The image above is a realistic picture of my desk and office. Shocking for many and for others, it is a typical look at someone who loves to read, take tons of notes, and in my case a lifelong learner. This peek into my office sends my spouse into a typical chorus of: “How do you find anything in this mess?” I tell him, just ask and I will show you where it is!
Those of us who are creative live in the “cluttered mess,” and we find comfort in knowing where we ended and began a project.
I wanted to take this moment in late 2025 to let you in on a journey I have been on. This year has been one of stops and starts. Very hard stops and then at the starting line again to pick up where one left off. Have you ever had to step away, I mean leave your work behind for 3-6 months and try to pick it up again? Well, that has been my 2025. However, by the grace of God, I haven’t had much trouble in doing so.
What was my secret?
I keep on reading and taking copious notes, stapling them together with a note of their source and simply putting them in a big RED box. Simplistic, you bet and it has worked!
As I kept reading, books of all genres, magazines, blogs, emails, even notes from sermons I watched, I began to see the benefit of obeying to heal, coupled with the knowledge that there was deep learning and defining moments of each note and book to my greater purpose and vision.
To that end, here is just a small fraction of what has sustained me over these 10 months of 2025!
Maxwell Leadership Podcasts
Biblical Numeric Keys by R. J. Plugge
A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson
Life Rhythms that Bring REST by Courtney Jospeh Fallick
Worry, Cry, Argue, Fight, Pray First by Chris Hodges
Antinet Zettelkasten by Scott P. Scheper [And NO that is not misspelled!]
Self-Heal by design by Barbara O’Neill
From Drift to Drive by Chris Robinson
Wealthy and Well Known by Rory & AJ Vaden
Live Life Rich by Marissa Nehlsen
Get Motivated by Tamara Lowe
10 Things Jesus Never Said by Will Davis Jr.
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
Don’t Give the Enemy A Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio [A yearly re-read!]
Staying Steady in Unsteady Times by Tim Storey with Stefan Junaeus
Rules of Resilience by Valorie Burton
Rebuild by In Touch Ministries
A Life of Worship by The Father’s House
Wisdom on Leadership by John C. Maxwell
Parables by John MacArthur
Angels Demons & You by Allen Jackson
The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon
Build Your Life: A Marine, businessman, and state leader’s blueprint for purpose, power, and prosperity. By Kevin M. Dugle
Good Energy by Babara O’Neil
Biblio Diet by Josh Rubin
Activate Your Impact: A Guide to Living Out Loud in Business, Life and Faith by Brook Thomas
Everyday Faith Magazine by LifeWay
Plus, a hundred more!!!!
What’s the point? My point here is that I may not be moving at light speed, but I am not idle! I use what is in front of me to continue my life-long journey of learning. These and many others not listed here are all over the place in my own areas of interest. You would be amazed how many books I have on gardening, butterflies, tea parties, hostessing, crafting, and so on.
So, no matter what has hindered you, laid you up, taken an exit from life’s busy highway, what did you do with that time?
I’d love to know. And yes, I did binge watch some of my favorite things! I am human after all.
If you are looking for a mentor or coach to help you with your microphone, send me an email, and we can discuss the effective use of that microphone in your hands!
janice@janicebastanicoaching.com
8914 Collina Ct.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
908-229-3797
www.janicebastanicoaching.com
www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/janicebastani
