5 Books That Have Changed My Life
Reading has become a goal for many. For some it’s so easy for them to pick up a book and read, but for others, they pick a book up and become easily distracted. Reading is one of my favourite past-times. What I love about books is that we are invited to step into someone else's shoes and delve into their life experiences and individual theologies. Personally, I love to learn and be able to apply these valuable gifts of wisdom to create and mould my own idiosyncratic thinking.
If you’re beginning to read or if you’re looking for some suggestions,I’d like to share a few books that have changed my life. In no particular order, here a few favourites I highly recommend:
1. The Magic Of Thinking Big - David Schwartz
’No one else was going to believe in me until I believed in myself.’
I read this book in 2014, when I first began to overcome depression. This book taught me how to think outside the box. We become so limited by our thoughts that it stops us from really grasping the fullness of life. This book allowed me to think bigger of myself, rather than give in to the limited beliefs I had. It helps shift negative thinking into more positive and productive thoughts. It’s amazing how powerful words can be and when you start to change your vocabulary and thoughts, your life begins to change as well. It’s amazing how much your life shifts when you realise that you have the power to change your life. I became so obsessed with this book, I read it over and over again, and wrote the quotes in my notebook to ensure it was ingrained in me. If you find yourself stuck in your negative bubble of thoughts and want to live an enlarged life, this book is for you.
2. Total Recall - Arnold Schwarzenegger
‘You'll have plenty of time to rest when you're in the grave.’
If you wonder how I do what I do, this book is one of the reasons behind how I can do so much in a day. Growing up, I was obsessed with Arnold’s films. One of my favourites is True Lies. What I enjoy about his life is that he never limited himself to just a bodybuilder or an actor -he accomplished so much more afterward. This book gave me great insight on what he did to achieve so much. I found it so powerful for him to be completely honest about his greatest failure, which he was highly scrutinised for. He took full responsibility for his actions and was very vulnerable about it. He also shares how networking was a big factor in his successes. Arnold has the type of life I want to embody; someone who wants to accomplish so much but always wants to give in return. He took plenty of risks and lived a disciplined life. For me, this book taught me how to get the most of everyday, how to hone discipline, and how to live life not confined by fear. At the end of the book, he provides the 10 most important lessons he learned - which I still like to refer to everyday.
3. It Didn't Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are And How To End the Cycle - Mark Wolynn
’If we truly want to embrace life and experience joy, if we truly want deep and satisfying relationships, and health that's vibrant and resilient, if we truly want to live up to our full potential, without the sense of being broken inside, we must first repair our broken relationship with our parents.’
For most of us, the very first relationships we’re exposed to are with our families. Some of these experiences were traumatic, and we bring them with us for the rest of our lives. This book explores how generational trauma affects us. Reading this book was triggering, but also allowed me to understand my family and be able to heal. I was able to lean into painful experiences and understand how they came to be. With this book, I found myself unlearning the unhealthy behaviours I’ve learnt and be able to find healing in my relationships with my family, especially my parents (definitely wasn’t easy). I’ve learnt to become understanding rather than resentful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with family trauma.
4. Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - And The Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
’What if depression is, in fact, a form of grief- for our own lives not being as they should? What if it is a form of grief for the connections we have lost, yet still need?’
As a counsellor, I’ve read so many books on depression and anxiety. This book had to be one of the best books by far. We go on a journey with the author to find meaning behind depression and anxiety. He bases the book from many studies psychologists have undertaken and reveals powerful insights on anti-depressants and the very reasons as to why we feel the way we feel. This book felt like Eat Pray Love meets the Myth Busters, Johann embarks a journey to understand his own depression and anxiety, and also challenges some of the beliefs that we have around mental illness. This book is really powerful when it comes to understanding your own journey and the true facts of depression and anxiety.
5. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself- Michael A. Singer
’There is nothing more important to true growth than realising that you are not the voice of mind-you are the one who hears it.’
I enjoyed this book so much. I’ve been on this wild journey of creating a more spiritual and peaceful life. This book talks about our consciousness, state of being and spirituality, and how we can set us free of our own egos. This book encouraged me to sit with my emotions, rather than jumping to solve every thought that comes to my head. It also challenged me to let go and allow for better things to come into my life. If you’re looking to have more peace of mind, clarity this book is for you.
If you are an avid reader, I hope you lean into these books. There is an abundance of wisdom and life lessons that are beyond your own thinking that can inspire you to live an expansive and empowered life.
