I must confess, I am a self-help literature addict. The weirdest part of my confession? If you had talked to me three years ago, I would have had practically no interest in the genre. I don't even know exactly how I fell into the genre, but about two years ago, I started to read self-help. And I haven't stopped. I love to read it because it inspires and has helped reduce my anxiety. My state of mind has improved and thus my whole life has too. I am happier, more at peace, experience many little miracles and so much less stress. So, needless to say, I am very pleased with the results! So I thought I would share with you my top five self-help books.
The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness.
This slim but spiritually dense book actually contains similar knowledge to what is now found in many self-help books today although it precedes "self-help" as a large commercial category. I didn't experience any huge revelations while reading this book (maybe because of where I am) but it certainly confirmed many truths for me. I think if you're looking for some quick enlightenment, which I don't think really exists, but if it did...then this is the book for you! A short but very insightful pamphlet on how to really live a successful life. If you can find this little gem in a bookstore, pick it up and hold on to it. I am just starting to delve into Paramahansa Yogananda's other writings and so far I am really enjoying the experience.
A Return to Love. Truly a classic in the self-help genre. Although a very spiritually based text (it is Marianne Williamson's meditations on A Course in Miracles after all), I don't believe that a non-belief in God would necessarily preclude you from getting much out of this book. The title really says it all and the book's message is really one we all need to follow: make love the center of our daily lives. Insightful and perception changing. Truly a must read.
Change your Thoughts--Change your Life. I love, love this book and consider it one of the best books I have ever read. Although I had read other books by Wayne Dyer previously, reading this book last July actually changed my life in a variety of positive ways (and I had already started on my journey of self-development,spirituality & positivity). It also turned me into a voracious reader of Dyer's books. Another life changing must read. In my opinion, if you're looking for a powerful shot of inspiration, you can't really go wrong with any book by Wayne Dyer.
You Can Heal Your Life. Louise Hay is another writer whose work and writings have helped me tremendously. Once again, by incorporating the principles she espouses in her work, I have been able to create many small miracles in my life and helped heal a longtime physical ailment.
Living with Joy. I have loved all of the books I have read by Saynaya Roman and can't wait to read more! I also discovered her work last July (read it on the same vacation as Change Your Thoughts-- Change Your Life--it truly was an enlightening holiday!) and whenever I read her books I find myself struck by the profoundness of the truths she expounds. Very often it's wisdom that I've intuitively known, but have never seen articulated before in print. Probably not as well known as the first three authors listed above, but very much worth checking out.
Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death to True Healing. It was difficult for me to choose the last book for this little list because there are so many wonderful self-help books that have helped me on my path. But I choose this one, because like the other books included above, the teachings in this book really resonated with me. I have honestly never really been super interested in the whole topic of near death experiences but I was interested in Moorjani's due to hearing Wayne Dyer talk about it. This book came into my life in a very law of attraction way; it found me exactly when I needed it, which is also very cool; This book demonstrates the most basic and profound truths about life: we're here to be happy and to love.
I hope you enjoy these books and learn as much from them as I have. What books have inspired you? What are your favourite self-help books? I would love your recommendations!
