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A collage of people discussing a book

A Nontraditional Book Club Can Support Your Goals And Keep You Socially Connected

How are your transformation goals going?
Do you sometimes feel alone and need a positive, periodic diversion? One way to fight isolation and stay connected with others during your time of reinvention is through reading. You’re probably thinking, “How will reading help solve the issue of feeling alone?”  Well, I have some ideas that may inspire you.

A book club is a great way to meet people and engage in interesting conversations.
It’s been a while since I participated in a traditional book club, but I know people who enjoy the experience.  

Last year, a friend told me how she really missed her faith-based book club. Participants would meet in a member’s home, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, discuss the selected book, and fellowship. The pandemic put a stop to that. Now they have convened online and are adjusting to the times.

Conversely, I’ve spoken with others who are not always motivated with the choices selected by an established book club. Inviting others to engage with your book doesn’t necessarily have to be through a traditional book club experience. Perhaps you would like to create an alternative, purpose-driven agenda that relates to your interests or the changes you’re making in your life. Consider forming a reading circle centered on a theme, professional goal, passion or social justice issue.  

If you were to organize your own meetup, what would it look like?
Who would you invite? Theme-focused meetings would attract like-minded people who express a shared intention. Perhaps you’ve wanted to support a particular cause or develop your skills in a certain area. What items would you include on the agenda?

Nowadays, you don’t even have to read a book to have a “book club.” You could discuss articles, podcasts, documentaries — the list goes on and on. There’s sure to be something on it that works for you and helps foster the types of conversations you want to have.

Here’s an example of how this could work…  
Let’s say your reinvention goal is improving your public speaking skills. You and a friend could host a two-hour virtual monthly meeting to discuss and practice one skill that relates to public speaking. On your agenda would be a book related to effective public speaking, an historical speech to critique, and a TED talk to review. Prior to the meeting, members would become familiar with the material and then on the scheduled day, discuss, evaluate and share how they would apply what they’ve learned to an upcoming presentation. Each person would be given a specific amount of time to demonstrate or perform what he or she learned from the assignment.

Or, how about a virtual meeting on developing strong leadership skills? This may inspire others to also make some personal, positive pivots. Create an agenda around biographies, research, and articles highlighting outstanding women leaders, and leadership skills and advice.

Ways to get started…
Reach out to your local libraries, bookstores, or community organizations. They may already have something like this set up or would be willing to help facilitate your idea. Or consider posting a notice on social media to see if your followers would be interested in joining your nontraditional reading club.

Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to think of ways to connect with like-minded people by organizing a purpose-driven gathering that values reading. Have fun with this! Not only will you be learning and growing, but you’ll also be participating in a group of highly motivated individuals with shared interests. Lifelong learning, self-improvement and meaningful connections can help solve the issue of isolation, while supporting your personal goals this year.

Consider This
Want more ideas on staying connected? I wrote an article that was published in Sixty and Me, a community of women who want to live happy, healthy and financially secure lives. In the article, I share practical tools to help women combat the feelings of isolation. You can check it out here.

Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Today, set a loving intention to creatively think about solving the issue of isolation through reading.
• Begin by organizing your thoughts around your goals, passions and purpose.
• How will inviting people to join your original “book club” promote lifelong learning, self-improvement and camaraderie?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.

Need help with solving the issue of isolation?

It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life.  Click here for more.

In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,

T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com

When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.

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