A Bookworm’s Guide to LESS: Letting Go Of What Weighs You Down In The New Year
Ready to refresh your reading and personal life? These practical tips will help you declutter your mind, shelves, and routines. Let go of what weighs you down and make space for more joy, ease, and great books this year with the Bookworm’s Guide to LESS.
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We’ve all been there – another year, another set of abandoned resolutions gathering dust by February. But what if we flipped the script? Instead of piling on more obligations, let’s explore the liberating art of letting go. This year, I’m choosing more of what lights me up and less of what weighs me down.
{And speaking of more of what lights me up, be sure to check out my book-lover’s guide to bringing more happy little things into your days in the new year — no stressful resolutions required! Read it here.}
Your Bookish Guide To LESS In The New Year
Rather than chasing impossible goals, I’m cultivating tiny moments of joy. Here’s what I’m intentionally choosing to reduce this year:
LESS Digital Clutter
My inbox is bursting with newsletters I never read, and my phone is cluttered with apps I rarely use. This year, I’m taking a step toward digital minimalism – unsubscribing from nonessential emails, organizing my digital library, and creating visual space. A cleaner digital space means a clearer mind for reading and creating — and a happier laptop!
LESS Solitude in Work Life ( & More Collaborative Creativity!)
Sure, I can lose myself for hours in front of my computer, crafting blog posts and book reviews (and loving every minute!). But I’ve learned that my creativity actually flourishes when I break out of my bubble.
Finding ways to connect and collaborate with colleagues and fellow readers – even virtually – boosts motivation and sparks new ideas. Plus, it’s just more fun!
LESS Finishing Books I’m Not Enjoying (& More DNF-ing in favor of ones I will!)
Confession: I’ve always felt a little guilty if I didn’t finish a book. After all, how can I say I didn’t like it if I don’t read all the way to the end? But, friend, life is just too short. This year, I’m allowing myself the privilege to DNF (Did Not Finish) – without guilt!
LESS Cocktail – More Mocktail
Let’s be honest – how many of our book club gatherings default to wine and cheese? While I love a good Pinot with my contemporary fiction, I’m excited to explore fresh ways to gather. Reimagine your gatherings with steaming pots of specialty tea or creative mocktails inspired by the books you’re reading. I’m particularly excited about experimenting with recipes from Mocktales: 50+ Literary Mocktails Inspired by Classic Works, Banned Books, and More.
Beyond just mixing things up (pun intended 😉), these alcohol-free gatherings mean more inclusive events where everyone feels comfortable joining in. Plus, those collective TBR piles will appreciate everyone’s clearer heads!
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LESS Chasing the Latest Book Recommendations
Hands up if a shiny new release has ever caught your eye while dozens wait patiently on your shelves at home…oops! 🙋♀️ This year, I’m selecting a few 2025 “Must Reads” that I already own. It’s time they get the attention they deserve!
LESS Screen Time; More Real-Life Connections
I love a good British crime series binge, but too many evenings in front of the TV or scrolling social media? Guilty again! Real-life connections beat pixels any day. Here’s to more spontaneous hangouts with friends and neighbors in 2025!
LESS People-Pleasing In My Book Choices
This girl can easily fall into the Instagram abyss, but I’m done reading books just because they’re trending on Bookstagram or because someone insisted I “absolutely must read this!” This year, I’m honoring my genuine reading preferences, even if they’re not considered “literary enough” or don’t align with current reading challenges. Reading should be pleasure, not performance. (That said, I do love a good reading challenge! 😉)
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Ready to make MORE out of LESS this year? Join our community of book lovers who are choosing joy over obligation and authenticity over pressure. Share your journey, all of your burning bookish insights, and connect with fellow readers who understand that sometimes less truly is more. Come join the conversation in the Words On Location Book Club Facebook group – your cozy corner of the internet where books and life beautifully intersect.
Don’t miss the Bookish Guide to the New Year — it’ll help you fill your days with more happy little things and fewer stressful resolutions!
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