Sometimes, life just gets you down. Whether you’re a mom dealing with the drudgery of wiping noses and serving snacks; an artist who doesn’t know quite where to turn; or someone trying to learn how to break free of depression, anxiety, or grief, it may be time to seek out an inspirational author for some wise advice.
I’ve compiled a list of books that are sure to inspire you, and reviewed them so you can choose the one that’s right for your individual situation.
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Ann Voskamp
In this beautiful and inspiring book, Ann Voskamp discusses how the way we experience life can be changed simply by living fully in our current situation and being aware of our blessings. She chronicles her journey to keep a gratitude list – a list of one thousand gifts – and how it changed her perception of the world around her.
This Christian self-help book can help you see just how much you truly have to be grateful for, and how to go about counting those blessings as a mindful practice.
Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind
Joe Dispenza
Joe Dispenza first explained his theories on neurobiology and neurochemistry in the now-famous video, What the Bleep Do We Know?
In this follow-up book, he discusses how our brain processes thought patterns and our neurobiology adjusts to accommodate these thought patterns. He then elaborates this theory to explain how changing our thought patterns can actually change the physical structure of our brain and the way its neural networks operate, so that we can experience freedom from mental illness and negative thought.
Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change into Gift and Opportunity
SARK
Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (SARK) is well-known in the self-help arena for her brightly colored, handwritten, and hand-illustrated books.
In her newest book, SARK breaks tradition and opts for printed text, although the book itself stays true to her child-like, multicolored imagery. She discusses ways we can work through grief, loss, and change in our lives and move past these negative emotions to experience the gift and opportunity that they truly have to offer.
Man’s Search for Meaning
Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor E. Frankl was an Austrian psychologist, as well as a Holocaust survivor. His best-selling book tells of his time spent in concentration camps and what he learned about the strength of the human spirit.
In this inspirational book, which deserves its stellar reputation, we learn about the depth of the human soul and the strength of the human spirit.
Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood
Karen Maezen Miller
Most mothers understand that motherhood itself is not necessarily inspiring. Full of changing sheets, making breakfasts, and breaking up sibling squabbles, the life of a mother may not always be a glamorous one. Karen Maezen Miller proposes that the glamor and, in turn, joy may be in the very path of motherhood itself.
A Zen Buddhist priest, Miller has learned the art of accepting what comes, and strives to teach her readers to do the same. If you’re struggling with the drudgery of motherhood, this may be the book for you.
The Lost Soul Companion: A Book of Comfort and Constructive Advice for Black Sheep, Square Pegs, Struggling Artists, and Other Free Spirits
Susan M. Brackney
Have you ever known one of those people who just didn’t quite “fit”? Are you one of those people yourself?
Susan M. Brackney has composed a quirky, easy to follow book to help you find your calling in life, if cubicle life isn’t exactly what you’d hoped for. If you finish this comforting and inspirational book too quickly and find yourself longing for more, follow it up with The Not-So-Lost Soul Companion: More Hope, Strength, and Strategies for Artists and Artists at Heart.
Each of these books provides special inspiration to its target audience, whether you’re a teacher, a writer, a mother, or all of the above. Spend some time absorbing what these authors have to say about the human condition – you may just learn what you need to break out of the funk you’ve been experiencing.
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
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