My Favorite Self-help Books

I am soooooo excited to share with you some of my top favorite books. As I was planning this post out, there were so many that popped into my head, all of which made a difference in my life in different ways but impactful ways none the less. So, keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list but does highlight a few of my favorites. 
 
First, let’s start with The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This book was gifted to me by a colleague, now friend. Honestly, I was a little skeptical but soon after starting the book, I was hooked. I loved how she broke out each month thematically and had a focus instead of trying to implement everything at the same time. If you are looking for a change in your life but don’t know where to start, I highly recommend this lighthearted book to inspire you to find growth in various areas of your life. 
 
The second one is Growing Yourself Back Up by John Lee. I recommend this book to almost all of my clients. It is such a great read! It helps you identify areas of your life that may be triggering unresolved trauma which reverts you back into a childlike state. Now, before you say you don’t relate to that, we all have areas where we respond in less than ideal ways and this book helps us not only identify those areas but also teaches practical steps to cope and heal with those triggers. 
 
Next would be The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen. I have seen so many people in my life, both personally and professionally, that were turned off by Christianity because of what they experienced by “the church”. While not all churches are like this, there are some churches and Christians who have distorted or manipulated the Bible to suit their needs instead of how God intended and as a result, people have been hurt. This book does such a great job of identifying those wounds, what the Bible really says and how to heal from that hurt so you can distinguish the difference between man and God. 
 
Fourth would have to be The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I was introduced to this book by my boss when I was 19 years old and was going to buy a new car with payments. She was insistent that I read this book and even let me borrow her audiobook so that I could listen to it in the car and while I was working. This book was a total game changer for me. I have followed the Dave Ramsey principles fairly closely my entire adult life and I have reaped the benefits in so many ways. I remain debt free (except for my house) and am able to live on less than I make so I can give, save and spend in healthy ways. If you are not already on the Dave train, I highly recommend hopping on. 
 
Last, I would choose Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. I am a huge fan of her early work (The Gifts of Imperfection, I Thought It Was Just Me But It Isn’t, Daring Greatly). This book motivated me to visit the gravesite of my childhood best friend, which I had never done.  I also went sky diving and a few other things I had been avoiding or scared to do. But, the biggest thing I did as a result of the book was start online dating, which led me to meeting my now Husband, who I have been married to for almost 8 years. The book does such a great job of addressing shame, fear and all of the other things that stop people from trying something new or doing something scary. 
 
Those were just a few of my favorite books personally and professionally. What are some of your favorite books? I would love to hear!