Hey girls! I’m here today to spill the tea on some amazing books that have been total game-changers for my personal growth and inspiration. You know how it is, we’re all on this journey of self-discovery and sometimes, a good book can be that best friend who whispers the right words in your ear just when you need them.
Let’s start with “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Oh my goodness, this book was like a warm hug on a cold day. It follows the author’s journey as she travels the world after a messy divorce, trying to find herself again. I could so relate to her feeling of being lost and not knowing who she really was outside of a relationship. Reading about her adventures in Italy, where she indulged in the most delicious food (and made me drool over the descriptions, by the way!), then her spiritual awakening in India, and finally finding love again in Bali, it was like I was right there with her. It taught me that it’s okay to take a step back from the chaos of life and focus on yourself. That sometimes, you need to get out of your comfort zone and explore new places and experiences to truly understand what makes you happy.
Another one that really hit home for me was “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This little gem is full of wisdom and magic. It’s about a shepherd boy named Santiago who embarks on a journey to find his personal legend. The way it describes the importance of following your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem at first, is just so inspiring. I remember reading it and thinking, “Why have I been holding myself back from going after what I really want?” It made me realize that the universe has a way of guiding us if we just listen to our hearts. And the whole concept of “beginner’s luck” and how when you start on a new path, the universe conspires to help you, it gave me the courage to take that first step towards some of my own big dreams.
Then there’s “Big Magic” also by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book is all about creativity and how to live a creative life without the fear of failure. She talks about how ideas are like little magical entities that float around looking for someone to bring them to life. And how we should just say yes to those ideas, even if they seem a bit crazy. I used to be so scared of putting myself out there, whether it was writing that blog post I’d been thinking about or trying a new painting technique. But after reading this book, I was like, “You know what? Screw it! I’m going to give it a shot.” And it’s been amazing. I’ve discovered new talents and interests that I never knew I had because I wasn’t afraid to be a little messy and imperfect in the process.
“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed is another must-read. It’s based on the author’s real-life experience of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone after going through some really tough times in her life. Reading about her struggles, from dealing with blisters on her feet to facing her inner demons, was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. It showed me that we’re all capable of doing things that seem impossible if we just push through the pain and keep going. I mean, I can’t even imagine hiking that trail by myself, but Cheryl did it, and it made me believe that I can overcome my own challenges too.
Now, let’s talk about “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. This book is a game-changer when it comes to self-acceptance. Brené talks about how we all have this need to be perfect, to fit in, and how it’s actually holding us back from living a full and authentic life. She shares her research on vulnerability and how being vulnerable is not a weakness but a strength. I used to be so worried about what others would think of me if I showed my true self, with all my flaws and insecurities. But after reading this, I started to embrace my imperfections and realized that they’re what make me unique and interesting. It’s like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I could be more myself around others.
One more that I have to mention is “Educated” by Tara Westover. Her story is just unbelievable. Growing up in a strict and somewhat isolated family in the mountains, she had very little formal education. But through her sheer determination and love for learning, she managed to get herself into college and eventually earn a PhD. Reading about her journey of breaking free from the limitations of her upbringing and educating herself was so motivating. It made me think about all the opportunities I have that I sometimes take for granted. And it also showed me that no matter where you come from, you can create a different life for yourself if you’re willing to work hard and believe in yourself.
So, my lovely book-loving sisters, these are just some of the books that have had a huge impact on my personal growth and inspiration. I hope you’ll pick them up and let them work their magic on you too. Because trust me, there’s nothing like curling up with a good book and feeling like it’s speaking directly to your soul. Happy reading!