The Non-Fiction Books That Changed the Way I Think
...and are now a part of my daily life for self care, anxiety, and parenting.
Dear Reader,
Every once in awhile I will come across a gem of a book. A book that either completely opens my eyes to something new, transforms me into my better self, or rather explains my current self. And the fact that just reading a book actually has the ability to do these things is so powerful to me. I am so grateful for what I have gained from them. So today I’m sharing 5 of those gems with you. And maybe they too will pave a path for further thought or clarity in your life journey as well.
Below are 5 non-fiction books that changed the way I think and are now a part of my daily life for self care, anxiety, and parenting.
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron PH.D. - I figured I would start with the holy grail, my pivotal instrument, my aha, the answer I now have to support all things that make me “me”, the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). If you are not familiar with the term HSP I highly recommend the video “Sensitive: The Untold Story” by the author alongside Alanis Morissette before reading the book. It was my introduction to the term and within minutes knew I was HSP. After watching you will more than likely either relate to it on a deeply personal level or identify traits described in someone you know. Which honestly will be beneficial for both scenarios in my opinion.
If the terms deep processing, overstimulation, emotional reaction and empathy, or strong sensory to perception and subtleties, strike any chords I recommend giving the video and book some of your time. It might very well be the very key to understanding your world of self as an HSP or the HSPs in your life. Below is a trailer clip. You can view the full video HERE.
How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell - I read this during a time when I was desperate to return to my inner self after a few years of so much “noise” in the world of social media. I no longer felt I was me any longer, but rather lost in a sea full of detached sameness. I knew from experience that going on walks amongst nature or just ‘being‘ always centered me and brought me back to myself, but I wanted to better understand the why behind that. This book did that for me and so much more. Taking moments to unplug is so important and knowing “how” to do nothing can open up a whole world of meaningfulness we as humans should never put to waste.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - I am a deep thinker/processor and not only do I require it, but I happen to thoroughly enjoy swimming in my own internal dialogue. And up until reading this book I actually took great pride in the fact that I love to think for long periods of time. However after reading this book, I learned that allowing myself to do so in an uncontrolled fashion was actually creating some of my anxiety problems. What was a blissful swim in thoughts, became an engulfed drowning in sorrow, confusion, and worry. Mulling over scenarios from the past and contemplating possibilities of the future are actually not doing anything for me and only taking away from precious living in the NOW.
This book taught me that when my mind stirs up anxious thoughts and takes me in circles stewing over my past or possible future scenarios, that I need to stop immediately and then remind myself that in the NOW everything is actually ok and to simply focus only on the now. And it has worked every singe time! Pretty freakin’ powerful if you ask me! There are definitely much more takeaways from this book, but that one was a biggie for me.
A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold - This is Sue Klebold’s story, the mother of Dylan Klebold. The Dylan Klebold who was one of the perpetrators behind the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. [sigh]...this book was the heaviest and most heartbreaking books I have ever read in my entire life. And while my heart still aches just thinking about this devastating story, I find the content shared within every single one of these pages to be SO important for all parents everywhere to read. She covers so much in this book and now dedicates her every breath to bring awareness for the mental health and well being of our children. We think we know, but we have no idea! Parents, please read.
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel J. Seigel, M.D. - Ok so I am currently a parent of three adolescents (12, 15, 19)! And while I once was an adolescent myself, I felt I needed help in understanding what the heck is going on in my precious children’s brain so that I can better connect or at least feel less lost and disconnected during their teenage years. This book did that and so much more for me. Plus it is written in a way that is meant for both adolescents and adults to read and gain from. I found it to be an amazing resource on the science behind the development of the teenage brain as well as identifying the wonderful strengths we can all gain from and the weaknesses that we can work with together towards nurturing the next generation and future of this world.
What books have you read that left a lasting impression for the better? Please share in the comments.
Thank you so much for reading.
Love,
Offhand I don’t remember any books like that I have read except for Joyce Meyer’s Battlefield of the Mind.
I am like you too in respect that I find I mull over in my mind things that happened and how could have been different or different outcome. Also, all the what if’s could happen.