Booklancer

Valuable lessons I've learned so far:

Hard work is not a guarantee of success; prioritize smart work and strategic thinking. Being busy is not the same as being productive; focus on making progress, not just activity. Prioritizing your mental well-being is crucial; taking care of your mind is the key to true prosperity.

Focus on productivity, not just staying busy.

Becoming Better Grownups: Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering How to Fly by Brad Montague is a heartfelt, playful, and inspiring book that explores how adults can live more meaningful lives by embracing childlike qualities. Montague, the creator of the web series Kid President, embarked on a “Listening Tour” after his first book tour, visiting elementary schools, nursing homes, and retirement communities to gather wisdom from the very young and very old. Through these conversations, he sought to understand how to become a better grownup.

The book, structured around the whimsical tale of “The Incredible Floating Girl,” weaves together stories, illustrations, and reflections to deliver timeless lessons about success, fear, gratitude, love, and dreams. Montague argues that in a world that often feels childish, the secret to joy is to become more childlike—approaching life with curiosity, kindness, and wonder. Featuring Montague’s own colorful illustrations, the book is both a motivational guide and a celebration of rediscovering what truly matters: to “fly” and help others do the same.

Five Lessons from the Book:
1. Embrace Childlike Curiosity: Montague emphasizes that children approach life with boundless curiosity, unafraid to ask questions or make mistakes. Adults should stay open to learning and view failures as opportunities to grow, much like a child learning to walk.

2. Show Up and Be Present: A key lesson from the Listening Tour is the importance of being fully present in life. Whether in relationships or daily tasks, showing up with authenticity and engagement fosters deeper connections and purpose.

3. Find Joy in Play and Silliness: Montague encourages adults to rediscover playfulness, as children do, to counteract the seriousness of adulthood. Being silly and embracing lighthearted moments can spark creativity and happiness.

4. Live with Passion, Not for Applause: To be a better grownup, focus on what you love about your work and life, rather than seeking external validation. This childlike purity of purpose brings fulfillment and aligns actions with true values.

5. Help Others Fly: The book’s core message is that life’s purpose is to “fly” (live fully and authentically) and inspire others to do the same. By listening, supporting, and valuing others, we create a more hopeful world.


You can also get the Audio book for FREE using the same link. Use the link to register for the Audio book on Audible and start enjoying it.

Adolescence is often described as a storm—a whirlwind of emotions, shifting moods, and sudden independence. But what if it’s not a storm to be feared but a journey to be understood? Untangled by Lisa Damour takes us inside the world of teenage girls, breaking down the phases they go through as they grow into young women. It’s not just about the struggles—it’s about the transformation, the push and pull between dependence and independence, and the way parents and caregivers can walk beside them without losing themselves in the process.

Here are seven powerful insights from the book.

1. Growth Comes in Phases, Not in a Straight Line:
Adolescence isn’t a smooth road; it’s full of stops, starts, and unexpected turns. One day, a girl might seem mature and independent; the next, she might need reassurance like a child. This isn’t regression—it’s part of the process. Growth happens in waves, and understanding that can bring patience and perspective.

2. Emotional Swings Aren’t Just Drama—They’re Development:
The intense emotions that come with adolescence aren’t random or exaggerated—they’re the brain’s way of learning how to regulate feelings. Tears, frustration, and excitement all play a role in shaping emotional intelligence. Instead of dismissing big feelings, acknowledging them helps a teenage girl learn to manage them.

3. Friendships Shape Identity:
During adolescence, friendships become a central part of life. They help girls explore who they are outside of their family and give them a sense of belonging. Shifts in friendships—whether deepening bonds or painful breakups—are all part of learning how to navigate relationships and understand themselves.

4. The Quest for Independence Can Feel Like Rejection:
A teenage girl pulling away isn’t a sign of losing love—it’s a sign of growing up. Creating distance from parents, pushing back against rules, or wanting more privacy doesn’t mean she doesn’t care. It’s her way of figuring out how to be her own person while still knowing she has a safety net to return to.

5. Anxiety Can Be a Signal, Not Just a Problem:
Not all anxiety is bad. Some of it is a natural response to new challenges, helping a girl become more aware of what matters to her. The key isn’t to eliminate anxiety but to teach her how to manage it—how to separate real danger from everyday stress and how to face challenges instead of avoiding them.

6. School Stress Isn’t Just About Grades:
Pressure at school isn’t just about assignments and test scores—it’s about expectations, self-worth, and the fear of failure. The weight of wanting to succeed can be overwhelming. Recognizing that school is about learning, not just performing, can ease the pressure and make room for actual growth.

7. Parents Are the Anchor, Not the Captain:
Teenagers don’t need their parents to steer the ship—they need them to be the steady presence that keeps them grounded. Being a source of support, not control, gives them the confidence to explore the world while knowing they have a safe place to return to.

Adolescence isn’t about letting go completely or holding on too tight—it’s about finding the balance between the two. And Untangled helps make that balance a little clearer, reminding us that growth, no matter how messy, is always leading.