents on-the-go.

Mindfulness was never a department I excelled in. I eat too fast, pay too much attention to my devices, and don’t spend enough time listening to my body and interpreting the signals it sends me. Kate’s “Drawing Board” exercises throughout Pretty Happy have truly helped me to slow down and actually be attentive to my body and my surroundings. She breaks down many common meditation and mindfulness practices into objective worksheets that you can respond to in a journal, agenda, or even the notes on your smartphone. Go back to your “Drawing Board” and complete the exercises daily or weekly until they are a second nature to you. I promise that you will begin to feel more in tune with your mind and body and reduce stress significantly.

Read Pretty Happy before the New Year. Use the lists and guides Kate has included. Photocopy them and stick them to your fridge or keep them on your nightstand. Read all of her words and appreciate them; try to understand and perhaps adopts her outlook on life (or particular aspects of life).

This book could change your life.

What books have impacted your life? Tell us in the comments below! We want to add more books to our reading list!