We are all capable of living lives that fulfill us and bring us joy. And if you’re struggling with that, like I was, these books can help you learn how to get there. I put together the summaries of these self-love and growth topics inside my Notes page, but I highly recommend diving into one of these books that speaks most to you.
The Gifts of Imperfection
Brene Brown
After tons of research on where I wanted to start, this was the first self-love book I picked up. Brene opened my mind to the concepts of self compassion and acceptance and remembering that, even when we feel we should be more, we are enough. This book introduces you to what living “wholeheartedly” looks like and how that starts with being kind to ourselves.
Good Vibes, Good Life
Vex King
Have you ever felt like you wanted to create positive change but had no idea where to start? It might be your vibes that need to change first. Vex uses the concept of positive and negative vibrations as the catalyst for what we manifest in our lives, both for good and bad. If you’re curious how mindset is playing into your life and want digestible suggestions on making personal improvements, this book is for you.
I’ve Been Thinking…
Maria Shriver
There’s something for everyone in this book. Maria shares her insights from 60 years of life, touching on topics like marriage, family, careers, parenting, and faith. Each chapter is just a short read and includes a personal prayer at the end. I believe I’ll find myself reaching for this book when I need a refresher on a particular situation in life, or when I need another perspective. A wonderful, re-readable bedside book.
Inward
Yung Pueblo
Yung was someone who first caught my eye on Instagram. This man has a way with words; he speaks straight to your soul. This brief but powerful book is about healing yourself as the ultimate pathway to happiness. He reminds readers that we are our own healers, and that we already have everything inside us to do so. A book of poetically written lessons that I’ll come back to again and again.
Girl Wash Your Face
Rachel Hollis
This was one of the first books that pioneered the self-love movement for women. The author writes honestly and openly, and tackles a lot of shared issues that she experiences as a working woman, wife, mother, and friend. Each chapter, Rachel explores a particular “lie” she had come to believe about herself or about lie in general and dissects why she no longer believes it. She also includes tips on how to shatter your own limiting beliefs if you find yourself struggling with the same topic. Overall, a pleasurable and easy read and a great book to start with if you’re just getting into self-help.
The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching
Thich Nhat Hanh
When I first starting getting into self-love, I realized that many of the concepts the authors used could all be drawn back to Buddhism. This book taught me about the practices of Buddhism and how to develop my spirituality through its teachings. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, is able to explore all the concepts of Buddhism in a way beginners can understand, and I quickly drew parallels to many of my other readings. A wonderful and inspirational read for anyone interested in becoming more connected to others, themselves, and the world in general.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Kristin Neff, Ph.D.
“Self-compassion” is something I had heard so little about, and needed so much of. I realized just how much self-compassion impacts our own well-being, and the well-being of all those we are in relationship with. Dr. Kristen Neff beautifully weaves science, somatic healing, and personal stories into this bible for learning how to love and be tender towards yourself and why it’s important for living a life free of suffering.
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies
Tara Schuster
This was the first “self love” book that I read in audio format and I really enjoyed the change of pace (Tara herself narrates). The book is a perfect combination of memoir and self-love book in one. I loved how Schuster used stories from her life to weave together lessons that readers could take away. We go on a journey through relatable moments in her relationships, professional career, and difficult moments with her parents. It left me feeling understood and optimistic and wanting to buy myself flowers.
The Untethered Soul
Michael A. Singer
This book took me on a spiritual journey that no “self love” book has taken me on thus far. Singer uses this book to explore the idea of conscious vs unconscious and how these parts of the mind (and soul) work together. He offers readers the concept of the “conscious self” and how the energies of the universe work to activate it. I was a bit lost around the concepts of religion weaved throughout the book, but ultimately the idea of how to keep an open heart and going beyond what you thought you were capable of is what kept me intrigued.
Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole
Susan Cain
This book was incredibly important to me. For years, I ran away from feelings of sadness or sorrow and thought that, if I didn’t look to the bright side, then I would somehow be poisoned by the negative. But Cain’s writings give us permission – and, in fact, encourage us – to embrace the sadness of life in order to feel joy more strongly than ever before. If you’ve lost someone, or cried at romantic movies and music, or feel a calling from the rain, I promise that you’ll enjoy this book.
