Ok so I am a self confessed book-aholic. It’s an addiction. One of my absolute favourite things to do is to spend the afternoon in a book shop, and even better, stumbling upon an amazing second hand book shop. There’s something about the uncertainty of what literary gems you will discover there and the satisfaction of finding a title that’s long been on your wish list, for a fraction of the price (yep happened to me last week in Stirling – afternoon made!). I figure there are worse things to be addicted to, right? Forget shoe shopping, throw me in a book store and I’m a happy camper.
I have a memory from childhood that is so vivid, where I borrowed 10 or so Baby Sitters Club books from the school library. I came home, lined them up on my desk shelf and said to my mum that I wanted to fill up the entire shelf with the whole series. Needless to say I spent all my pocket money on Baby Sitters Club books, scrounging together my change to buy 1 or 2 at a time – and if I was lucky a Super Special!(90s kids, you understand the excitement). So needless to say that’s where my obsession started. To this day I dream of having a home with floor to ceiling bookshelves, filled with my favourite pages.
Theres nothing like spending the afternoon curled up with a book. For me it’s always been a way to escape, to switch off, to expand my mind and feed my soul. I love reading books that encourage personal development and growth, to gain a deeper understanding of self and books that provide inspiration in times of uncertainty. Im sure there are so many of you out there now (including myself) who in these challenging times are feeling a little lost, fearful and without direction.
So, in the spirit of paying it forward, I want to share with you just a few of my favourite books that have helped me get through not only difficult situations but have provided me with guidance and practices that have helped keep my spirits lifted and kept me moving forward. So, here’s number one….
THE UNIVERSE HAS YOUR BACK – Gabrielle Bernstein
Gabi Bernstein is one of my favourite authors and spiritual mentors and this has to be one of my favourite books of hers. I was introduced to her work a few years ago now by my personal trainer and this book became like my bible, at a really difficult time in my life. This book is all about encouraging the release of control and fear and instead aligning with faith and trust that you are being guided by the Universe. Gabi breaks down her spiritual guidance so it’s easy to understand and provides lots of exercises that help you work through the shitty, limiting beliefs that have held us back for so long. A must in anyones collection in my opinion (mine has highlighter all the way through it!!lol).
MAKE IT HAPPEN – Jordanna Levin
I have only recently discovered Jordanna Levin, but I absolutely love her book Make It Happen. She also has a fab podcast called Lunar Lover which is all about the moon, it’s energies and its effect on us. This chick is awesome and is quickly becoming an inspiration of mine (she’s in the process of writing her second book – life goals right there!) Being a fellow Aussie girl, living in one of my favourite places (Byron Bay) I find her totally relatable. As the title suggests it’s all about manifesting the life of your dreams and Jordanna teaches us just how powerful our thoughts are when it comes to attracting positive and negative situations in our lives. It’s written with such humour, wit and honesty that I challenge anyone who doesn’t connect with at least one of the chapters or situations Jordanna refers to from her own life. Lots of great exercises to use that I’m sure if practiced consistently you will notice significant changes in your life. Cant wait for her next one!
THE 5AM CLUB – Robin Sharma
Ok so I’m not quite through this one but I must say this book has been such a surprise and joy to read. Not at all what you would expect from a personal development book, it’s written as a story rather than just filled with tips and techniques to make your life better. Essentially the book follows two characters on their journey to fulfilment and self discovery, whilst teaching you the lessons and processes along with them to incorporate into your own life. A 5am wake up call seems way too early for most people, but the theories and learning modules in this book totally make sense. Thousands of successful people out there swear by this concept of rising early to get your mindset, heartset, healthset and soulset in tune. If you can conquer the cold mornings and again practice with consistency, I’m sure you will see the benefits too.
What are some of your favourite motivational books? Please share in the comments below xx
Cant hurt me by David Goggins. Not your usual self help book, more his life story with a few bits of ‘homework’ in between. This guy is the definition of mental and physical toughness, and his story alone is worth the read.
I haven’t heard of that one Kate. I’ll definitely have to check it out, thanks for the recommendation! xx
They all sound like great reads! Thanks for the recommendations. 💗
All good my lady! I read Universe has your back a couple of years ago now but it is definitely one of my favourites of hers. You will like Make it Happen too… is a winner 🙂