The top 5 books that changed my outlook on life
I have never liked reading. Maybe because as a kid it’s kind of forced on you to read things you aren’t interested in, so I never thought to go back as an adult and choose books I’d like to read? I never thought a book could hold my attention. I’d read the same page over and over, I was reading the words but not actually having them sink into my head. But, I decided to try to read again as an adult and I’ve fallen in love with it! These are my top 5 books that I loved reading and learnt so much from.
1. Calling in the One - Katherine Woodward Thomas
This book is a 7-week program with daily lessons and practices. I read it when I was single and wanting to manifest a loving, lasting relationship. I could recognise before reading this book that I had quite a few unhealthy patterns when it came to romantic relationships but wasn’t entirely sure how to unpack them all and learn healthier ones.
I had heard so many raving reviews about this book so I decided to give it a go. It was everything I had hoped and more. It really helps to focus on loving and appreciating yourself, seeing the beliefs that you have around relationships, and then being able to consciously choose differently.
Spoiler alert: I am now in the most supportive relationship. Although I still fall back into old patterns and beliefs at times, I can recognise it and consciously try to change them through practices I learnt in this book.
2. Ikigai - Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles
The title of this book literally means “reason to live” in Japanese. It’s about how Japanese people follow this concept to live a life full of good health, joy and purpose.
I loved this book and struggled to put it down once I started. Not only is it beautiful, but it has so many interesting concepts and facts throughout. The main thing I took from this book is community. The Japanese put so much effort into building a supportive community, being with friends and family, and research shows how much that improves their happiness, sense of purpose and overall wellbeing.
After reading this I noticed that I typically don’t put much emphasis on community. I struggle to ask for help or go out of my way to connect with people out of fear of rejection — but I am now consciously trying to create a beautiful community for me and my kids.
They also emphasise doing things you love so much that you lose track of time, and focusing on diet and movement(like eating light and staying active daily).
3. You Can Heal Your Life - Louise Hay
This book honestly changed my life. I knew that I had trauma from my childhood but I also carried so much anger towards the people who I thought had “wronged” me.
This book made me see all of the patterns and beliefs I had adopted from my childhood and adolescence, and it made me see that I don’t need to bring those beliefs any further. I recognised that the people in my life who had hurt me were doing the best they could with what they had available to them and that their actions were not a reflection of me.
It is a beautiful book that softened my heart and allowed me to forgive and move through a lot of that trauma. Louise Hay even connects certain illnesses with thought patterns, and then provides affirmations to rewire them. I would recommend this to everyone on their self-development/discovery journey.
4. The Five Regrets of the Dying - Bronnie Ware
Such a powerful and moving book. Maybe it’s an anxiety thing, but I always think about “would I be happy with my life if I died now?” This book was a beautiful reminder of what is actually important in life.
Bronnie Ware highlights five common regrets she witnessed in those facing the end of life, like not being true to oneselfor not keeping in touch with friends.
Anyone struggling with perspective or purpose, I would urge you to read this. We often get so caught up in material items, how others see us, or planning for retirement, that we forget about the now.
Life isn’t promised. This was a reminder to have fun now, spend quality time with family now, because in the end you won’t look back and wish you’d saved more or worked harder. You’ll remember the fun, the connection, and the times you truly enjoyed your life.
5. The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku
This was the book that ignited my love for reading. I was at the very beginning of my self-development journey when I read it and it shocked me.
Eddie Jaku wrote this book at 100 years old and called himself “the happiest man on Earth” despite his past. How a man could go through so much pain and suffering and still be so positive and happy to be here changed the way I went about my day.
I tried to focus on the positives instead of dwelling on the little things. I know a lot of people dislike comparing struggles, but for me, that perspective shift is what helped me see things differently.
It put life into perspective. If this man could focus on the positives in his life, even with everything he went through, then surely I could too.