My recommendations come from personal experience.
I took my first step restarting my life began over a decade ago. I remember reading one of Dr. Phil’s self help books – “Self Matters”. At the time he was a regular guest on Oprah and like millions of others I was fascinated by this promising new world of positive mindful thinking.
I went on to read dozens of self improvement books seeking ways to fix my life. Reading has always connected me to my need for words. Words that make sense and create a path in my head to follow!
A book has to speak to you in a way you go aHa I get it. What your friend may find energizing might not do a thing for you.
Finding the right book that speaks to us isn’t always easy, but with hundreds to choose from, just dive in!
8 self help books for you to read now
I hope you’re transformed, enlightened and inspired!
You Can Heal Your Life – by Louise Hay
The godmother of self help, Louise Hay recently passed away at 90. Louise founded Hay House, a publishing company dedicated to bringing the best spiritual and inspirational authors to readers seeking their truth. Highly influential, Louise pioneered the concept that dis-ease begins in our thoughts.
She believed we can heal ourselves by changing our thought patterns and “You Can Heal Your Life” was ground-breaking when it was published in 1984. If you’re suffering from physical pain or illness, start with this book. I’m reading it again myself.
Mindful Loving – by Dr. Henry Grayson
I read an article by Dr. Grayson and intrigued, I searched for more. At the time I was highly skeptical of the connection between thoughts and emotions. This scholarly approach spoke to my need for scientific proof in a way I was able to accept and believe.
The simple logic of “Mindful Loving” will appeal to you if you’re looking for a way to understand and heal your relationships. The truth of this book has stayed with me in a very powerful way. If you need logic to believe the seemingly unbelievable, I highly recommend it.
You Are a Badass – by Jen Sincero
It took me a while to pick up this book, to be honest the title put me off because it has one of those covers that screams SELF HELP. I didn’t want to be seen reading it! But I downloaded the audiobook to my phone and listened while going for my daily walk around the park. This might work for you as well.
I think Jen’s reading brings an energy and understanding missing from the page. Basic but straightforward no nonsense advice on how to get your shit together. If you’re looking for something that’s not too cerebral and easy to digest this one’s for you.
Making Life Easy – by Christiane Northrup
I haven’t read this book yet, but I’ve followed Dr. Northrup for years. She’s the voice of common sense in the mainstream medical world. Heard of “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom”? Her approach is a holistic one. Our minds, bodies and spirit are intrinsically connected. When your soul or spirit is crying out for healing, your body will tell you. It’s challenging to life coach yourself when you’re in pain.
Understanding the mind body connection from a woman’s perspective is Dr. Northrup’s specialty. She’ll help you sort out how your emotions can heal not harm your body and your spirit.
The Soulmate Secret – by Arielle Ford
Arielle Ford is adept at teaching how to attract the love of your life through the law of attraction, the law “The Secret” is based on. Your personal beliefs are a magnet for what you attract into your life. If you want to attract a true soulmate, this book will help you look at your beliefs and explain the shifts you might need to go from seeking love to attracting it.
Arielle was the publicist who launched the careers of Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul) as well as Deepak Chopra. Attracting her own soulmate is the foundation of this step by step book.
Eat Pray Love – by Elizabeth Gilbert
If you haven’t already read this bestseller, it’s worth a dive into and if you have, take a second browse. Technically not a self help book, but you can’t help but be inspired by the author’s search for her life’s meaning and spiritual identity. I’ve been disappointed subsequent books haven’t captured the lyrical and engaging quality of her first success but there you have it.
Her own story has quite a different ending than the book hinted at but that’s not important. Read this to be inspired to take your soul on a journey or two.
I Need Your Love – Is That True? – by Byron Katie
Byron Katie is a woman who poses a question few of us ask ourselves. Her first book, “Loving What is – Four Questions That Can Change Your Life” laid the groundwork. This book follows up on the concept of questioning everything we believe is true. It may enrage some, but it’s also enlightening.
How do you know you’ll be worse off if a lover leaves? Or a child. We’re so conditioned into thinking a certain pattern of thoughts when we’re faced with death or desertion. Byron Katie suggests an alternative thought process, one which can be incredibly freeing.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up – by Marie Kondo
Not your typical self help recommendation, but if our mind is cluttered with thoughts that don’t support us, un-cluttering our home is a first step. Listen to this audiobook while you’re walking or riding to work. You may not embrace all the tenets of her teachings, but two things may happen. One; you may get very adept at rolling clothes and fitting your entire wardrobe into drawers. Two; you may lose the need to hang on to what isn’t serving you and let it go.
If it doesn’t give you joy it doesn’t belong in your home. I would say if it doesn’t spark joy, it doesn’t belong in your thoughts either.
Find these books at your favorite bookseller or library; listen, read and devour. Light up your mind and provoke your thoughts. Love x
