This was a difficult list for me to put together. As an avid reader, there have been many books that have impacted my life. Here are just a small few personal recommendation for those looking to transform, heal, and expand in a variety of ways.
“The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi
I found this to be a thought-provoking personal development book that encourages readers to break free from the shackles of worrying about what others think of them. This book is written in a very engaging format, as a dialogue between a student and teacher. The teachings draw inspiration from Adlerian Psychology, which changed my perspective on many things. This is a great book to listen to on audio as well.
“The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery” by Brianna Wiest
This is an easy-to-read self-help book that delves into the intricacies of self-sabotage and personal growth. Often, we become our own worst enemies, unknowingly hindering our progress toward our dreams. This book sheds light on why and how we engage in self-sabotaging behaviors and provides practical tips to break free from them. I found this book easy to read and helpful.
“Complex PTSD- from surviving to thriving” by Peter Walker
I listened to this book on audio. It sheds light on things I lacked awareness of at the time. This book helped me to identify and understand certain trauma responses plus provides helpful tools for recovery, many of which I still use today.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
I loved this book so much I forsee myself reading it again in the near future. This is an easy read novel you won’t want to put down that begins with a young shepherd and his reoccurring dream. “The Alchemist” weaves together mysticism, adventure, and wisdom, offering profound reflections on life’s meaning and purpose.
“The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael A. Singer
Do not be fooled by this short book, as it is packed with profound exploration of self-awareness, consciousness, and inner freedom. This book invites readers to shift their perspective from the chaos of everyday thinking and emotions to a place of centered consciousness. Many I know, myself included, find ourselves returning to this book time and time again.
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence” by Dr. Anna Lembke
I listened to this book on audio and absolutely loved it. The key points in this book are so many areas of focus for me today. In our modern world, we are bombarded with high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli, from drugs and food to news, gambling, shopping, and digital interactions. This book explores the scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure often leads to pain, emphasizing the delicate balance between pleasure and its consequences. The author offers hope for managing consumption, thus transforming our lives.
“Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World” by Bill Plotkin
This is a more advanced read filled with visionary exploration of human development, ecopsychology, and personal transformation. This book defines and explores the eight stages of human life while weaving in personal stories from elders and poetry from sages. I consider Bill Plotkin as one of my teachers as this book helped transition me from my old life into my current after receiving the “call of the wild.” This book is a beautiful template for a more mature, fulfilling, and purposeful life.
“Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse
I devoured this short, philosophical, fictional book that invites us to reflect on life’s deeper questions. The story unfolds in ancient India and Nepal. It dives into the spiritual journey of self-discovery by a man named Siddhartha during the time of Gautama Buddha. This is an easy, beautiful read.
“The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman
I love this author! This book allowed me to shed insight into my personal relationship needs as well as better address the needs of my partner to ensure we both felt fulfilled in our relationship. It explores the concept that everyone has a primary love language—a unique way in which they feel most loved and appreciated. This book goes over the five love languages, how to fill the emotional love tank, understand your partner’s needs, and the difference between the in-love experience and real love. This book is a classic whether you read it or listen to the audio!
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Years ago, I started hitting walls with talk therapy. I had a brilliant therapist who recommended this book to me. This was my first introduction to somatic experience…and I have been hooked ever since. This is more of an advanced read, and it is a little slow to start, but if you stick with it, you won’t regret it! This book will help you understand how trauma is stored in physical sensations, nervous system responses, and bodily memories. You will get a better understanding of the language of the body in order to heal. I personally listened to it via audio.
“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay
This is a cult classic that many people love. Louse Hay’s touched millions throughout her life and is loved by many. This book explores the profound connection between mind and body. Hay’s discusses limiting beliefs, the root cause of dis-ease, and self-healing by doing the mental work. There are several hands-on exercises within this book, making it very interactive.
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book is a practical, easy-to-read guide to personal freedom based on ancient Toltec wisdom. In this transformative book, Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives, leading us to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
“How to Do the Work” by Dr. Nicole LePera
