Books That Changed My Life
My husband is the bookworm in our relationship. I’m pretty sure that his dream house would include a private study whose walls were bookshelves. He has convinced me to join the book craze and I’m loving every second of it. I’ve never been one for novels. As much as i love a good escape, I have Netflix for that. I’ve gotten hooked on self-help books, and I’m always looking for a good one. Here are five books that I love and highly recommend:
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman: This book was the first book my husband ever gifted me. In it, Chapman researches why couples fall “out of love” and discovers that perhaps it’s because the partners do not love in the same way. Chapman states that every individual has a primary, secondary and tertiary love language, and one person’s love languages may vastly differ from another person. The goal of the book is to discover what your and your loved ones love languages are and how to ensure that their “love tanks” are properly filled with the appropriate love languages. The book helped me identify what my husband’s love languages are, and I make sure to try to give in those ways, even if they are not the way I would wish to receive love.
First, Kill All Marriage Counselors by Laura Doyle: I’ve heard mixed reviews about Laura Doyle, but it is safe to say that she has drastically transformed my marriage for the better. Doyle, a wife ready to end her marriage, gave up trying to change her husband and began changing herself instead. The result was a changed wife and a changed husband. Doyle discusses how taking upon oneself six basic intimacy skills can change the dynamic of even the rockiest of marriages. I can say that I have implemented much of Doyle’s work and my marriage has only improved.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis: This book has become an instant classic for hundreds of thousands of women. The book’s format is that each chapter is introduced by a lie we women tell ourselves, followed by the reality. Hollis recounts many anecdotes from her triumphs and failures in her work, relationships, raising kids and more. Hollis uses her incredible story-telling abilities to inspire and motivate women to love, value and take care of themselves. The book is comical, light, and inspiring. It’s one of those books that you can read over and over and love every second of it.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown: Brown, a researcher known for her work on shame, recounts a mental breakdown/spiritual awakening she experienced a number of years ago. Based on that experience, she discusses many human tendencies involving shame, feeling unworthy, and learning to love and accept oneself as one is. Brown uses her research to define terms that one would never think were so complicated or so misdefined. Her work shows people that they are not alone in this struggle to feel worthy or deserving of love, which in itself is incredibly comforting.
Healing Back Pain by John E Sarno: I know that this one doesn’t quite belong in this list as it’s not about relationships with others or oneself, but it is one that I believe deserves attention. John Sarno’s approach to numerous body pains brings the concept of psychosomatic medicine to light. Sarno informs the readers about the body’s ability to suppress subconscious thoughts and bring out numerous different types of bodily pain. The book is geared toward teaching those with chronic back or gastro pain to accept their pain and work on figuring out what is mentally distressing them, thereby alleviating much of their bodily troubles.
All of the books mentioned above can be purchased below or via my amazon storefront, which contains affiliate links.
View my Amazon book recommendations
Which books have changed your life? I’m always looking for more!
XOXO, Bari
