5 Books for Self Discovery
Now that we have discussed what steps would help you begin your personal journey, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to find inspiration in the stories of others. Knowing that we are not alone in our journey can help us stay motivated. Self-growth and discovery is not a linear process and oftentimes our journey can hit a plateau, take an unexpected turn or just come to a screeching halt. Learning new coping mechanisms and problem-solving methods (especially ones that work for you and your individual journey) will help you keep moving forward.
Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self
Sarah Ban Breathnach
Best-selling author, Sarah Ban Breathnach, strives to help her readers connect with their deeper selves through this collection of stories and inspirations. Breathnach discusses the downside to the self-sacrificing nature that can affect how women view their self-worth and self-understanding. Learn more about how to dig deeper and find your authentic self with this read.
Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
Elizabeth Lesser
Self-discovery is not always an easy or fun process - in fact, it can bring up a lot of tough experiences and personal triggers. Elizabeth Lesser’s, Broken Open, is a guide through those times where growth and change can be difficult. 25 years ago, Lesser opened up what is now one of the biggest spiritual and personal growth retreats in the world- Omega Institute. Throughout her time there, she has learned and mastered many techniques that she believes are the tools that one needs to not only overcome obstacles and biases but also how to accept personal loss.
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from the Past, and Create Yourself
Dr. Nicole LePera
Many of what we see as “bad habits” or unhealthy tendencies stem from our youth. Dr. LePera’s book, How to Do the Work, guides you through the process of finding and creating a more authentic, happier, and emotionally resolved you. By recognizing negative or even self-sabotaging patterns, you will be one step closer to finding your own way of communicating your needs and wants - and finding the tools you need to become your better self.
The Power of Chowa: Finding Your Inner Strength Through the Japanese Concept of Balance and Harmony
Akemi Tanaka
For many of us, the journey towards self-discovery can be motivated in finding balance, and our own sense of peace. Tanaka’s The Power of Chowa, is a great read for anyone who is a fan of the Swedish comfort culture practice of ‘hygge’ or the Danish ‘lagom’, which translates to “not too much, not too little”. “Chowa” is the ancient Japanese practice of bringing practicality and symmetry into everyday life. For those who are curious about cultivating balance and calmness in all aspects of life from our living spaces to our relationships, both with others and ourselves, harnessing the power of chowa can be a powerful tool.
You Have the Power: How to Tap into Your Inner Strength and Find Your Power to Live a Successful Life
Vanessa J. Jones
The journey of self-discovery is largely about realizing that you have had the power within yourself all along. In You Have The Power, Jones offers practical advice on the topic of everyday challenges- such as time management, to the more complex - finding and utilizing your strengths from the qualities you already possess. Finding fulfillment could be more about recognizing your worth and following your instincts than you might have realized.
I hope these books are useful and inspirational to you as you continue on your personal journey. Finding the truest versions of ourselves, and our unique strength is one that takes time. Use the lessons in these books to help guide you along your way- and feel free to share them with others.
