I don't know about you, but to me, there are few greater feelings than experiencing epiphany after epiphany induced by an enlightened soul verbally shaking me through a page and telling me to get my shit together. I get that self-help books aren't for everyone, but I I think all of us can learn something from them. So, whether you're already fan, or new to the club, look no further, for I am about to hit you with the basics.
1. "The Secret "
Quite possibly the mother of all modern self-helpery. The OG.
Back in 2006, Rhonda Byrne shared a message that shook the world. It was the alluring, powerful message of the Law of Attraction. Throughout the book, Byrne, spiritual teachers, and scientists teach us how we can improve our lives using our mere thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Seem to good to be true? Give the success stories a chance, and see what one week of changing your thoughts does for you.
The Secret is great for self-help beginners and anyone wondering how they can quickly turn their life around. (A documentary version is also available on Netflix!)
2. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck"
Bold and brash. Bluntness much-needed, tbh.
Thank you, Mark Manson, for bringing us an unfiltered twist on self-improvement and telling us to do whatever the heck they want. In his New York Times Bestseller, Manson breaks down what he calls a "counterintuitive" approach to living the life you want by way of focusing on what's really important and never stopping to care about what isn't.
By not important, he means failure, embarrassing ourselves, and making mistakes- basically the things that make us feel bad but are inevitable parts of our existence. He teaches us to live with these troubles in a way that makes us stronger. His words go after society's habit of pretending life should be nothing but sunshine.
We know that's not true, but we desperately try to act like it. Mark says stop the nonsense, and deal. Oh, he also curses a lot.
Best for self-help haters, self-proclaimed realists, or those who are a little tired of "toxic positivity."
3. "The Universe Has Your Back"
À laGabrielle Bernstein. Self-help guru. Spiritual QUEEN.
If you haven't heard her name already, allow me to introduce you. Gabrielle Bernstein is a pillar in today's spiritual self-improvement genre. With a substance-addicted past and spiritual tendencies throughout her life, Gabby experienced a sort of enlightenment while becoming sober and has graced the rest of us with her wisdom ever since.
She's participated in Oprah's Super Soul Sunday TV series, written ten books and counting, and has given talks and workshops all over the world. She combines a message of self-love, forgiveness, and an unshakeable connection with the Universe as the key to spiritual surrender.
If you want to learn what it means to surrender your deepest fears and live a life without worry, consult this one...and her other 10,000 books on spirit work.
Best for those looking for spiritual understanding or who need a gentle nudge to let go and let it be.
4. "You Are A Badass."
Think The Universe Has Your Back, but written by Mark Manson if he were a woman you'd hit up happy-hour with.
Jen Sincero is my hero. She wrote, in my opinion, one of the greatest self-help books of all time. I know you've seen someone reading it, don't lie. Funny, real, and full of slap-you-in-the-face moments, this book will get you together and give you life-changing realizations for days.
She covers faith, the Law of Attraction, gratitude, self-love, limiting beliefs, meditation, and so much more. If you're a fan of laughter give it a chance. If you don't like a good laugh, reconsider your life choices and read this anyway. So worth it.
Best for anyone. For real, it's just that great.
5. "The Power of Positivity"
Saved my favorite for last.
All of the books I've mentioned to you top my list, but there's something about this one that wins first place for me; a few things actually. Almost tied with You Are a Badass, this book is full of wonderful lessons wonderfully stated by Tanaaz Chubb, creator of foreverconscious.com.
Chubb walks us through what energy is, how it effects us, and how we can use it to our advantage. One of my favorite things about this pick is it mentions many different spiritual topics such as the idea of a soul, intuition, connecting with nature, unblocking the third eye, angels, spirit guides, and the list goes on.
This book is also big on the Law of Attraction. Chubb's talk of using positive energy and co-creation to change your reality is going to be familiar if you've read The Secret.
Not quite so humor-filled, but very well-written, this one is bound to teach you something you'll mull over for a while. Tanaaz Chubb has a way of putting words together simply, but with enough impact to make you think, "Wow…I wish I had known this all along."
Great for anyone, best for the metaphysically inclined and/or the spiritually advanced.
There you have it, folks. These are my top five. Do with them what you will. If you choose to spend your time with one, I hope it at least gives you a chuckle or teaches you something that changes the way you think about this interesting human experiment called life.