1. “Radical Awakening” by Dr. Shefali Tsabary
Through this magnum opus of writing, Dr. Shefali walks women of all ages through a vulnerable journey of self-discovery and self-forgiveness. Covering a wide range of topics from divorce to societal expectations of women to redefining how one understands herself, Dr. Shefali bravely takes on taboo issues and boldly sheds light on them through her journey. This book is one of reclaiming, healing and growth for any woman on a spiritual and self-help journey or for any individual wanting to grow and understand women's experiences better.
2. “Getting the Love You Want” by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt
Although this book is ideal if you are in a new relationship, it’s also helpful for those in long-term relationships or single. Married couple Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt explore how our childhoods inform our adult relationships and how we show up in them. If you want to heal childhood wounds, strengthen your relationships or attract healthier ones, this book is an absolute must-read.
3. “The Mountain is You” by Brianna Weist
You read that title correctly. This read covers the idea of self-sabotage and why we are so prone to doing it. If you are prepared to dive deep and get real with yourself, you can expect this book to cover how past experiences inform current choices down to the cellular level or how to gain insights from our most damaging habits. Ultimately, you will learn not how to master the mountain but how to master yourself.
4. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
This is one title to return to repeatedly as you find yourself in ruts or, on the other hand, motivated to make changes. Clear clearly breaks down the principles of what makes or breaks a good habit and how to eliminate the bad ones. Rather than turning your life around during one burst of energy at three in the morning, Clear suggests you implement habits gradually, one at a time, until they become second nature. Ultimately, your identity is the sum of all your habits, whether for better or worse. But if you want to get better, add this book to your shopping list.
5. “The Power of Now” by Eckart Tolle
If you’ve been feeling a little spiritual lately or know that your day-to-day has not worked for you recently, check out this book. This is an especially prudent read if you are chronically checked out and distracted by the millions of thoughts swirling around in your head. Tolle walks readers through the importance of presence with yourself and others and actionable steps to be engaged with the here and NOW instead of everything else that hasn’t happened yet.
6. “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty
Shetty is the former monk-turned-current self-help-guru that most people by now at least know of but many love. By tapping into ancient traditions and what he’s learned during his time in the ashram, Shetty discusses how to overcome negative thoughts, anxiety and how to quite literally “think like a monk.” So if you are looking for a general self-improvement book that will help you improve relationships, strengthen your discipline and be an all-around more peaceful person, give this book a read.
7. “Ikigai” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
"Ikigai" is the Japanese concept of having a meaningful life and purpose. Covering the overlap between purpose, what you can get paid for and what the world needs, Garcia and Miralles note that at the center of these three principles is your individual "Ikigai." Finding and cultivating it is how you can personally live a longer, more fulfilling life. Interviewing residents of a Japanese village in one of the world's seven blue zones, the authors bring to readers how these people find their "Ikigai" and how other people can too.
8. “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the creator and producer we all know and love (she brought us "Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy," "Bridgerton" and many more), wrote this book when her sister called out her busy lifestyle, saying, "'You never say yes to anything.'" This follows her own year of yes, where she put herself out there, didn't pass up opportunities and most importantly, said YES to anything she would usually turn down. While this book is a memoir, it's inspiring storytelling that readers should incorporate into their own lives. What can you start saying yes to? How could your life change magnificently if you put yourself out there when you'd rather stay home?
9. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
If you are on TikTok, you’ve seen this book recommendation everywhere. Think of this as not only a self-help read but a personal bible. Don Miguel Ruiz covers four agreements or principles that should be taken as a code of conduct that can transform your life. Using teachings from his Toltec ancestors, he compiles his learnings into these four agreements to know and to live by. This is a necessary read for anyone interested in self-improvement but, even more paramount, a foundational blueprint for any spiritual journey.
10. “Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?” By Dr. Julie Smith
This book is free (well, extremely cost-effective) therapy. Dr. Julie Smith fills this book to the brim with her toolkit as a therapist. She includes several helpful coping techniques for even the most trying times and offers practical ways to handle criticism, manage anxiety and find motivation. If you’re not ready to book an appointment with a mental health professional or are looking for a more private forum to access therapeutic tools, this read is an excellent resource for beginning your mental health journey or supplementing it if you’re already on one.
