The Baer Essentials is a monthly blog series presented by A Fresh Chapter in collaboration with AFC alum Kate Baer. The blog will provide new readers and alumni a continual opportunity to lean into curiosity and growth with the AFC Community. Each monthly blog, Baer will highlight a carefully curated collection of resources featuring a different theme on self reflection and share resources delving into the theme. 

New year, new you? Who else is sick of that type of anticipation on the flip of the calendar? It never fails that the entrance of a new year brings all these great big, lofty expectations in the form of resolutions, words, feelings, etc… It’s a heavy burden. And yet there’s something exciting about the possibility of a New Year. I’d like to bring the “freshness” with me in the new year and leave the “expectation” behind in 2021. Maybe the new year can be about micro-steps towards the person you are working to become. I realize micro-steps don’t exactly bring the same kinda drama and pizazz as the grand gestures that are resolutions – but, perhaps that’s okay too? 

As we settle into 2022 – embracing micro-steps might be the perfect way to embrace possibility, self worth and independence. Right out of the gates, you are bucking the trend of grand resolutions – a total renegade move. So, now that you have embraced your inner badass, you may want to check out a few resources that will keep you inspired. 

The Year of Yes

While it’s a few years old, I still love The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. The creator of Grey’s Anatomy writes in a deeply accessible way, allowing readers to relate their own experiences to the author’s examples. This read screams anything is possible. This book inspired a friend of mine to do it – say “Yes” to all the things – she’s now living her best life in a new country! But, again – the “yes” doesn’t have to be so grand. It can be saying yes to a basketball game, a game of cards – again, think micro-steps. Check it out, you never know what you might be missing with your “no’s” – and where a “yes” could lead you. http://theyearofyesbook.com

On Being Human

If you’re needing a reminder of your own possibility and empowerment, check out Jennifer Pastiloff’s On Being Human. This book is about embracing your own worth and telling your inner asshole (you know, that voice in your head that says you can’t) to hit the road. Possibility and hope abound in this book. Pastiloff owns and embraces her “flaws” – and instead of beating herself up about them, she learns from them and moves forward. This memoir is a celebration of resilience. https://jenniferpastiloff.com/onbeinghuman

Untamed

Still need a little help accepting your inner renegade? Then check out Glennon Doyle’s Untamed. Doyle helps readers embrace living an authentic life – unapologetically. The book has a lot of great parenting advice. But it is Doyle’s push to shed societal expectations and take control of one’s own narrative that speaks volumes.  https://momastery.com

The Michelle Obama Podcast

Finally, if reading a book isn’t in the cards, sometimes streaming possibility and empowerment through a podcast is just what the doctor ordered. The Michelle Obama podcast sprinkles the magic from her book Becoming into her interviews with different guests. It almost feels like her book continued – Michelle shares her thoughts on different topics honestly and authentically. And in typical Michelle fashion – empowering the listener is a powerful takeaway. I personally LOVED episode three with Dr. Sharon Malone. https://open.spotify.com/show/71mvGXupfKcmO6jlmOJQTP

Stay tuned for next month’s post, which will feature brand new resources to explore.

Kate is a member of several AFC tribes. She is an avid reader who enjoys sharing exciting, new resources focusing on personal, professional and spiritual growth. Kate is a freelance writer residing in Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and three teenage children. 

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