Life Altering Resources
Here are some books and other resources that I have read, listened to, meditated with, and carried all around the world all in the name of self-betterment. I don’t know if that’s a word. But that’s ok, you get the idea. I’m constantly finding new favorites and updating the list, so keep checking back.
Books
You Are A Badass
by Jen Sincero
Originally gifted to me by a fellow badass, I couldn’t put this book down and I’ve read it multiple times since. Jen is the best friend you want around to support you while giving you a loving kick in the ass. She does not sugarcoat a thing, and delivers all her ass kickings with a huge dose of humor. You’ll find no judgement here. Just someone that truly wants to see you live your best version of your life. She’s a gem. Highly recommended read.
Big Magic
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Well known for her jaunt in Italy in her book Eat, Pray, Love — Elizabeth Gilbert is a creative force to be reckoned with. I love this book because she reminds us to slow down and remember that art is meant to be fun, not a dirge. To create for the sake of creating and to flex your artistic muscles each day. Art doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There are many ways to make it a part of your current lifestyle. You just need to make it a priority. Also check out her podcast as well.
Daring Greatly
by Brenè Brown
Brenè is a straight shooting Texan and she’s not afraid to bear it all as she advises us to do the same. Daring Greatly is about the willingness to be vulnerable and how it leads to a richer life. I pretty much devoured this book in one sitting a couple of years ago and it is still sticking with me. Part extensive research and part personal insight, it delivers and more.
Rising Strong
by Brenè Brown
Rising Strong is to courage what Daring Greatly is to vulnerability. It’s the aftermath of willing to be vulnerable. You may have been taken down when choosing to be vulnerable, but this book shows you how to work through it and get back up. Brenè calls the process the Rumble. She outlines how to Rumble effectively and uses some personal examples to back it up. I loved every page of this one and practice the Rumble daily. My copy is well worn and marked up — the hallmark signs of an impactful read.
The Creative Habit
by Twyla Tharp
Twyla does not mess around. She reminds me of my ballet teacher in middle school. You show up on time and do the work. End of story. It’s about creating good habits, creative or otherwise. I don’t know about you, but establishing better habits is always on my list.
The Science of Getting Rich
by Wallace Wattles
This book is super old timey in case you couldn’t tell by the authors name. But it’s as true today as it was in 1910. I bought this one on audio and I listen to it in the car all the time. It’s simple and super repetitive and I can feel all the positive wealth conscious vibes sinking in. This one is a classic. Don’t be turned off by Wattles proclaiming that the best thing you can do in life is be “rich.” In this context he means a rich life is whatever money you need to make in order to remain at a high vibration to share your gifts with the world. Something I think we’re all meant to do, share our gifts.
Think and Grow Rich
by Napoleon Hill
Another great wealth consciousness book, along with ole Wallace Wattles up above. Napoleon interviewed numerous wealthy businessmen and wrote the book based on their advice and mindset. It’s super to the point and doesn’t mess around. This one is highly recommended as well.
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
by T. Harv Eker
T. Harv isn’t a wordsmith and it sometimes reads super salesy for his workshop he wants everyone to attend — but he does get his point across. Think big and confront what Harv calls your money blueprint which is instilled during childhood and you too will be on your way to an abundant mindset. I think awareness of the story we tell ourselves around money is FUNDAMENTAL in changing it for the positive. Highly recommend this book.
You Can Heal Your Life
by Louise Hay
Louise was writing and talking about self-help before it was hipster cool and I was still in grade school. This book is super woo woo and she talks about healing herself from cancer based on her thoughts. Shrug, sounds good to me! There’s lots of self love in the pages and I have read this one numerous times.
Loving What Is: Four Questions that Can Change Your Life
by Byron Katie
This book breaks down how to have an excellent relationship into 4 simple and life changing questions. Not just romantic relationships, but also those with family, friends, work, you name it. The first few pages is the step by step process of how to do what she terms “the work.” The rest of the book, over 200 pages, are case studies of how the work is applied to real life situations. My suggestion would be to read the case studies and then go back and read how to do the work. Seeing her do it successfully over and over again will make you doing it yourself much easier. Highly recommended.
Present Over Perfect
by Shauna Niequist
This book will resonate with many 30 to 40 something women with full lives who feel burnt out and tired much of the time. A writer by profession Shauna felt she was keeping up appearances well, but pulled in so many directions she wasn’t actually enjoying her life. When she got really clear on who she was and what she wanted in her life and for her family she started saying the most simple, but hardest word to utter: no. I’m all about the No. I use it early and often.
Podcasts, Apps + Audio
AbrahamHicks.com
This is full on woo, so prepare yourself. Esther and Jerry Hicks were normal people and then Esther started channeling a spirit/ghost (not sure and not overly worried about it) named Abraham. They have a huge collection of audio and books with his teachings and I really do love all the content. Regardless where it originates from this is great life advice. Keep your vibration high which translates into be more happy. Choose to be happy, dammit. They also have a set of 4 meditations that rock — one general meditation, a manifesting money meditation, a good health meditation and a relationship meditation. You can play all of their stuff for free on their youtube channel or you can purchase the app. Highly recommended. I listen to their stuff all the time.
Simply Being Guided Meditation App
Super simple app and her voice can take you from a level 4 alert to so relaxed you’re comatose. Perfect. Each meditation is guided and you can choose from a short one of 5 minutes to a 30 minute. There is also background music that you can adjust the timing for as well. I have this on my phone and pop in my earbuds when I need a few minutes to myself.
Headspace: Guided Meditation and Mindfulness App
I list Headspace here because I know it’s a popular one with my friends and contacts. I have used it in the past, but it’s not on regular rotation for me. One of the things I really like about their app, is they help you incorporate meditation into your daily life. Making you accountable, tracking your use, and making it social. They take the scariness out of meditation and work to make it more approachable.
Meditation Oasis Podcast
The same woman that does the Simply Being meditations, this podcast has all kinds of great meditations. These vary in length and are much more specific. I like to listen to the 18 minute “Relax into Sleep Guided Meditation,” even though I don’t usually make it past minute 3 before passing out hard. Are you lonely or short on patience? Don’t worry, there’s a meditation for those too.
