Reading for a Change
Four Self-Help Books to Inspire Your Best Self
I never wanted to be seen browsing self-help books. I was drawn to them primarily because I didn’t know how to be helped. I couldn’t always pinpoint my problems or name my feelings. I understood it as my nature to internalize and my duty to work through my shit on my own. Over time I became proud of this part of me, I boasted my independence and ability to be self-reliant. The truth is, it was all ego.
I was afraid to expose my internal confusion and cause concern. Even today, I struggle thinking that sharing my life and my problems might make other people worry. Before I had this awareness of self-serving ego and pride, I sought self-help books. These books aided in cultivating an awareness of myself and my behaviors. I began noticing things that I wanted to change, and these books helped with that too.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
I learned how to cherish and acknowledge each moment in life just as it is — too precious and magical to ignore.
*I read Stillness Speaks first by the same author and it deserves an honorable mention. I read it upon moving to DC with a lot of ambition and no apartment! I eventually found a basement unit and this book helped me adjust to being in a new place with no connections beyond the job that I moved for.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
I learned that incremental adjustments can lead to exponential change with consistency. You can really set yourself up for success if that’s your true desire!
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryū Suzuki
All consistent practices start with the right disposition and attitude. This book provides simple guidance for meditation.
These titles help me go inward to effectively align my outer, lived interactions with myself and others. They’ve helped me find symmetry. I must acknowledge that while powerful, their teachings will never replace lived experience or wise counsel. In fact, most of these books were recommended to me by people that I love and trust. Do ask for direction from the right people around you and be more confident than I was to look for answers from authors that write for people interested in self-improvement. Also, take what you need from each read and leave what you don’t! No shame in skipping around or leaving a book “unfinished.”
Helping yourself and others is a process with lessons to be revisited times over. It is never easy to heal and adapt. But we must learn to, gracefully, because it truly never ends. What are some of your favorite self-help titles?
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