TidyWild Recommended Reading
Books I've read to help me find peace and comfort in my home, mind and body.
My neighbor called me a "voracious reader" last weekend, which, oddly, came as a surprise to me.
It's odd because, while I do read pretty much every single day (sometimes just a couple pages), I've never thought of myself as a voracious anything.
But she's right. I'm the daughter of a librarian and speed-reading Dad and books have always been a part of my life.
In my journey from a suicidally depressed, messy teenager with intense physical pain, to the (mostly) well-adjusted, content and healthy human I am now, there have definitely been some books that helped me.
Here are some books that have helped me on my journey
I've read most of these in the last few years as I've been on a deep dive to find peace in my mind and home.
Once I realized I had ongoing chatter in my mind putting me down and talking trash to me throughout my days (see my post about The B*tch in my Brain), I started taking this journey to find peace very seriously.
Some of the things I did to change:
read support books every day before going to social media, even if only a page
work with coaches and actually do what they recommend
take more time to grow, prepare and eat whole foods with no sugar
set aside time for long walks and actually take them
meditate almost daily (twice I went to 10 day silent meditation programs)
But what's the biggest thing that's helped me change?
Paying attention to my thoughts moment to moment and choose which ones I want to pay attention to.
But that's for another day!
Since I embarked upon this journey, some of the things that I've experienced:
COMPLETELY decluttered and organized my 4 bedroom home so it's easy to put things away and find things, even when I make messes (often!)
Let go of perfectionism (it's an ongoing battle!)
Fallen more deeply in love with my husband (SO AMAZING, right?!)
Found a new level of health with incredible energy
Found more peace and joy on a moment-to-moment basis than I thought possible
Without further ado...
Here's my top ten self-help book list (at the moment)
My favorites for decluttering and organizing the home, mind and body are at the top - I recommend starting there.
A quick synopsis of my impression of each is below the list.
(These are linked to my affiliate page - if you buy these books I'd love it if you'd use my link to show support for me and my TidyWild business. Thank you in advance! And I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read these...)
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
How to Keep House While Drowning: a gentle approach to cleaning and organizing
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Clean: The Revolutionary Program To Restore The Body's Natural Ability To Heal Itself
You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life
Becoming Supernatural: How Common People are Doing the Uncommon
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and how you can achieve yours
You are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth
Bonus support: Power Thought Cards
Here are some thoughts about why I loved these...
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
by Michael Singer
This blew my heart right open and has helped me find a new level of energy, peace and joy. I recommend it to everyone!
How to Keep House While Drowning: a gentle approach to cleaning and organizing
by KC Davis
I loved this one so much when I finished listening to it I listened to it all over again! I recommend this above any decluttering/organizing book I've ever read. I wish it was required high school reading!
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
Read this AFTER How to Keep House While Drowning, and let the philosophy be what stands out - the details aren't for everyone, but joy is!
I was already a professional organizer when I read this. So many of my clients and friends recommended it that I felt I must read it. Within a few pages, I looked up at my counter, which I previously thought was at least mostly organized, and thought, "That space can feel a LOT better!"
I started doing her recommendations as I was reading and proceeded to completely declutter my house (though it's an ongoing process!) and then flew to New York to train with her, and now incorporate her teachings into my work...
This is a WONDERFUL book for a fantastic philosophy about getting organized! But there's a but...
BUT I like the overarching premise of helping our home and items in it bring us joy - some of her hard stances on specific organizing techniques don't work for everyone and she's changed a bit since she has kids.
Clean: The Revolutionary Program To Restore The Body's Natural Ability To Heal Itself
by Alejandro Junger
My brother gave me this book 10+ years ago and it's completely transformed my and my husband's health. It's a great read and has DELICIOUS, nutritious recipes I still use on a regular basis.
My hubby and I do a cleanse every January based on this book, though we do our own variations. He now has many supplements on the market, but I prefer to use whole food I can grow or buy. If you're curious about this, I'd LOVE to talk to you about it!
You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
by Jen Sincero
This changed my view of myself and I loved it so much I read it twice, then started giving copies away! In fact, I think I'll go read it again...
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
by Atul Gawande
My Mum, her friends and I absolutely loved this book and used it as a guide. I helped Mum die a very peaceful death in 2022 and this book was both soothing and awakening for my soul. I recommend it to everyone over age 25ish!
The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life
by Lynn Twist
I didn't think I'd like this, but I absolutely LOVED it and recommend it to anyone! I had serious mental money hangups and it helped me move toward letting go of them AND inspired me in so many ways.
Becoming Supernatural: How Common People are Doing the Uncommon by Dr. Joe Dispenza
This has so many highlighted sections and sticky notes it's hilarious. It's a dense read, but I found it enlightening and inspiring.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
by Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne
One of my coaches (Amber Smith) recommended this and I'm SO HAPPY I read it! It's unusual style and fabulous content is refreshing and it was a fun, easy, inspiring read.
Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS
by Shirzad Chamine
I went through an online program and used an app with a small group of friends after reading this book - it was very thought provoking and I love his concept of "mental saboteurs" that hold us back from our full potential.
If you read any of these, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Some ways to connect with me are below...
PS: I also love these Power Thought Cards by Louise Hay.
They have short, fabulous ideas and beautiful art. I keep them in my reading nook and loving pulling one or two out to contemplate, sometimes with friends and family. They make great gifts! And I have them stuck all over my house as lovely reminders...
XO,
Spring
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