8 Books Every Woman Who Wants More Happiness Should Read
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to read. In high school, one of my favorite things to do on a weekend morning was to finish the next chapter in whatever addictive chick-lit book I was devouring.
Today, while I still love a good juicy read, one of my favorite things to do (especially when I need some nuggets of inspiration) is to pick up a book that connects on a soul level.
Below are 8 of my favorite spiritual, self-help personal development books.
They’ve provided me endless “ah ha” moments, comfort (in the way a good piece of writing does – the words make you realize you’re not alone), and of course, endless lessons that have allowed for more grace, gratitude and joy in my life.
My hope is you pick up one of these gems, and the words speak to you as they did to me.
1. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
A perfect read, if you’re just starting out on your personal path to living a healthier, happier, more present life. This book is an excellent gateway to the world of personal development. You’ll undoubtedly start viewing the people in your life, your decisions, and your time through a different lens, one that’ll truly make you a whole lot happier. The title doesn’t lie.
On the other hand, this book may also be great for you, if you’ve become a personal development junkie, who finds herself off in the world of crystals, angel cards, and spirit animals, who wants something kind of self-help like, but much much lighter and fun.
2. Add More Ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness by Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabrielle Bernstein, author, spiritual teacher, and inner-peace, self-love guru, walks you step by step to achieve more peace and happiness in this down-to-earth easy to understand read. She teaches a groovy concept of rethinking what’s been holding you back + physical movement + tools and exercises to get you unstuck. She tackles everything from relationships to fear to forgiveness.
3. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book is simple yet profound. It changed my life and can change yours too – all by how you view things. The lessons (or shall I say, agreements?) in this book are applicable to seriously every area of your life. And when you really start to live with them, there’s no doubt your world will change and things will start to feel a whole lot better + lighter. Bonus – it’s a super quick read.
If I could go to dinner with any person in the world, there’s no doubt I’d choose the author of this read, Brene Brown, who researches shame, vulnerability, courage, and worthiness. I adore her and everything she stands for. And this book? I can’t say enough good things. You’ll find yourself having “ah ha” moment after “ah ha” moment after “ah ha” moment. If you want more peace, joy, and love in your life and a deeper understanding of how we, as human beings, process emotions, you should read this book. You won’t be disappointed.
5. What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
I gobbled this little feel-good gem in a matter of a few days – sooooo good. This book is divided into chapters, each with their own nugget of wisdom and story that’s only a few pages long. So while it’s perfect for anyone on a personal path who enjoys a light-hearted, inspirational read; it’s especially great for the person who wants more light in their life, but says she never has time to read.
6. Miracles Now by Gabrielle Bernstein
A treasure trove of tools, practices, and advice to help guide you to more peace, flow, and light in your life. This book is radically different, as it’s literally providing you 108 life-changing tools. You often hear that you should love yourself more, stress less, and find your purpose (among many other things). Well … how in the world do you do that? Miracles Now provides actionable tips, so you can go where you want to go in your journey.
7. When I Loved Myself Enough by Kim McMillen with Alison McMillen
A tiny book full of bite-sized wisdom that delivers straight-up inspiration, often in the form of one sentence per page. This isn’t a book you sit down to read, but it’s one you randomly open up when you need those reminders of why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Here, Brene Brown shares ten guideposts on the power of wholehearted living. She shares her fascinating, heart-opening research on how we can live to feel like we’re enough, just as we are right now in this very moment in time. This book will allow you to go from constantly seeking outer approval to truly getting to the core of who you are and what you really need to get approval from the only person who really matters, yourself. Throughout the book, you feel like you’re having a beautiful inspiring conversation with one of your best girlfriends.
Have you read any of these books? If so, what was your biggest takeaway?
Or, I’d love to hear what books you’d add to this list.
With so much love XXO
Corinne