Ring in the New Year. . . With a book!

Happy New Year! Iceland boasts one of the coziest of New Years traditions—residents customarily gift a book and a box of chocolates, and everyone sits up all night reading into the new year.
I have my own New Years tradition, one I’ve somehow kept going for about 15 years. At the end of December I post a book recommendation I consider essential for each of the 12 astrological signs, to help you navigate the coming year. 
2018 was a year to test our strength of character, 2019 will encourage re-establishing a new, stable normal, emphasis on ‘new’. Areas of your life you thought were solid and reliable will change and you’ll see everything in a new light. 
If you don’t like change, this year may be a bit de-stabilizing, like trying to stand up in a canoe. Stay positive—the end of this cycle will result in a big reward.
This year’s a good time for clearing out anything old, anything that doesn’t serve your new life direction. Like renovating an old house without tearing the whole thing down, you can renovate your life. 
Invest in anything that’s durable, long-lasting, support industries like building and renovation, get interested in agriculture and growing things, especially traditionally used in healing. Trade with well-established businesses with clean, long range goals. 
Slow down, restructure and seriously assess the value of everything in your life. Pay attention to your health and your daily routine, change bad habits and replace them slowly and surely with a new regimen. 
But 2019 will also be fun. I’ve looked into the astrology for next year, and the critical factors necessary to increase your enjoyment. To make this year work more smoothly, look below to find my recommendation for your book. It’s not chocolate, but it may help sprinkle a bit of sparkly pink happiness on your year. 
CapricornThe world is currently inundated with Capricorn energy. Your life is important, your decisions are important, and your need for all this energy to have real meaning becomes crucial. That’s why the book “When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters” by Harold Kushner is also crucial reading.
Sagittarius2019 is your year to fly. It’s time for you to shine, earn, and be the best of your best. Learn the 12 principles for developing a culture of excellence so your success is a permenant thing by reading “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. It’s the perfect book to jumpstart your new you.
Scorpioit’s THE year to re-define, re-configure, and re-brand what you do for money. Read Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers — and Seize Success” by Dr. Dawn Graham and you’ll see it’s not as scary as it may seem.
LibraYou’re now urged to discover new ways of comprehending and communicating. You may say the quest to find different, bigger, better ways of communicating is like learning a new skill. So here’s a quick textbook, even available in audiobook: “It’s the Way You Say It (Second Edition) Becoming Articulate, Well-Spoken, and Clear” by Carol A Fleming PhD. This is much like putting your mouth where your money is.
Virgo2019 will feel like a puppet master is pulling your strings and making you dance. Creativity, publicity and fun will test whether you can indeed have too much of a good thing. To balance the demands of that side of your life, ground yourself in house, home, and family. This year’s favorite? “Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines”. Pay attention to your home this year and you won’t go wrong.
Leo: Yes, this is one of those years where you work. A lot. I’m not suggesting you slow down at all. I’m just saying you can find a way to enjoy yourself at work more. Read “Have More Fun: How to Be Remarkable, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Start Enjoying Life” by Mandy Arioto. Once you get started, it will become a life strategy for you.
CancerOrganizing the disparate elements of your life so that every day is a smoothly running machine may be a secret dream of yours but the process could make you stressed. “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” by William H. McRaven. It the perfect antidote to ‘chore fatigue’.
Gemini2019 is all about the relationships you’ve built to this point in your personal timeline. The relationships you carry with you into next year just may be permenant. Study “Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts” by James O. Pawelski and Suzann Pileggi Pawelski. Or, a business partnership, or a band . . .
TaurusThe classic image of a big, comfy arm chair, slippers, a roaring fire in the fireplace and a good book could be describing your favorite evening, Taurus. Usually. But this year you travel all over the world, to places where you need your passport and maybe a little advice. So I suggest you read “Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018” to soak up the tips. The book is a year’s worth of travel inspiration to take you into some unforgettable life experiences. Get ready.
Ariesyou charge into 2019 like a race horse at the starting gate. You’ve never been in this position before, where you just need to decide on your next career move and good ju ju rushes to make it happen. Your eagerness to experience new things makes it possible for open doors to open enabling you to study, teach and travel. So don’t second guess it—Read “ The Career Manifesto: Discover Your Calling and Create an Extraordinary life by Mike Steib. You dream of a meaningful, rewarding career so read this book right now.
Pisces You’ve acquired some serious power and influence, and it’s the real thing. People look to you for leadership now, and your words carry a lot of weight. To help you navigate this intense and unusual time I’m recommending the book ”The Elements of Power: Lessons on Leadership and Influence” by Terry R. Bacon. Bask in this special time period and make the most out of it.
AquariusThis year is more of a private rather than a public time for you, and your work behind the scenes will pay off big later. When groups or clubs, (especially humanitarian groups) appeal to you to join, go for it—they’ll benefit you later. In the mean time, stay on course with the help of this little book “You Are a Badass Every Day: How to Keep Your Motivation Strong, Your Vibe High, and Your Quest for Transformation Unstoppable” by Jen Sincero. You can get a lot done this year.

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