November and December looked something like this for me: dragging my laptop and textbooks to coffee shops all times of the day and night, laughing over plates of catered food, turning papers due at 11:59pm in at 11:57pm, and rushing out the door to an incredible slew of holiday parties (another one which I risk being late for by typing this now). I did, however, manage to squeeze in some reading during the season, and chose the articles below as the best.

If You’re Not Outside Your Comfort Zone, You Won’t Learn Anything

When we don’t develop the skills and courage needed to take a leap out of our comfort zones, we truly miss out.

No Place for Self-Pity, No Room for Fear

From Toni Morrison, a piece on the artist’s role in times of despair, societal turmoil, and fear-provoking politics.

Do Your Friends Actually Like You?

A guide on the layers of friendship and how to evaluate genuine friendships vs. shallow acquaintances.

Keeping Christ in Christians

Advent season is over as I write this, but the principle of the article remains rich: what difference does it make if we keep Christ in Christmas, but our lives are not reflecting Christ in us?

Why Americans Are So Impressed by Busyness

Being “busy” is a humblebrag for us. Why?

When you’re scared to hit publish: read this

I found this pep talk to be necessary and have reserved a long-term place for it in my bookmarks.

Now Is the Time to Talk About What We Are Actually Talking About

The brilliant writing of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in the form of honest post-election thoughts.

Mothers in the Church

Valuable insight from Jen Wilkin on every Christian woman’s call to spiritual motherhood.

Silence the Critical Voices in Your Head

Focusing on the negative impacts our performance more than we probably realize.

33 thoughts on reading

Austin Kleon, known for his book Steal Like An Artist and other pursuits, wrote reading resolutions that I can give a “right on” to.

In case you missed it, check out Monthly Sparkle #2 on podcasts.