In last week’s post, therapist Susan Stocker offered suggestions on beating the blues by taking inventory of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. As a follow up, I’m sharing a favorite personal development book of mine from each category:
PHYSICAL
Cholesterol Clarity: What the HDL is Wrong with My Numbers? by Jimmy Moore with Eric C. Westman, MD
As high cholesterol and heart issues run in my family, this is a topic of personal interest. Moore and Westman turn the traditionally understood relationship between cholesterol and heart health on its head. With layman’s language, this is a very readable and compelling book for anyone looking for a more complete understanding of this very common health issue.
MENTAL
30-Second Philosophies, edited by Barry Loewer
This unique book takes fifty of the world’s most important philosophical ideas and explains them in one page each. Clear language and bold graphics help even a novice grasp these concepts that most of us have heard about but never really understood. Reading these passages will help you think about your life and the world in new and better ways.
EMOTIONAL
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
Why are the Danish people consistently ranked as the happiest in the world? This small, compulsively readable book answers that question. Author Meik Wiking, the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, balances sharing his research findings with colorful anecdotes and insights into Danish culture. After reading this, don’t be surprised if you find yourself buying a new sweater, lighting candles, and inviting friends over for comfort food in front of the fireplace.
SPIRITUAL
The Diary of an Old Soul by George MacDonald
George MacDonald (1824-1905) is widely considered one of the most influential and important writers of the Victorian era. Written in 1880, this collection of MacDonald’s poetic prayers is one of the most beautiful and compelling books I’ve ever read. Organized with a short prayer for each day of the year, my edition also has blank pages for doodling or journaling your own thoughts and prayers in response to his. This is a book I’ve returned to again and again when I need a balm for my soul.
So how about you? Do any of these books spark your interest? Pick one up today. What are some of your favorite personal development books? Share them in the comment section below. For fun, I’ve included a video tour of my former closet library from my YouTube channel. Thanks so much for being a part of this community. I hope these recommendations encourage, equip, and empower you on your journey to Becoming Yourself.
Some of the first to have a big impact on me were Your Erroneous Zones by Wayne Dyer, The Road Less Taken by M. Scott Peck, The Self-Talk Solution by Shad Helmstetter, You’re Not Perfect on how to deal with criticism (very good but I forget who wrote it) and endless others.
Some of your favorites sound great, and I’ll definitely be reading one or two.
Thanks, Matt
Thank you so much for sharing these recommendations, Marie! They all sound wonderful. I know my mom is a big fan of The Road Less Taken as well.