It’s been a while, I know. I’ve been spending way more time reading than writing over the last few months. (Just finished the devastating, beautiful, and necessary book, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, in preparation for a church youth trip – I’m a chaperone – to visit a Navajo reservation in Black Mesa this summer.)

So, sorry I’ve been more silent lately. I’ll pick it back up after the summer, promise.

Oh, before I get into today’s topic, I did want to share that the nonprofit I co-founded in 2020, The A Pledge, recently won the Marketing for Good award by the American Marketing Association. That makes two of my companies to win Marketing for Good (48in48 won in 2018) – I might be the only person who’s won that twice…but who’s bragging counting?

“Jeff, I need some inspiration to help me through this…”

A friend of mine was in a terrible car accident in May that left his face bruised and gashed, his right hip shattered, and his confidence shaken. I went to visit him at Grady Hospital, bringing with me the requisite bag of Chick-fil-A sandwiches and fries.

The damage to his body was so devastating that he might not be able to walk for months. Months of which he’ll mostly be lying down, unable to play with his children, do his work (he’s a talented and beloved social justice leader, author, and speaker), or generally feel like himself.

He’s a big reader and, given all the time he’ll be immobile over the upcoming weeks, he asked me if I had any book recommendations that might help inspire him, specifically around mind, body, and spirit.

5 books that inspired me

I thought about books that had inspired me over the years that might work for my friend. Whether from a health perspective, business/leadership, “spirit”, etc., it didn’t take long to come up with a solid list.

How Not To Die

This book, probably more than any other, is impacting the way I think about my health. The gist: eat more whole vegetables. A lot more. I listened to the audiobook of this one, which was read by the author and he does a great job.

Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World

Part of my friend’s work is running a nonprofit, and Scott Harrison’s journey of starting Charity Water is nothing short of incredible.

I Feel Great and You Will Too!

I think I first read this book almost 20 years ago. Pat Croce is one of those people who seems to have a boundless amount of energy and the most positive of positive attitudes on the planet. Every time I read this I get charged up to go after my dreams.

The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose

Absolutely incredible story. Chris Wilson’s story is nothing short of extraordinary and he had to overcome some of the most difficult struggles the world can throw at a person to create a life of meaning. I also listened to the audiobook of this one.

It’s in the Action: Memories of a Nonviolent Warrior

Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian was a civil rights hero and champion for anyone suffering in this world. This book is an autobiography of sorts and I found myself inspired to do more with my life after reading it. (Side note: I’m on the board of a nonprofit that Dr. Vivian founded in 2008.)

The point

We could all use a little inspiration now and again, and hopefully one of these books does the trick for you.