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Essential Read: 'The To-Be List' by Latesha Randall

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Latesha Randall

Latesha Randall

We live in a busy, fast paced world where we can easily place a higher priority on achieving goals than on enjoying each day, Because of this, it can sometimes seem as if we are more like human doings, than human beings. In her new book, The To-Be List, author Latesha Randall, shows us there is another way.

 

Latesha Randall lived for checking off items on her to-do lists until one day she had an epiphany: even though her days were filled with things to do, she was missing out on life. So she stopped writing down everything she needed to accomplish and started a new list of ideals and behaviors to adopt--things like "Be present," "Be engaged," "Be authentic," and many other practices that focus on being rather than doing. This book is her collection of insights over the years that show readers how to making the move from doing to being, Her hope is that it will inspire you to tear up your endless to-do lists and instead think about who you want to be. Tesh's business and life partner, Sebastian, has since joined her on this journey, and in this book they share all they've discovered. As you read The To-Be List, you’ll begin to see that while doing is a short term undertaking, being is a lifelong endeavour. You may also find that when you focus on who you could become instead of what you can produce, you wind up getting even more done. This book will help you unlock the potential you already possess to be perseverant, selfless, adventurous, and even slow, and it will give you a new perspective on what it really means to live. In the end, you'll come away with a deeper understanding about how fulfilling life is when you can just be.

Author quotes

Sometimes you just want someone to give you a little perspective and remind you that life isn’t all about doing - it’s about the beautiful journey of becoming. 
Here’s to your journey of transforming from a human doing, to a human being.
As life unfolds around us, we’re either days behind or weeks ahead, playing over moments that have been or longing for ones in the future. In reality, neither of those actually exist. The only truly real moment is the one you’re experiencing right now.
Try, just for one day, being present. Push away those nagging thoughts that want to distract you from where you actually are, who you’re really with, and what is happening right in front of you. Suddenly life may start to become more interesting, more beautiful and more appreciated. 

About the author

Latesha (Tesh) Randall is a business owner, magazine editor, and children's book author. She is the first to admit she's a chronic doer, and even used to create a list every weekend of things to accomplish. One Saturday morning, however, when she sat down to perform this little ritual, her pen made an absent-minded error. Instead of "do," it scribbled "be" at the top of the square, pink sticky note. Ever since that day, she's been intrigued with exploring the concept of being rather than doing. Today, she is based in the peaceful seaside surf town of Raglan, NZ with her partner Seb. Together they are exploring writing, bee-keeping, off-the-grid building (projects include a yurt and a tiny house), gardening, surfing, and currently run a digital agency working with ethical businesses (The Good Agency), alongside their own fast-growing coconut yoghurt brand (Raglan Coconut Yoghurt). Latesha’s love of words has lead to publishing The To-Be List with Blue Mountain Arts, and several children's books with RSVP Publishing.

Website: http://goodagency.co.nz  www.to-be-list.com


Why LoA loves it….

As entrepreneurs we are all well used to juggling multiple projects and tasks at any one time, which also means we fall into the trap of thinking about the next thing to do instead of living in the present. This wonderful, easy to read book, reminds us of what’s really important in life and how to focus on the things that will bring us greater fulfillment, right here, right now, enjoying the present moment we are in to the fullest.  --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa
In Essential Tags Books
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Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / Ruahh

Heritage-inspired accessories…Michelle Hammond is the founder and ceo of accessories brand, Ruahh. Her Ghanaian heritage has provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that she is rightly proud of. Today, Mic Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia

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