11 favorite books that helped me find peace and comfort in my home, mind and body.
My neighbor called me a "voracious reader" last weekend, which surprised me.
I realized afterward that I do read almost every day, but sometimes it's just a couple pages and I've never considered myself 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 content and healthy human I am now, there have been MANY books and people that helped me, so it was hard to choose what to put on this list! It changes often...
Once I realized I had almost constant negative mental chatter (see my post about The B*tch in my Brain), I started taking this journey to find peace very seriously.
Some things I do to change my brain:
Read support books every morning before going to social media, even just a page or two
Work with coaches and actually do what they recommend
Take more time to grow, prepare and eat whole foods (with no processed sugar)
Set aside time for long walks (and actually take them)
Meditate almost daily (twice I went to 10 day silent meditation programs)
The biggest thing that helped me is paying attention to my thoughts moment to moment, and choosing what thoughts I want to pay attention to.
Since I embarked upon this journey, some things I've experienced:
COMPLETELY decluttered and organized my 4 bedroom home (except my hubby's office - that's his business!)
Became more gentle with my Self
Found a new level of health with incredible energy
Found more peace and joy on a moment-to-moment basis than I thought possible
Ok, 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.
(If you buy these books on Amazon I'd love it if you'd use my link to support for me and my TidyWild business. Thank you in advance! Or I encourage you to use your local library and independent bookstores!)
Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, & Lead
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
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
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
Bonus (fun) support: Power Thought Cards
I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've read these and I'm open to suggestions!
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! The last chapter wasn't my style, but I loved the rest.
How to Keep House While Drowning: a gentle approach to cleaning and organizing
by KC Davis
I loved this one so much that 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! I can send a free Audible link to you if you reach out to me...
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
I recommend reading 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 kitchen counter 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. I now incorporate her teachings into my work, though I also use other methods.
This is a WONDERFUL book for a fantastic philosophy about getting organized!
AND...some of her hard stances on specific organizing techniques don't work for everyone and she's changed a bit since she has kids.
by Alejandro Junger
My brother gave me this book about 10+ years ago and it's completely transformed my health. It's a great read and has DELICIOUS, nutritious recipes I use on a regular basis.
My hubby and I do a cleanse every January based on this book, though we do our own variations. The author 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!
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.
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
If you have questions and/or you feel stuck, please reach out to me!
Text me at 360-265-2477
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