Atomic Habits - Book Review

For the last couple of months, I have been reading Atomic Habits by James Clear whenever I get the chance. (Let's face it. I am a full-time employee, part-time student, mother, and wife. It takes me a while to read books sometimes.) I love this book. It has given me a clearer direction on how to create habits that will help me become the person I want to be. I will definitely be refining my process as I try to improve myself day by day. 

At the beginning of the book, it talks about the importance of improving one percent at a time rather than going from 0 to 100 all at once. By improving one percent at a time, we are breaking everything down into manageable bites. If the habits are too hard, we are more likely to give up. Also, making too many changes at once is less effective than making small, intentional changes little by little.

This book breaks down how to create new habits by using stories to show the importance of four different steps to creating lifelong habits as it emphasizes the importance of making small steps. First, make it obvious. Then, make it attractive. Next, make it easy. Finally, make it satisfying. 

There are so many great quotes from this book! I wouldn't even know where to start. I highly recommend anyone who wants to make improvements in any area of their life. It is an amazing book!

Day 25 (Christmas Day)

 

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Day 24

 

“ Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1: 22-23

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave to ultimate sacrifice so give us the opportunity to live with Him and our Heavenly Father again. 

Day 23

“During the holiday season, we celebrate the light and truth Jesus Christ brought into this world. 

Our quest in life is to seek for light and truth and receive the magnificent blessing of having Him walk with us, despite the darkness that exists in the world today. Throughout this wonderful time and the rest of the year as well, we should consider how light and truth help us walk with the Savior. Walking with Him is always the road best traveled.” Ulisses Soares

Day 22

 

“ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the ​​​light​ of the world: he that followeth me shall not ​​​walk​ in ​​​darkness​, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

I am thankful for my sister. We may drive each other crazy at times, but we have a bond that is very special. No one knows me like she does. 

Day 21

 

“And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.” 3 Nephi 1:17 & 18

I am thankful for doctors that listen. I have dealt with bad doctors for myself and my daughter. Last year, it took three visits over several months to be finally told my daughter had strep. The office we go to now diagnosed her right away last month. I dealt with similar issues for my own health issues. We both go to the same office now where they listen and send us (mostly her) to specialists when needed. We may need to go to more visits as we rule out a few things, but we are not being treated like our concerns are invalid. 

Day 20

 

“Christmas means giving. The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship.” Gordon B. Hinckley 

I am thankful for modern technology. With it I can talk to my family, attend school online, and work from home. I can still be the mom my kids need while continuing to improve myself and contributing to the household income. Is it hard to be home so much? Yes, but I know that is what is needed right now, and I am glad the technology exists for me to do so. 

Day 19

 “How will we worship him this season? Endlessly shopping? Hustling about and adorning our homes? Will that be our tribute to our Savior? Or will we bring peace to troubled hearts, goodwill to those in need of higher purpose, glory to God in our willingness to do his bidding?” Ronald A. Rasband

I am thankful for my heater. A few years ago, our heater went out, and we had to live with space heaters for about a week while we waited for it to be replaced. It was not as warm in the house as it is when we have a working furnace. I am so glad we do not have to worry about that as we go into an extremely cold week. 

Day 18

 

“How is Christmas regarded today? The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; but the true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper than these. It is found in the life of the Savior, in the principles He taught, in His atoning sacrifice–which become our great heritage.” Howard W. Hunter 

I am thankful for my brother. He was the best brother in the world. He was one of my best friends and my protector. Today, his birthday, I miss him more than other days. I am thankful that families are forever. 

Day 17

 

“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!” Neal A. Maxwell

I am thankful to live in such a beautiful state! I love that I am just an hour or two from the mountains. 

Day 16

 

“When we see shepherds, may we remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous. When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion.” Bonnie L. Oscarson

I am thankful for my dogs. They are so sweet! My little Sophie is a small bundle of love. Aqua is a bundle of energy with the best doggie smile. Dexter is our protector who would do anything to make Chad happy. There are days when they drive me crazy (usually while I’m working), but the love they share makes it more than worth it. 

Day 15

 

“The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of earth — the very thing the whole story has been about.” CS Lewis

I am thankful for my stepmother. There was a time when I would never have thought I would say that, but our relationship has grown over the last 10ish years. She has let me call and cry to her without judgment. She supports me in my craziness. Most of all, she loves my children in the best way. She is an amazing woman with incredible strength. 

Day14

 

“ And when we find Him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves.” Thomas S. Monson

I am thankful for my car. It has its quirks, but it has been getting us all over for almost seven years. Chad and I have had a lot of bad luck with cars, but so far, this little Kia has kept us going. 

Day 13

 

“ It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Dr. Seuss 

I am thankful for my dad. I have looked up to him most of my life. He is a spiritual giant. I love hearing the story of how he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He continues to work hard to make sure his wife has everything she needs. He may not express it as freely as I would like, but I know he loves us and is excited when we visit. I love my daddy and feel blessed to still have him in my life. 

Day 12

 

“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” And we can feel it all year round.” Russell M. Nelson

I am thankful to be given the opportunity to continue my education. I love learning! I am so lucky to have a husband who encourages me in my pursuit to better myself. 

Day 11

 

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the ​​​testimony​, last of all, which we give of him: That he ​​​lives​!” Doctrine and Covenants 76:22

I am thankful for my talents. When I was younger, I was a bit embarrassed to know how to knit and didn’t work on further development. As I became an adult and had children I started knitting more. Over the past ten years, I have grown exponentially in this area. I love sitting and knitting. I love the peace and calm it gives me. I love seeing the progress as I go. I just love knitting!

Day 10

“There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.” Gordon B. Hinckley

I am thankful for my body. I still have the ability to walk and run. I can enjoy tasty food. I get to experience this life on earth as a daughter of God. With the knowledge that He loves me. 

Day 9

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the ​​​Lord​ ​​​Omnipotent​ who ​​​reigneth​, who was, and is from all ​​​eternity​ to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the ​​children of men, and shall dwell in a ​​​tabernacle​ of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty ​​​miracles​, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the ​​​blind​ to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.” Mosiah 3:5

Day 8

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

I am thankful for my friends. I have a few friends that are very special to me. They have seen me at my worst and helped me become the person I am today. Some, I have lost contact with over the years but still have a special place in my heart. Some have continued to be my friend even when I was not a good friend to them. Some I have known for a long time, and I am still getting to know others. To any of my friends who my read then, I love you. 

Day 7

“When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).” Thomas S. Monson

I am thankful for my Sean. He often sits in the background and gets overlooked, but I see him. He is funny, smart, and sensitive. He has been my magic baby since the day he was born! 

Day 6

“Therefore, there shall be one ​​​day​ and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is ​​​born​.“

I am thankful for my sister. We have been through a lot together. She is my rock. Happy birthday, Marleah!

Day 5

“One of the most beautiful symbols of the birth of Jesus Christ into this world is light. The appearance of the long-promised Messiah brought light to a darkened world.“ Henry B. Eyring

I am thankful for my Eric. All I wanted out of life was to be a mom, and he had the honor of being the one to give me that title. He is an amazing kid with a big heart, and I am so blessed to benefit from that. 

Day 4

“Christmas is a time to remember that we are all children of a Father in Heaven, who gave his Only Begotten Son that all would be redeemed from death, and who has offered the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all mankind on the same conditions." - President Dallin H. Oaks

I am thankful for my calling. I love working with the girls. I pray about them and think about them constantly. I am truly blessed to be able to serve these girls as they navigate their way through middle school. 

Day 3

“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, 'Come, follow me.'” Thomas S. Monson

I am thankful for my husband. He has taught me that I deserve to be loved. He was the miracle I needed when we met. I could not imagine my life without him. He is my lobster!

Day 2

 

“ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

I am thankful for the Atonement. Jesus came to earth and lived a perfect life knowing he would suffer and die for us. Because of Him, I am never alone. Because of Him, I can be forgiven for my sins. Because of Him, I can see my mom and brother again. 

Day 1

 

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:18

I love this time of year. I didn’t used to feel that way. It was a time of stress, but it has become a time of celebration. This amazing girl has taught me so much this past year and a half. I am so thankful for her! 

***side note: She picked out these amazing matching Christmas jammies!