5 books for helping yourself to a better life

Confession: I'm a self-help junkie. If there's a book with a title about making myself and/or my life better/happier/healthier, I want it. Suffice to say I've been fascinated with how to live the best life possible for as long as I can remember and have logged some serious hours on the subject. Despite the fact that one book cannot possibly hold all of the answers, in my experience there are few things that have the power to inspire transformation like a book. You hold it in your hands, see it with your eyes, smell the pages through your nose, and feel the words move in, through you. (Phew...is it getting hot in here? Sorry, that's the bibliophile in me coming out). Suffice to say, there is something deeply personal about a book and I recommend these five regularly as they've had a deep impact on my life in different ways. Whatever area of your life you’d like to improve, one of these books will change you if you're open.


If you're looking for "the one":  The Soulmate Secret by Arielle Ford

I read this book the last year of my single life...what can I say? It worked for me! In all seriousness, whether this is the reason I met my husband, who knows, but it addresses the importance of healing from past relationships and creating space in your life for another person. Also, it helps you believe the person you're looking for actually exists and this is belief is critical. If you don't believe this, you won't see them when they're right in front of you.

If you want to be more open: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

I think this book should be mandatory reading for every single person on the face of the earth. Brene Brown is a shame researcher who realized how closely correlated shame and vulnerability are and that most of us are so terrified of being vulnerable we never show ourselves fully or embrace all the experiences life has to offer. It's a beautiful reminder that true strength is found in our willingness to show our humanity to those who have earned it. Being vulnerable in my work and relationships has transformed the way I live and love. I'm so much more me than I've ever been and so much closer to others thanks to the heart work Brene put into this book. Just read it, okay? You'll thank me.

If you're seeking a spiritual awakening: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

Do you have a noisy inner-dialogue? Feel like you have a team or critics inside of your brain analyzing everything you do, say, think, feel? In this book, Singer explains that we are not our thoughts and how not identifying with them and choosing what we will believe is how we get in touch with our true, authentic selves. It's a brilliant insight into how we can all achieve a spiritual awakening in our busy lives. And yes, it has helped me quiet the noise in my brain immensely.

If you want to eat more fruits and vegetables: Life-changing Foods by Anthony William

This famous healer has worked with many celebrity clients and his most recent book highlights the amazing transformative "medicine" you can find in the produce section at any grocery store. If you know you need to eat more fruits and vegetables and want to see them in a whole new light, buy this book. Not only are there delicious recipes, there's a glossary for symptoms and illnesses in the back and what foods help heal them.

If you long to create: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

As, always, Elizabeth Gilbert is the coolest of the cool. She has a way of pulling you into her books like it's just the two of you having a heart to heart over a bottle of wine. In this book, she somehow makes creative work seem profoundly critical and fun at the same time. It's like she's that super-cool high school teacher that gives you a permission slip to make what you want, read what you want, create what you want and everyone gets an A just for participating.

Have you read any of the books above and had your own ah-ha moment? I'd love to hear about it (and of course, I always love new book recommendations)!

Here's to a transformative 2017!