Even though I’m already a pretty avid reader…every year, one of my New Year’s goals is to read more. Recently, I’ve on a growth kick, or, as I guess some people refer to them, “self-help” books. (Eh, I’m sticking with personal growth). And boy, let me tell you, have I found quite a few game changers. These books all gave me lots of those sought after “ah-ha” moments. So if you are looking for some books to kick off 2017, I have just the list…
Why I love it? Gary Chapman gives you the tools to understand the different ways people feel loved. He believes there are 5 love languages: quality time, words of affirmations, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Ever wonder why your partner says they don’t feel loved yet you are constantly doing things to show them love? Often times, we show love in the way we feel love…and so chances are your partner doesn’t speak the same love language you do. This book helped me identify people’s love languages and make sure that I’m showing them love in the ways they need it. And best of all…it’ll help you with all of your relationships, not only with your partner.
Why I love it? Gretchen Rubin spent 12 months focusing on different areas of her life to increase her happiness. Her year long project helped me re-focus on small things I can do each and every day to improve my happiness and quality of life. This is a easy and “light” read.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Why I love it? Are you a collector of “stuff”? Are your closets overcrowded, drawers stuffed to the max, so on and so forth? Marie Kondo’s principles seriously changed how I feel about my “stuff” (keep only those things that bring you joy). Sounds absolutely crazy, but I can tell you, read this book and be on your way towards living clutter-free. What better time to start cleaning things out then the beginning of the year?!
The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself
Why I love it? Hands down this book is one of the best “personal growth” books I’ve ever read. I love it so much so that I’m committing to re-read it this year. The book opened up my mind to a new way of thinking, and helped with new techniques to become more mindful. It has also helped me learn how to let go of prior “hurts” (though this is still a work in progress), as well as how to deal with emotions, pain, and thoughts as they come up. I promise you, this book is a true game changer.
For the Love – Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards
Why I love it? Jen Hatmaker brings a lot of class and humor in her book on how Jesus’ grace can be used to deal with life’s biggest challenges. If you are looking for a quick and funny read, this book is for you. This would make a great book for a bible study group too!
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
Why I love it? I’ll be honest. I tried reading this book years ago and just could not get through it. I think I just wasn’t ready for the message. It seemed too deep. Too thought-provoking. Just too much work, honestly. This time around though, I’ll tell you, I found so many passages that were “ah ha” moments. One of the things I have the hardest time with is being in the moment, being present, and turning off my mind. I believe this is another one of those essential books you should read if you are on the path of becoming more mindful and present. I’m putting this book on my 2017 reading list so that I can soak in the goodness all over again.
Why I love it? This was the last book I read in 2016 and it’s been a game changer so far this year. If you struggle to make time for yourself, struggle to get up in the morning, you gotta check this book out. The idea is that by creating a morning routine centered around “personal growth,” you’ll get out of bed and set aside much needed “me time.” I can tell you, while I can’t claim that I’m a morning person yet, I’m not snoozing and I’m actually getting up around 90 minutes earlier than I was before reading this book. Look out for a future post detailing all about my miracle morning routine!
I hope you enjoy these life-changers! Any other books on your list of life-changers? Tell me what I should be adding to my 2017 reading list!
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