I remember the first time I saw the book. My stepmom had a copy of Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" sitting in the living room, practically begging to be read. I was 12 when I picked it up for the first time; I am now 21 and it has steadfastly remained the most influential book I've read.

"Eat, Pray, Love" opens with a very vulnerable Gilbert reflecting on her divorce and depression. Through various serendipitous moments, she dedicates a year to healing. GIlbert decides to spend four months in Rome in order to experience the pleasure of eating and pursuing her own desires; the next leg of the journey takes her to India where she explores her unconventional and dynamic spirituality; finally, Gilbert ends her year in Bali where she discovers the true beauty of boundless love -- for herself, for others and for all the lessons life has to offer.

I have always been afraid of living a life without purpose or passion. Gilbert's words spoke to those fears in my 12-year-old mind and remain relevant today. I stopped my stepmom as she walked past my room to ask her, "You mean I don't have to get married and have kids if I don't want to? I can actually travel and write?" Just like Liz Gilbert, she told me that I could do just that. That reality, the ability to create a life that resonated with my true passions, was remarkably liberating.

My dreams are a little different now and have undergone huge transformations over the past 9 years. However, Gilbert's wisdom has never ceased to guide, reassure or teach me. I’ve referred to her book in almost any situation you can imagine. It has helped me through breakups, periods of serious depression, self-doubt, self-loathing, personal growth struggles and bad habits; here are so many more that exist in the realm of nameless yet shared human experiences.

This personal book is so much more than a guide to dealing with hardships. Ultimately, "Eat, Pray, Love" is one big hug to the Universe that radiates gratitude and growth in every sentence. I have learned, through Gilbert’s witty and intelligent style, how to love more fully, practice humility, appreciate genuine relationships and cultivate an existence that suits me. She has taught me that putting together a life I love is not selfish; in fact, it’s the best favor you can do for yourself and the world.

Liz Gilbert candidly recounts the happiest and darkest times of her life within the covers of "Eat, Pray, Love." Her adventures and lessons learned should be consumed by everyone. Tucked between her wit and mastery of imagery are priceless bits of wisdom that I repeat in mantric devotion. Because of this book, I try to live as honestly as possible; Gilbert's work inspires me to pursue gratitude in all that I do. There are a myriad of great books on shelves and e-readers across the world. "Eat, Pray, Love" stands out amongst these works because it does not pretend to be an eloquent and balanced guide to living well; it simply is.