You know that feeling of giddy excitement when you see or hear something that resonates so deeply with you and is so perfect, you almost feel that your work here is done!?! And at the same time it gets you so fired up, you go straight into your work with more love, passion and dedication than ever before?!

There have been some seriously awesome books and podcast episodes that have touched me this year in so many ways, and it's been so nice reflecting on what really stuck with me and added to my life. There's also gorgeous music that was new to me this year I so enjoyed listening to while painting and working! I wanted to share the best bits with you here and pass it on... This is such a gorgeous time of year for revisiting podcast episodes, dipping back into favourite reads and music.

I hope 2016 has been full of magic and wonder for you in your life and business... What have been the highlights for you?

Sometimes we can take for granted the achievements we have made, opportunities we said YES to and created for others... Times we were kind to ourselves when it would have been easy to get down on ourselves, when we went deeper into truth instead of denial, when we chose to show up and embrace our fullness instead of hiding or playing small. I'm going to my heart (and through my diary!) to look back on my own year and celebrate all of those successes.

I'm grateful to say this year has seen me massively stepping up in my business, traveling joyfully in Australia for two months, flying out to destinations such as Paris, Florence, Miami, Philly, Cyprus and around the UK for shoots with amazing, brave, soulful clients(!), moving to London (and now down to Brighton), embracing more expansion through investing in my own coaching and a personal branding shoot, and attracting the most amazing romantic relationship, which has certainly brought an incredible new level of self-discovery and beauty to my world!!

I hope it's been an amazing year for you too... And if we've worked together this year, I trust your photography is serving you delightfully and continuing to enrich your experience of your business and the kinds of clients that are flowing to you!!

Here's my list of recommendations from 2016...

1. Podcast: How to Ride the Wave of Transformation That's Occurring in 2016 by Samantha Nolan Smith

This podcast episode made me cry on the train in such a good way! Samantha shares such a powerful and beautiful message about reclaiming our divine feminine power, rising above victimhood as women... the age of the Feminine is here, the world has evolved. it is our time now to really be seen and honour our gifts and inner wisdom... I have listened to this episode many times because I found it so much shifted me into my greatness, it is moving and powerful and I highly recommend. Listen to it here (and all of Samanthas other amazing episodes!!). (17 mins)

2. Book: Pussy by Mama Gena.

This book also radiates with feminine power! I found Regenas personal story and learnings fascinating and beautiful. It helped me to relate to the world as a powerful woman (as we all are) and look at the beliefs I have around what it is to be a female in this world, lovingly challenge ideas I have blindly accepted about what that means... Like the episode mentioned above, this book really got me tapping in to divine femininity in myself and all, and my personal learnings through reflecting on everything echoes throughout my life and work. So so powerful and beautiful. ALSO made me cry on the train!...

http://fourhourworkweek.com/2016/12/07/testing-the-impossible-17-questions-that-changed-my-life/

3. Podcast: Testing The “Impossible”: 17 Questions That Changed My Life

I listened to this in the car the other day on my way into London and OMG, it was so funny, so insightful, so inspiring and thought provoking... I love Tim Ferriss's work and this was an awesome compilation of very powerful questions to ponder and journal on. I highly recommend listening to the episode, and the questions can be found here too! I'm so looking forward to reading his new book Tools of Titans which just came in the post! Even though it's the biggest book I now have on my shelf!! (52 mins)

4. Music: Positive Force by Delicate Steve

I have listened to this album hundreds of times - it's so good!! Loved putting this on while I was painting and drawing, processing photos, writing (no words in this music to distract me!), dancing, road tripping... So good. It's not new but I only found it through Spotify this Summer, and so glad I did.

5. Light is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell

I was a little slow to pick this one up, and it was the most incredible book that I started the year with with while away in Australia. It gave me goosebumps with every page I turned, and inspired so much connection in me. I believe that the new depths I went to as I soaked in Rebeccas channelled words enhanced the way I saw the world this year, I found even deeper connection to myself, divinity + purpose. So much serendipity was occurring all around as I read this too, in the places I was being called to go, the people I was meeting, timing working out in perfection! (hello 11:11, 22:22!) I'm excited to read her new book Rise Sister Rise!

6. Podcast: "You Have a Screaming, Not a Calling." Featuring Sarah Jones

I love Elizabeth Gilberts work and message, and so enjoyed reading Big Magic last year. When I heard that she was doing another series of her podcast Magic Lessons I couldn't wait to check it out. She interviews and coaches a guest who's experiencing blocks around their creative work in each episode, and has a friend join in to share their advice too. In this episode she has the HILARIOUS Sarah Jones on the line, and the transformation she facilitated was awesome to feel unraveling. I particularly loved this episode for its huge humour and compassion. (75 mins of WORTH IT)

7. Music: At Ease by Dharma Moon (Various Artists)

Such a beautiful selection of calming and devotional music, so gorgeous. Love this for starting the day, writing with, practicing yoga or just creating a cosy and peaceful atmosphere in my home or in the car!

I'm sure you'll really enjoy these...

What were your favourite tools and resources of 2016? I would love to know what you'd recommend!

I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the most beautiful, joyful and sparkly time over Christmas and New Years, and that you take some time to celebrate all you have been, all you have felt, all you have achieved this year <3

And if you're thinking about starting 2017 with beautiful new photography for your website, emails, Instagramming, Facebook ads, sales pages, book launch, or just for your gorgeous self, I have ONE SPACE LEFT for a January shoot.

If this calls to you, email me at becky@beckyrui.com or book in a call here and we'll get joyfully clear on your personal brand, the kinds of photographs that will best serve you in your business this year, and make magic together!

With so much love and hugs!!

Becky xx

Awesome things from 2016 + end of year Love to you!

Here's my list of recommendations from 2016...