Today a little voice told me I should share this list of books that have changed my life.  It’s not a long list, because I wanted to give you the best of the best, the ones that have had the most profound impact. We’re talking quantum leaps here. I hope you love them as much as I did (and still do)!

 

 

The Writings of Florence Scovel Shinn

A much-loved favorite of mine for decades.  Florence Scovel Shinn (or Flossie, as a good friend and I secretly refer to her) was a profound influence on Louise Hay and other pioneers of personal transformation. My copy is bookmarked, highlighted, and dog eared to the point that it’s about three times its original size. She wrote in the 1920s so the language is a bit antiquated, but that’s one of the things that makes it special, IMO.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes:

The Divine Design of my life is now manifesting

in my mind, body, and affairs.

 

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

A classic, for obvious reasons. Who doesn’t want to think more positively?

 

 

A Course in Miracles

A powerful course in mind-training—designed to undo fear-based thinking and convert it to love-based thinking. If you aren’t comfortable with the word or idea of God, then it may not be for you, but I have had profound insights following this course.

 

The Language of Letting Go by Melodie Beattie

I received this book as a gift many decades ago, and it’s one of the few books I’ve kept with me throughout my life. If alcoholism has touched your life or if you wish to unravel the knots of co-dependency, this is a must-have tool. Her writing is beautiful as well.

 

A Return to Love: Reflections on The Principles of The Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson.

Marianne Williamson is one of my sheroes, and an incredible author. This book contains one of my favorite quotes of all time (often incorrectly attributed to others):

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

 

Love, Medicine, and Miracles: Lessons Learned About Self-Healing From a Surgeon’s Experience With Exceptional Patients by Bernie Siegel

I had to pick up this book after I heard Bernie Siegel speak on Hal Elrod’s podcast. The book came into my life when my father was dying and gave me great comfort and food for thought.

 

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

This book distills ancient teachings and the wisdom of many modern day high-caliber teachers to help you tap the power of the law that governs all our lives to create—intentionally and effortlessly—a joyful life. There’s also a movie version, which was released before the book(s).

 

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Ekhart Tolle

Learn to leave your analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind, so you can enjoy the present. The now.

 

A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield

A Path with Heart brings alive the challenges of spiritual living in the modern world. Written by a teacher, psychologist, and meditation master of international renown, this book touches on a wide range of essential issues including compassion, addiction, and psychological and emotional healing, to dealing with problems involving relationships and sexuality, to the creation of a Zen-like simplicity and balance in all facets of life.

 

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz

Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering, using ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives.

 

Feeding Your Demons: Ancient Wisdom for Resolving Inner Conflict by Tsultrim Allione 

I had some transformative experiences while working with this book. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, illness, an eating disorder, a difficult relationship, fear, self-hatred, addiction, or anger, check it out.  Renowned American Buddhist leader Tsultrim Allione explains that the harder we fight our demons, the stronger they become. If we want to liberate ourselves from the fight once and for all, we must reverse our approach and nurture our demons.

 

Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui: Learn the Art of Space Clearing and Bring New Energy into Your Life by Karen Kingston

Not a book on mindset, per se, but I like to think of the techniques she shares as “spiritual housekeeping.” Clearing the energy in your home environment is another valuable tool for creating a joyful life.

I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did (or more!) I’d love to hear your thoughts… please feel free to share in the comments below!