Holly Scherer

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17 books to transform your life in just 15 minutes a day

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Reading has been an important daily habit of mine for years. Like most children who are exposed to books, I was obsessed. I not only loved to read them but also liked to play library with them.

After graduating from college and having read the world’s most boring textbooks, I quit reading for a few years. When I started again, I picked up deep stories like The Poisonwood Bible and The Celestine Prophecy.

As I transitioned into the expectations of the corporate world, the required travel and long hours took me away from reading again. Looking back, I should have used all those nights away from home to read instead of working. Just one more lesson I learned the hard way.

A decade later I started traveling even more and that’s when I became an audiobook addict. The book that transformed my life and renewed my love of reading was Linchpin by Seth Godin. That was a decade ago and since then I’ve read and listened to hundreds of books that have transformed my mindset and helped my husband, Jer, and I create the life we enjoy today.

If that’s not enough reason to read, here are some other benefits of a daily reading habit. Reading is good for your brain. Just as we need to move and work our bodies to maintain muscle mass, our brains need daily workouts too. Reading helps improve memory, critical thinking, and concentration. It’s also good for your mental health. It reduces stress, and builds confidence, and makes you more empathetic.

Books encourage personal growth and give you interesting things to talk about. As far as hobbies and entertainment go, nothing is more inexpensive. When purchased, books have a great return on investment. But don’t forget about the countless free resources from America’s libraries.

The final reason to read is that once you discover which types of books interest you, reading is fun and enjoyable.

Make it a habit

Finding time to read it the same as finding time for anything else that’s important to you. It’s not so much that you find or make time. Instead, you decide what’s important and schedule it.

The first thing I do every morning after brushing my teeth and grabbing a cup of coffee is read for 15 minutes. My morning books are always something spiritual-ish. It’s a wonderful way to start my day with a positive attitude and good energy.

Another great time to read is right before bed. It’s a fantastic way to wind down and forget about your worries of the day. And if you’re reading a paper book or using a kindle with the device light turned off, you’ll help your eyes adjust from a day filled with screens, helping you sleep better.

Don’t forget about audiobooks. They’re a great way to read more while your hands and eyes are focused on other things. I listen to audiobooks while driving, cooking, cleaning, and exercising. And if you’re on a budget, check out your local library’s offering of downloadable audiobooks and books on CD.

One final tip that will help you read considerably more books this year is to carry a Kindle with you. Instead of picking up your phone while waiting for an appointment or eating lunch, you’ll be able to dive back into that book you’ve been loving. Kindles are a convenient way to carry your entire library wherever you go.

What to read

Some of the most beneficial life skills aren’t taught in schools. So unless you had caregivers who were savvy in all of these areas and excellent coaches to boot, I imagine there are some things you could improve on. That’s certainly the case for me.

These are the seven books I think everyone should read as they transition to adulthood. Even if you had caregivers and teachers who were great coaches on self-control, decision making, interpersonal skills, personal finance, and relationships, I guarantee you’ll gain something from these books.

You can click the title or the photo to be taken directly to the Amazon page for each book. Keep in mind these also make great gifts!

7 Books everyone should read

1 – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This is the only book that is duplicated on my other must-read book list. I think it’s that important of a read.

The title may lead you to believe that it’s all about productivity. While it does a great job teaching ways to do more of what’s important to you, this book is about so much more. It’s about making the most of your whole life: your time, health, and relationships.

2 – The Four Agreements

If everyone on earth read this book, our world would be a very different place. It’s a short and easy read that will change how you interact with the world almost immediately. This book will help you reclaim your personal power. You’ll learn to look deeper and approach situations with more confidence and empathy. That’s why it’s my number two must-read.

3 – How to Win Friends and Influence People

This is another book that could change the world if we all read it. Some of the language could be considered dated, but please don’t let that diminish the value of this book.

Human interaction is one of those basic life skills most of us simply weren’t taught. Go out in the world for a day and just observe people and this will be evident. There are many reasons that we don’t always interact well, but much of this we simply never learned. Whether you’re a server, a CEO, or a stay at home dad, this book is certain to improve your interactions.

4 – The 5 Love Languages

Originally meant for couples, understanding love languages can help us with all of our relationships. For example, if you’re a minimalist and have a mother in law whose primary love language is gift-giving, this book will help you find a win-win. By learning to read and respond to her love language, you’ll be able to help her feel valuable by giving gifts, while not being stuck with a bunch of junk to drop off at the Goodwill.

It takes some time to make these tips a habit. But once you do, you’ll find a whole new level of peace in your most important relationships.

5 – Boundaries

I think it’s safe to say that many of us suck (or have sucked) at boundaries. I say this because as I read this book, people I know personally came to mind with every example of poor boundaries. I’ll be the first to admit that boundaries are hard for me too. I’m very clear about what’s okay and what’s not okay with me. I just have a really hard time communicating that.

This is a comprehensive book filled with practical advice and examples to get you started on your journey to better boundaries. All that’s left is to practice.

6 – 48 Days to the Work You Love

Many people in my generation entered college and the workforce with no idea who we were, how we were gifted, and what we were drawn to. This isn’t the worst thing because we’re constantly evolving and we learn by trying new things. That said, as I’m rediscovering who I am, I find that I’m able to tie all of my passions and superpowers back to the very beginning.

My biggest issue with not knowing who we are is that in 2020 we’re still advising young people to go to college and take out hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans. Many parents and advisors still believe that getting a piece of paper will provide young people with a secure job and solve all their problems.

I took that route and ended up starting over at age 38. That’s not to say that I’m against education and learning. This post should be an indicator that I love it. But when young people have no idea what they want, can’t afford it, or worse, don’t want to be there, we need to start having different conversations.

Whether you’re just finishing up high school or find yourself miserable in your midlife career, this book will guide you through those conversations. You’ll rediscover who you are, what you’re exceptionally skilled at, and how to build a work-life around that.

7 – The Total Money Makeover

As a culture, we’re not great with money. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing our financial journey.

Over the years I’ve read dozens of books about personal finance. I even have some brand new ones queued up on my Kindle for this year. While there’s no one perfect book on the subject, I think this one is as good as it gets. The reason I love it is that the strategy is so simple, anyone can follow it.

Our personal finances affect every aspect of our lives. Don’t you owe it to yourself to enjoy more peace in your family, health, career, and finances? You do and that’s why this is my final must-read book.

Now that I’ve finally put this list together, it’s time to share the best of what I read last year. My book selections aren’t always timely as to when the book was published. But they’re timely to my needs. For example, there’s a book I purchased in 2014 that I just wrapped up at the beginning of this year. I was simply waiting for the right time.

When you finish reviewing my recommendations below, check out my list of 13 Books for More Courage, Clarity, and Confidence. You’ll find some of my favorite books of all time on that list so you won’t want to miss it.

As I mentioned, the following list includes the best books I read last year. I’d love to do this annually because many readers have told me that these lists are valuable to them. So stay tuned for my annual favorite book list.

Let’s get started.

The 10 best books I read last year

1 – Will I Ever Be Good Enough?

Let’s start off with the heaviest books and get them out of the way. These two books were very powerful for me this year, so they certainly earned their way to the top. But I promise that there’s lighter stuff below.

I held on to this book for a long time before reading it. I think it was the title I had a hard time with. But the book in and of itself is excellent.

Here’s what I really loved about it. Most of us have some narcissistic tendencies. It’s a sliding scale but many of us have enough that they can affect our relationships with the people we value most, such as our spouses and children. This book covers how to break those narcissistic patterns as well as the trap we fall into when we try to overcorrect. This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn how to improve their most important relationships.

2 – The Body Keeps the Score

I’ve always erred on the side of caution when it comes to recommending psychology books. So many of us have unresolved trauma and I worry that books like this could be more harmful than helpful to some individuals. Still, I found myself recommending this book over and over again to teachers, yoga instructors, and health care professionals. And while listening to the epilogue, I thought that all politicians and voters need to read this book as well. Here’s why.

I was blown away by the stats regarding trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). “The ACE study revealed that traumatic life experiences during childhood and adolescence are far more common than expected. The study respondents were mostly white, middle class, middle-aged, well educated, and financially secure enough to have good medical insurance, and yet only one-third of the respondents reported no adverse childhood experiences.” “Of the two-thirds of respondents who reported an adverse experience, 87 percent scored two or more. One in six of all respondents had an ACE score of four or higher.”

What if we took this knowledge with us into our daily interactions? Not trying to diagnose or fix people–please don’t try to do that unless you’re an actual professional. Instead, what if we could use this information to see when people are reacting to triggers and in turn respond with empathy and compassion?

In my opinion, this should be required reading for teachers, politicians, and anyone who shapes and influences lives.

3 – Worthy

Have you read all the personal finance books, know exactly what you should do but struggle when it comes time to actually do it? You might have some limiting beliefs about yourself and finances.

I doubt that any of us made it this far in life without picking up at least one limiting belief about money. This book will teach you exercises to uncover these beliefs and help you do the work to change them.

4 – The Art of Asking

If you’ve struggled with limiting beliefs about money, you’ve probably also struggled with asking and receiving. I’ll admit that this has been hard for me too. And while I’m getting better at accepting help, I still consider it one of my greatest weaknesses. As Brené Brown explains:

Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into “those who offer help” and “those who need help.” The truth is that we are both.

― Brené Brown

This book is for us offerers! Listen with an open heart and mind and you’ll be sure to feel more confident when it comes to accepting help. And notice I said listen? This book by punk rocker, Amanda Palmer, is fantastic on audio.

5 – The Road Back to You

The Enneagram was all the rage last year and it continues to grow in popularity. I’ve taken every personality test I know of and this is the one I can most relate to. The Road Back to You isn’t just another book about personality styles. It’s a guide that will help you recognize the connection between your strengths and weaknesses as well as your connection to others.

Not only that, it’s fun to read. So fun, in fact, Jer and I read it aloud to each other while camping last summer. It was a great way to get to know each other on a deeper level and learn how to use our strengths to build a better team. However you choose to read it, I know you’ll love this book.

6 – The Immortal Diamond + Falling Upward

Throughout this post, I’ve mentioned my journey to rediscover my true self. For example, I have to believe that my love of reading is part of my innate sense of curiosity and part of my true self.

We are all born with this understanding of who and what we are. Then our familial and societal conditioning often lead us astray as we aim to become who we think we’re supposed to be. Around midlife, many of us find ourselves on a journey to rediscover the true selves we previously lost touch with.

The Immortal Diamond is an incredible book about our spiritual journey to find ourselves. After reading The Immortal Diamond, you may be craving more Rohr. I recommend diving into his book Falling Upward next.

7 – 10% Happier

I added this book to my Kindle wish list based on recommendations from a few friends. When I noticed a great deal on the book, I went in and read some reviews. I consequently almost didn’t purchase it.

First, there were quite a few negative reviews. And second, did I really want to read a book about meditation written by a news guy? Seriously, a news guy?

But something was telling me to read this. So against my better judgment, I went for it and I’m so grateful that I did. I plowed through this book in less than a week. But more importantly, I started meditating again after quitting for a couple of years because, get this, I couldn’t quiet my mind.

This is a fun and fast read filled with a lot of great resources. I highly recommend you ignore the reviews and give it a shot.

8 – To Shake the Sleeping Self

Just another memoir about someone riding their bike to Patagonia.

Yes, thousands of people have made this journey. But none of these people are exactly the same. And although we were raised in two completely different worlds, there was something really relatable about Jedidiah Jenkins.

The turning point in this book for me was when he wrote about unpacking his (internal) baggage as he rode through Baja California. I could relate to everything he experienced through my recent solo camping and backpacking journey. There’s something about hearing someone else’s story that makes you feel more “normal” and less alone.

If you’ve got some baggage to unpack or just love a great adventure, take this book for a spin. (See what I did there?)

9 – Educated

Oh My God!

I repeated this phrase over and over as I listened to this book twice in a row during backpacking training hikes. This is a simultaneously gut-wrenching and heartwarming story about the resilience of the human spirit. Hard to listen too at times but a reminder that a better future is always possible.

10 – The Longevity Diet

Low carb, keto, and Whole30 are all the rage. Just hop on Pinterest and you’ll find recipes for “healthy” alternatives to all of your favorite foods. Keto brownies, Whole 30 onion rings, and low carb meatloaf come together to make a delicious dinner. But just because they’re “diet” doesn’t mean that they’re healthy nor will they help you lose weight.

Sorry to burst your bubble. But in my well-researched opinion, there’s only one way to maintain good health and a healthy weight. As Michael Pollan famously put it: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” And my friends who are certified health coaches and hold degrees in nutrition agree.

If you’re interested in learning more about the subject, there are a lot of great books out there such as How Not to Die. But I’m choosing to share The Longevity Diet because it’s shorter and easier to digest and implement.

If you care about more than simply fitting into your favorite jeans from high school, you’re going to love this book.

How to eat an elephant

Between this post and The 13 Books for More Courage, Clarity, and Confidence, I just shared more than 30 books. That’s more than I’d usually recommend but since I plan to do this annually, I wanted to establish a solid foundation. So I’d love to offer one piece of advice to help you digest this list.

Start where you are.

I read the books in the 7 must-read books list over the course of a decade. As I approached a problem I needed to solve, I sought the advice of virtual mentors who had gone before me. I took these in one at a time when I was good and ready.

What one area of your life do you need the most help with right now? Personal finance? Relationships? Discipline and self-control? Pick one book. Start there and read one page at a time.

The average person reads 200 words per minute. The average non-fiction book is about 50,000 words. So in theory, you should be able to read a typical book in less than 5 hours. Using these same figures, if you read 15 minutes every day, you could easily finish every book on this list plus a few fun ones in just 12 short months.

What books are on your must-read list? Share in the comments below or come tell me about them with me on Facebook. Who knows, they could even make next year’s list!

Why right now is the best time to slow down and enjoy life

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The last few months I’ve been writing a lot about travel and taking time to slow down and enjoy life. But to be honest, up until a couple of years ago, I wasn’t very good at this myself. I grew up believing that my value as a person was tied to my achievements and productivity. Add to that a natural propensity towards perfectionism and, even though I love to travel, I felt guilty when I wasn’t being “productive.”

Then one day last summer all of that changed. As I wrote in my journal on a rainy Tuesday morning, I had an epiphany. I realized that all of this time I’d spent traveling and being in nature wasn’t wasted nor frivolous. It’s been a time of immense healing and growth. It’s been a time of clarity and creativity. It’s part of my story. It’s who I am, what I’m becoming, and part of everything I’ll create in the future.

I’m not suggesting that we should all quit working and live a life of leisure. I’d go as far as to say that leisure isn’t the key to living a life of joy and meaning. But I believe that it’s essential to make time to care for our minds, bodies, and spirits regularly. Taking time to slow down and enjoy life isn’t being lazy. It’s the natural rhythm of life and neglecting it isn’t helpful.

I wrote the following post as I was preparing to embark on my solo tour to visit every Minnesota State Park a couple of summers ago. While I’ve changed a lot over the last two years, what I wrote is still relevant to this always-connected-insta-perfect world we live in. I added additional commentary at the end that I hope will inspire you to make time to enjoy the little things this summer.

Are you making time to enjoy the life you’ve created? Or do you often lose sight of everything you already have while working on your next big goal?

Maybe you’ve built some wealth but have a hard time spending any of it. Perhaps you built some freedom into your schedule but continue with your workaholic ways. Or maybe you have that incredible family you’ve always dreamed of but are too busy working to truly cherish them.

It’s easy to get sucked into our daily tasks and go-go-go from sunup to sundown. Try an experiment tomorrow. Go ask 10 people how they’ve been. I bet half of them will mention something about being busy. It’s become our way of life.

Being engaged in life and having meaningful work is important. And having goals and dreams we’re looking forward to is a good thing. But so many of us struggle to find the balance between achieving and enjoying the present moment.

When I worked in the corporate world, we never had the opportunity to go camping until after Labor Day. And even after we created more freedom in our lives, we stayed stuck in this pattern. Then one day I realized that we already had the freedom we were working so hard to create but were failing to enjoy it. That’s when I decided to spend most of what was left of my summer hanging out in my tent.

Here’s the thing. I don’t know about you but I receive constant reminders of the brevity of life. I plan to live well into my hundreds, but none of us really know which day will be our last. I would be pretty upset if I found out that tomorrow was my last day and I never took time to enjoy my life.

The Angel of Death comes to you and says, “Come, it’s time to go.” You say, “But no. You’re supposed to give me a warning so I can decide what I want to do with my last week. I’m supposed to get one more week.” Do you know what Death will say to you? He’ll say, “My God! I gave you fifty-two weeks this past year alone. Why would you need one more? What did you do with all those?” If asked that, what are you going to say? How will you answer? “I wasn’t paying attention… I didn’t think it mattered.” That’s a pretty amazing thing to say about your life.

Michael Singer, The Untethered Soul

I don’t believe that we were put on this earth to be miserable, pay bills, and die. We’re here to create value and enjoy life. When we find that balance, we become happier people. When we become happier, we become kinder. And when we all become kinder, the world becomes a better place.

It’s been nearly two years since I wrote the above post and I feel even more strongly about this message today. I just returned from a short solo trip up north and was reminded how slowing down can bring clarity, creativity, and healing to your life. And those three things are just as (if not more) valuable than any achievement.

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether be a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success.

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’d love to hear from you. How do you find time to slow down and enjoy life? Share in the comments below or come let me know on Facebook.

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The surprising lessons solo wilderness travel teaches you

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Anyone who has ever traveled alone in the wilderness will tell you that some of their best experiences happened while they were solo. You see things when you’re alone that almost never occur when you’re in a group. I know firsthand that going solo can feel terrifying. But when you find the courage to lean into your fear, you will be richly rewarded.

On Memorial Day weekend of 2010, I had my first mind-blowing solo wildlife experience. There she was, just 30 feet to my left. She was close enough that I could see that she was as nervous as I was. We stood there staring at each other for what felt like 20 minutes. Then as I attempted to slowly set down my coffee to take a photo, she sprinted off into the woods.

My husband and I had spent the previous five summer’s scouring the arrowhead region of Minnesota in search of the elusive moose. Then one morning as I sat sipping my coffee alone, along the shore of Lake Superior, a young cow moose sauntered by. It was completely unexpected and an experience I’ll never forget.

I’ve been traveling alone for nearly two decades. And for the past decade, I’ve been enjoying solo hikes and adventures in nature. More recently I found the courage to give solo camping a try. While I love spending time in nature with my spouse and close friends, the experience of going it alone is something special.

I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, 'This is what it is to be happy.' — Sylvia Plath Click To Tweet

Solo Lesson One

The first thing you’ll notice when you head into the wilderness solo is the abundance of wildlife. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty darn quiet when I’m alone. This silence allows you to get up close and personal with wildlife you’d probably never see in a group.

I’ve encountered otters, loons, and beavers while out kayaking. I’ve enjoyed morning yoga with eagles and fawns. I even happened upon the cutest little bear cubs while out on a solo hike in a local state park. The opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat is one of the best reasons to head into the woods alone.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. – Edward Abbey Click To Tweet

Solo Lesson Two

The next thing you’ll learn is that you’re so much stronger than you ever imagined. I spent more than 100 nights sleeping in a tent the last two summers and most of those nights were solo. Along this journey, I had some really challenging days, like the day I had to break down camp in a thunderstorm. Then I got lost on the way to the next park. I had no cell service, no GPS, and the roads weren’t on the map.

I finally found my campsite just as the sun was setting and proceeded to back my new car into a tree. As if that wasn’t enough, I still had to carry all of my gear into a walk-in campsite and set up under the darkening sky. My tent looked like I pulled it out of a swamp. It was dripping wet and covered in pine needles and sand. I was tired, hungry, and wanted to cry. I contemplated packing it up, making the six-hour drive home, and calling it quits.

But I stuck with it and woke up the next morning to a new day, dry tent, and a fresh perspective. I was almost able to laugh at how many mishaps I dealt with the previous day. More importantly, from that day forward, I never doubted that I could find the strength I needed to approach future frustrations with strength and grace.

I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. – Henry David Thoreau Click To Tweet

Solo Lesson Three

The final lesson you’ll learn when you head into the wilderness solo is that you’re freakin’ awesome!

Not that long ago, someone asked me, “You’ve been married for 15 years, right? Do you think you’re so close because of all the time you’ve spent apart?” I responded that “I don’t think being apart is as important as being alone.”

As a culture, we’re over-connected, overstimulated, and overstressed. When you’re in the woods, it’s almost impossible to maintain that same level of connection and stimulation. This will give you the opportunity to truly disconnect and get to know and love your awesome authentic self.

But be warned that it’s not always pretty. On night number 10 of my solo state park tour, I came face to face with limiting beliefs I didn’t know I had. It’s honestly something I’m still working on but I’ve come a long way since then. I can confidently say that I have a whole new level of love and respect for myself. I don’t think I’d be where I am today had I not ventured into the wild alone.

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, you’re sure to improve your life by heading into the woods solo. I know that it’s scary for some of you so give yourself permission to start small. Check out these resources to help you plan your adventure and get started on a budget. And don’t forget to embrace every moment of your unique and wonderful journey.

What have you learned while spending time in nature alone? Let me know in the comments or come say “hi” on Facebook.

This post originally appeared on The Wild Life Blog in summer 2018. It has been completely revamped to include more great resources to help you plan more meaningful wilderness adventures.

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What I learned while visiting the Minnesota state parks

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Two years ago, I decided to embark on a journey to visit all 69 Minnesota state parks. What started as an exercise to be more courageous changed my life in so many ways. In this post, I highlight some of the most important lessons I learned along the way. I also share my favorite parks you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Isn’t it crazy how life never turns out exactly how we think it will? Growing up, I never could have imagined that I’d spend more than 100 nights sleeping in a tent over the course of two summers. I’ve always enjoyed nature but I grew up in an indoorsy family and was never exposed to activities like camping, hiking, and canoeing.

Early in our marriage, my husband, Jeremiah, and I took a weekend trip to Minnesota’s North Shore and were instantly hooked! We tried to get up there as often as we could during the next five years. We found any excuse to make the trek. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday weekends were all fair game. We stayed in a lot of beautiful lake homes and cabins those years. It was magical and EXPENSIVE!

Our vacation rental budget came to an abrupt end when we decided to pay off our mortgage. We were done spending thousands of dollars on weekend getaways but our desire to go north was still there. This desire pushed us to get creative and to give camping a try. We started by renting camper cabins but I quickly figured out that we could stay three times longer if we camped in a tent.

We’ve been mortgage free for five years (the exact date this post went live–YAY!) and we still love camping. Now that I’ve visited all of the Minnesota state parks, we’re exploring backpacking and canoe camping. I love how all of the things we did when we were trying to save money have become some of our greatest passions.

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THE JOURNEY IS THE REWARD

As a part of my goal setting process, I choose one word that I live and breathe throughout the entire year. My word for 2017 was courage.

As a lifelong perfectionist, I always played it safe. If there was a good chance I’d fail at something, I wouldn’t even try. When I set out to build my own business, I quickly discovered that my fear and perfectionism were holding me back from achieving my potential.

Throughout that year, I made it a habit to say yes to things that scared me. But when Jer suggested I camp solo, I really had to think it over. I had always wanted to visit all of the Minnesota state parks but the idea of sleeping in a tent alone in the woods scared the crap out of me. Then I ran the numbers and saw that I could easily knock it out in two years if I went on my own. If I kept waiting for a time when Jer and I could do it together, I’d be waiting indefinitely.

After I made my decision, I took action quickly. I planned a test run for later that month and two weeks later, my journey to visit 69 parks and recreation areas was in full swing. At the start of my journey, I just wanted to find the best parks so we could spend our summers camping in the primo campsites. I never imagined how this journey would change my entire life.

I learned so much over those two summers. I learned a lot about my limiting beliefs and other behaviors that were holding me back. I learned that I am so much stronger than I thought I was. I found that the world is safer and people are kinder than we’re taught to believe. But more than anything, I learned that there’s good in everything.

While compiling the list of my favorite parks, I tried to think of the worst park but couldn’t. There were plenty of miserable experiences on my journey, like the park where the mosquitoes were so thick that I couldn’t breathe without them flying up my nose. As horrible as that was, the history of the park and the interpretive signs were an unforgettable learning experience.

As I reflected on that, I was reminded of how that’s true for everything in life. We can train ourselves to find good in any situation. Flight delays are annoying, but I always enjoy having extra uninterrupted time to read. Having your furnace and air conditioning quit working on the hottest day of the summer is unpleasant. But having a new furnace and not worrying about your heat going out is a breath of fresh air in the winter.

Give it a try. Can you find the good in all things?

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THE BEST Minnesota State Parks

This next section is all about parks. Since we all have different goals and desires, let me tell you a little bit about what I look for in state parks. Jer and I are active people and we go out on adventures every day we camp. We like cycling, challenging hiking trails, swimming, canoeing, and even a little fishing from time to time.

When it comes to camping, we love secluded campsites with a great view. This means they might be work to get to, but the peace and quiet are priceless for us city folk. With that in mind, here’s a list of my favorite Minnesota state parks.

14 – Beaver Creek Valley (A Minnesota State Parks hidden gem!)

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at this beautiful hidden gem, Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

Welcome to the land before time. There’s a region of southeastern Minnesota known as the Driftless Area. This area escaped glaciation during the last ice age so you will find a landscape, flora, and fauna unlike the rest of the state. This particular park is very distinct which makes it a must-see for anyone who loves rugged adventure.

13 – Forestville Mystery Cave

One of the many beautiful views at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.

Also in the Driftless, Forestville Mystery Cave is a great alternative to the wildly popular Whitewater State Park. While you’re there, be sure to check out one of the many caves in the area. And if you enjoy cycling, plan a day on the nearby Root River State Trail.

12 – Big Bog

After this trip to Big Bog State Park I became a Big Bog nerd.

The coolest place in Minnesota that hardly anyone knows about. Did you know that Minnesota is home to the largest bog in the Lower 48?

Bogs are home to incredible plants and wildlife you’ve probably never heard of. There are pine trees that turn gold in the fall and lose their needles. You’ll find carnivorous plants that survive on insects. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bear, wolves, and maybe even a bobcat. If you have kids (or not) make sure and pick up the book Big Belching Bog, by Grand Marais artist Betsy Bowen before you go.

The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom. — Theodore Roosevelt Click To Tweet

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11 – Banning

Wolf Creek Falls at Banning State Park are a must see stop along I 35.

A beautiful park that I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t visit until I started my Minnesota state parks tour. The next time you’re headed to Duluth or the North Shore, set aside a few hours to hike this magnificent park. You’ll be grateful you did.

10 – Hayes Lake

I could live in this campsite at Hayes Lake State Park.

This park might not sound that great to a Minnesota native. With nearly 12,000 lakes to choose from, I tend to ignore dammed lakes. But this park took my breath away. It was worth the six-hour drive, getting lost on unmarked forest roads, backing my new car into a tree, and camp neighbors who announced every morning at 6:30 am that “this beer isn’t gonna drink itself.”

9 – Savanna Portage (One of Minnesota state parks best kept secrets.)

Start the day with yoga, foggy sunrises, and loon calls at Savanna Portage State Park.

Another underrated park I fell in love with. Like Banning, I didn’t visit this somewhat close park until I started my state park tour. Since then, I’ve planned an annual trip and have had a completely new experience each time. Stay tuned to see the exciting adventure we planned for this year.

8 – Itasca State Park

The pros know the headwaters of the Mississippi at Itasca State Park are prettier after a fresh snow.

This is one of the best state parks in Minnesota but it can lose its serenity during the peak summer months. Minnesota’s first state park is 32,690 acres and sees over half a million visitors per year. That’s double the number of people that go into the one million acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area. But don’t let the crowds deter you. There are beautiful backpack and canoe sites far away from the crowds.

Or visit during the winter. I’m not a fan of cold weather but have thoroughly enjoyed this park year round, even when it was 20 below.

7 – Jay Cooke

It’s even beautiful when it’s raining at Jay Cooke State Park.

I catch myself saying, “I forget how beautiful this park is,” every time we visit. Another stunning park just two hours from the Twin Cities. Plus, both the Superior Hiking Trail and the Willard Munger State Trail cross through this park so you’ll never run out of things to do.

6 – Temperance River

I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to these Temperance River sunrises.

It was hard to not put every North Shore park on this list. I love them all and usually visit each one every year. So what makes Temperance special? For starters, both campgrounds are on the lake which makes it easy to get up for these epic sunrises. The hiking and beaches are fabulous. But the best thing is that my favorite bike trail runs through the park all the way to Ski Hill Road in Lutsen. And if you make it to Ski Hill Road, you must climb it for bragging rights.

When you do something noble and beautiful and nobody noticed, do not be sad. For the sun every morning is a beautiful spectacle and yet most of the audience still sleeps. ― John Lennon Click To Tweet

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5 – George Crosby Manitou

The only thing you’re likely to hear are the sounds of nature at George Crosby Manitou State Park.

While this park is increasing in popularity, it’s still a great place to escape the crowds. On my last trip, I spent four hours wandering through the forest and didn’t cross paths with another person. It’s one of the best places to enjoy a long hike with nothing but the sounds of nature.

4 – Scenic

Sunrise yoga views at Scenic State Park.

The name says it all. It’s impossible to not fall in love with this park. The lakes, virgin pines, and abundant wildlife make it a great place to spend your summer vacation.

3 – Split Rock Lighthouse (One of the most popular Minnesota state parks.)

It was hard to leave these majestic views at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

I’ve camped at this park three times and have never actually entered the lighthouse. Maybe this summer?

There are so many great things about this park. It has beautiful hiking trails, a breathtaking shoreline, and the best section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. But my favorite thing about this park has to be the campground.

This park has 20 cart-in and 4 backpack sites, most of which sit on Superior’s shore. The downside is that with only 24 sites, it can be very difficult to score a campsite. People have figured out how to cheat the system, which is very disappointing and frustrating. (Use your integrity and please don’t follow their lead.) Still, it’s worth the effort to wake up to views like these.

2 – Bear Head Lake

We were out canoeing Bear Head Lake before the sun rose every day during our last trip to Bear Head Lake State Park.

This park holds a special place in my heart as it was the first state park Jer and I “camped” at in a camper cabin. This is one of the most beautiful parks in the state with great hiking, canoeing, and fishing. I can’t wait to get back this year and do even more exploring.

1 – Tettegouche (One of the largest and most diverse Minnesota state parks.)

Looking out over beautiful Tettegouche State Park from Mount Baldy.

This has been my favorite state park since our first visit to the North Shore in 2005. Upstream from the stunning shoreline, you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls, including High Falls, the highest waterfall entirely in Minnesota. Arguably the best hiking in the state can be found in the borders of this park. You can rent a canoe at one of the inland lakes and follow that up with some serious rock climbing. We’ve spent a lot of time in this park and have yet to see it all. It’s truly an adventurer’s paradise.

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. ― John Muir Click To Tweet

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Spending time in nature has been a healing experience for me. The silence has allowed me to listen to myself and uncover the things I didn’t know were holding me back. My time in the woods gave me the opportunity to experience nature’s strength, resilience, and abundance. I learned valuable life lessons and was reminded how to see the good in everything.

I’d love to hear what nature has taught you. Let me know in the comments below or come start a conversation on Facebook.

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How to plan a memorable vacation on a small budget

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Have you been dreaming of a family vacation but worry that you can’t budget for travel right now? Or maybe you can’t stand the thought of spending a small fortune on one of those readymade vacation packages. Either way, you’re in luck. In this post, I share my five best tips for planning a memorable vacation on any budget.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Americans are wasting over $52 BILLION each year by not using all of their vacation time. There are many reasons people don’t take vacations. Some feel like they can’t take more than a day or two away from work because of their workload or responsibilities. Others feel like they have no room in their budget to travel. Or maybe it simply comes down to not having the time to plan your next trip.

While all of these reasons are valid, there are even better reasons to make that vacation happen. Vacations are a great opportunity to reset, find ourselves, and create peace and joy in our lives. These experiences improve our performance at work. And more importantly, they improve our marriages, families, and other relationships.

Relax, refresh, and have fun. Posing at the highest waterfall in Minnesota. Tettegouche State Park
Relax, refresh, and have fun. My husband, Jer, posing at the highest waterfall in Minnesota in Tettegouche State Park.

But what about the cost?

When we dream about vacation, it’s easy to fantasize about springtime in Paris, a hike to Machu Pichu, or a romantic getaway to the South Pacific. But in reality, we can experience the same benefits without traveling thousands of miles and spending a small fortune. Some of my most memorable adventures have been a short drive and just a few nights.

One of these memorable places is Lake Superior’s North Shore. Less than a three-hour drive from Minneapolis and you’re on scenic Highway 61 that covers 151 miles of natural perfection. This is an artist’s dream, with plenty of inspiration for writers, photographers, painters, and sculptors alike. Outdoor enthusiasts won’t be disappointed with ample opportunities for hiking, canoeing, fishing, cycling, camping, and rock-climbing.

Wherever you’re headed, there’s likely the option to travel as frugally or lavishly as you wish. You can pitch a tent and camp for less than $20 per night or enjoy fine dining and spa treatments at high-end resorts. Whichever you choose, there are many ways to make sure your trip is memorable. Here are five ways we keep it fresh whether we’re traveling close to home or exploring a new country.

Slow down and enjoy each moment. My beloved Cascade River State Park.
Slow down and enjoy the simple things like my favorite waterfall at Cascade River State Park.

FIVE WAYS TO CREATE MEMORABLE ADVENTURES ON ANY BUDGET

1 – STAY SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT

You know that gorgeous campsite with sweeping views of Lake Superior? And that perfect little hotel with miles of undeveloped coastline? It would be really easy to keep going back to those spots year after year. But new locations create excitement and anticipation. These new experiences expand your view of the world and encourage self-discovery.

Next time you’re planning a trip, challenge yourself to stay somewhere new. Try an Airbnb instead of a hotel. Check out the camper cabins in state parks and national forests. Or stay on a farm, in a treehouse, and don’t forget about hostels. There are so many excellent options and each is guaranteed to be an exciting new experience.

Get up early and watch the sun rise. Sunrise from our campsite at Tettegouche State Park.
Sunrise from our campsite at Tettegouche State Park.

2 – TRY SOMETHING NEW

Most of the things I love doing today weren’t on my radar 20 years ago. The idea of sleeping in a tent in pouring rain sounded miserable. Paddling a canoe 20+ miles into the wilderness seemed terrifying and dangerous. And a 90-mile hike … was that even possible?

Little by little, we tried more new things. We invested time in the activities we loved and dropped the ones we didn’t. I’m grateful that I found the courage to step past my comfort zone and find new hobbies I’m deeply passionate about. You’ll never really know what you’ll like until you give it a try.

Try something new as often as you can. Hiking the frozen Caribou Falls during our last stay at Bluefin Bay.
Try something new as often as you can. Hiking the frozen Caribou Falls during an anniversary trip to the North Shore.

3 – GO EXPLORE

I know lots of families who take a vacation to the same resort every summer. I think that’s awesome and a wonderful way to connect and create memories.

If you’re one of these lucky people, you can still make each vacation a new adventure. I challenge you to do a little research and find new places you’ve never been to. I promise you they’re out there.

I traveled around the entire state of Minnesota the previous two summers visiting every state park. After I finished, I started noticing other amazing places I missed along the way. No matter where you’re going, I know you can find somewhere new to explore.

Take risks. Cross a bridge that is held up by two ropes tied to a tree. Split Rock River Loop - Superior Hiking Trail
Step out of your comfort zone and cross a bridge that’s held up by ropes tied to a tree. Sadly this crooked bridge over the Split Rock River is no longer standing.

4 – MAKE THE BEST OF THE UNEXPECTED

Not everything goes as planned. Sometimes it rains the entire trip. We’ve had snow while camping in September. And then there was that time something (a fox, bear, or wolf) ate one of my shoes while camping in the middle of nowhere.

Don’t let these moments dampen your fun. If it won’t stop raining, go for a drive, pick up a new book, visit a museum, or cuddle up with some hot cocoa and listen to the rain. If you’re someone who likes to go, go, go, savor these opportunities to rest and restore.

Get the most out of life through new experiences. Skiing the icy Sugarbush Trail.
Get the most out of life through new experiences like skiing the icy Sugarbush Trail.

5 – ENJOY LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES

Some of the best things in life are the little things we often miss in our day to day lives. Get up early and watch the sunrise. Head to the beach and listen to the waves. Go for a hike and enjoy a picnic at the highest peak and soak in the view. Or take a moonlight swim in the warm summer air. Slow down and take pleasure in the little things we often miss.

Pay attention to the changes around you. Enjoying calm seas before dawn while camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
Enjoying the little things like calm seas before dawn at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world or spend your life savings to have an incredible vacation. Find the courage to leave your comfort zone and try something new. Whatever you do, use those vacation days and live your best life!

How do you ensure you use all of your vacation days? Comment below or come share your best tips on Facebook.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March of 2016. It has been completely revamped for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and readability. Please enjoy and feel free to share this newly revised content.

Create vacation memories that last when you learn to linger

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Ahhhhh, the magic of travel. We spend months dreaming and planning and when our dream vacation finally arrives, it’s over in the blink of an eye. So what if I told you that you could make those memories last by learning to linger?

There are so many different ways to travel today. You could let it all go and head to an all-inclusive resort where you can sit by the pool and indulge in tropical drinks without a care in the world. You could book a tour and travel from city to city and knock out all of Europe in a little more than two weeks. Or you could get the best of both worlds by slowing down as you linger from place to place.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel. For my husband, Jeremiah, and I, we prefer to linger. As we’ve traveled together over the last decade and a half, we’ve realized that we’d rather get to know one area really well rather than just a glimpse of everything. We found that slowing down to linger has made our travel more memorable and enjoyable. Learning to see travel as an experience rather than a checklist has changed us in wonderfully unexpected ways.

Painted Eucalyptus Trees - Mile Marker 6 - Road to Hana, Maui
Painted Eucalyptus Trees – Mile Marker 6 – Road to Hana, Maui

Long before airplanes and cruise ships, travel was an epic journey. Today, however, travel agents sell packages that can take you through three countries in 10 days. While I appreciate the conveniences of modern travel and the ability to fly halfway around the world in half a day, I don’t want my trip to pass by at warp speed.

When visiting a new place, it’s tempting to try and see as much as possible. But when you are in the midst of it, you start to feel like you’re just checking things off your list. At the end of your trip, you probably feel like you desperately need a vacation.

'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Hana, Maui
‘Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Hana, Maui

Lingering allows you to slow down and get to know the heart of the place you’re visiting. It allows you to experience the real people and culture instead of what’s marketed to tourists. When you linger, the destination will become a part of you and you’ll carry it with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.

Here are some ways learning to linger could transform your life:

Tips to Practice the Art of Lingering
Travel brings power and love back into your life. – Rumi

How we lingered on a popular Hawaiian day trip.

If you’ve been to the island of Maui, you’ve probably driven the road to Hana. Most visitors to Hana get up before dawn to drive the three-hour, 75-mile one-way trip. Along the way, they breeze through as many stops as possible to snap a selfie and get back on the road so they can return before dark.

Sitting on the Beach in Wai'anapanapa State Park
Sitting on the black sand beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park

Realizing we only had 11 hours of daylight and over six hours of drive time, we questioned whether it was even worth it. If we added in lunch and bathroom breaks, we’d only have three hours to see the sights. So I dug a little deeper and decided to extend this popular day trip from one day to three.

Rather than staying in one place on Maui, we split our time between condos on both the western and eastern side of the island. This allowed us to start and end our travel at a reasonable hour so we could enjoy the drive during daylight. We loved the lighter traffic that came with not following the crowd. We enjoyed long hikes without feeling rushed, relaxed on the beach, and even stopped for happy hour. We got to soak in the true feeling of Hana instead of rushing through.

Bamboo Forest - Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls - Hana, Maui
Bamboo Forest – Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls – Hana, Maui

Here are some tips to help you linger.

  • Leave at least one day per week open with no plans.
  • Experiment with a fluid itinerary. Make a list of everything you would like to see, but don’t schedule it until the night before. I like to break my list into two categories: must see and would be nice to see.
  • Plan one extra night per location. Figure out how long it will take to visit all of your must-see stops and tack on one more night. I typically stick to a minimum of three nights per location.
  • Take longer trips and extend a week to 10 days or 10 days to two weeks.
  • Maximize weekends and holidays. Leave on Friday night and return on a Sunday night. Plan trips around holidays, especially Labor Day when most people are back to work and school.
  • Make travel days painless by taking off and arriving at reasonable times. Don’t try to squeeze in too much travel per day.
  • Book vacation rentals in lieu of hotels and resorts.
  • Do your research ahead of time so you’re not wasting precious vacation time trying to figure it out.
  • Stay mindful of your budget. Lingering and low cost often go hand in hand.
  • Pack less for maximum flexibility and fun.
When you’re planning your next trip, remember that travel is more than checking places off your list. Slow down and take time to linger. You’ll be glad you did.

Once you learn to linger, don’t stop with travel. Learning to linger in our everyday lives can create clarity, reduce stress, improve health, and boost creativity. Allowing time to linger will help you transform from a human doing to a human being. So why not set aside some time to stop and linger today?

How has slowing down to linger added value to your life? Share in the comments below or come give me a shout out on Facebook.

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