The following books can supplement your personal therapy really nicely and keep up your motivation and give you new ideas in-between therapy sessions. This list will continue to be updated. They will all be books that I have read myself and feel are valuable - enjoy =]
Happy - Why more or less everything is absolutely fine by Derren Brown: This book is a phenomenal collection of evidence driven research and philosophy relating to happiness in pretty much all areas of life. It is very accessible and reads well in Derren's upbeat and eloquent style. I truly recommend this to any human who believes that they have some semblance of control over their own emotions. So much so I own it as a physical copy and on Audible!
Feel the Fear & do it Anyway - How to turn your fear and indecision into confidence and action by Susan Jeffers: I first read this book back in 2009. I hadn't even read that much before I felt as though something had shifted and I started to face my fears that were holding be back in anxiety. It was certainly a helpful companion to be reading as I was going through CBT and was very powerful. I hear many other people recommend this book too and it's a classic for a reason.
The Original Velveteen Rabbit - by Margery Williams: Probably not what you expected to see on this list but this short yet incredibly powerful children's story is very accessible to adults dealing with any sort of body issue or hang up that is impacting on their sense of self worth. For that, I definately recommend this and hey, it's going to probably be the easiest book you read as an adult! Not to be overlooked or scoffed at, this makes a wonderful discussion point in therapy.
Big Magic - by Elizabeth Gilbert: This is a beautiful, empowering and inspiring read that can assist with moving past fear, helping you to find your creative inspiration or motivation, and generally walking a more fulfilling path. Her stories are uplifting and heartwarming and inspire you to take action towards your goals. A great read in general but especially for creative minds and those in creative fields.
My favourite quote from the book is: "The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels, that's creative living. The courage to go on that hunt in the first place - that's what separates a more mundane existence from an enchanted one. The often surprising results of that hunt - that's what I call big magic."
Have you read any of these books - what did you take away from them? What are your favourite self-help/empowerment books? For further reading - see my post on my mental health, or my morning routine for wellness.
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