Need a little boost to jumpstart your year? Did ‘read more’ make it onto your intention list for 2019? We’ve compiled a list of books that can check off both of those boxes.
You may have read some of them already, maybe even all of them. But the great thing about great books is that little pieces of wisdom will speak to you at different times in your life, wouldn’t you agree? You can discover something new each time you pick up a book, whether it’s a beloved classic that’s worn from several readings over the years, or a crisp, new treasure that you may have to crack the binding on to really dig in deep.
What wisdom are we in for this year? Let’s find out.
The Alchemist
When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
As of 2019, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, is 31 years old, and yet its story (and inspiration) is timeless.
The Alchemist is a fictional story about a young shepherd boy in search of treasure. While the time and place of the story may be very foreign, its messages for the reader are very relatable, such as: follow your dreams, embrace the present, and stay vigilant. We are all on a quest in search of something, and the wisdom of The Alchemist will help you stay the course.
Essentialism
The path of the Essentialist is the path to being in control of our own choices. It is a path to new levels of success and meaning. It is the path on which we enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
George McKeown wrote, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, to help readers regain control of their choices, essentially. When we surrender our choice, others choose for us, and the result is a whole lot of non-essential activity. If you feel like you’re too busy doing everything and not getting anything accomplished, this book is for you. McKeown will teach you how to think, speak and act essentially, paving the way of ‘less is more.’
Big Magic
Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?
Chances are you know Elizabeth Gilbert as the author of the best-selling book, Eat, Pray, Love. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear is Gilbert’s take on the creative process – the struggles and the pursuit, the rewards and the joy. Through her celebrated candidness, she offers applicable advice, instills courage, and gives permission to discover the fulfillment of living a creative life.
The Gifts of Imperfection
“Healthy striving is self-focused: “How can I improve?” Perfectionism is other-focused: “What will they think?”
Another powerhouse of inspiration is Brené Brown. In The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, Brown provides a guide to living what she refers to as a ‘wholehearted’ life – one of authenticity, courage, self-worth and gratitude. In a day and age where a lot of the messages we see on a daily basis are those that tell us we need to be ‘perfect,’ Brown’s insight allows us all to embrace the beautiful, wonderful gifts of imperfection.
You Are a Badass
You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly. You’re on a journey with no defined beginning, middle or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being.
Jen Sincero has no filter in telling you how amazing you are, and it’s kind of great. You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life reads like the advice you’d get from your best friend: honest, brilliant and true. If you don’t feel like you can accomplish anything after you read this book, then read it again. Reading is believing, friends, and trust us when we tell you that you truly are one heck of a badass.
The Five Minute Journal
Every morning when you wake up, you can decide who you want to show up as. Write it down and affirm that every single day until you are comfortable and confident in your answer.
Okay, so the Five Minute Journal is less a ‘book that you read,’ and more a ‘book that you write in,’ but it delivers just as much inspiration as all of the other books on this list. And the best part is that you are the generator of that inspiration. If you can devote five minutes a day to answer the short journal prompts, namely “Three things you are grateful for” and “Three amazing things that went great today,” then your mind will be primed for happiness and gratitude, offering a clearer path to well-being. Each and everyday.
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Did we miss any great inspirational books that you love? Let us know your favorites in the comments below, and we’ll check them out to include in a future installment! Happy reading, friends!