Goddess Must-Reads Part II
Last time I wrote up my must-reads list I listed the Spiritual books that have been an integral part of my journey to high-vibe modern spirituality. This time I wanted to include some of my favorites in all other categories. Learning is a part of life that will never end.
The holidays are fast approaching; the decorations, family meals, baking, events, and Christmas shopping all beg for time and money. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and frustrating, sucking all the joy and gratitude out of the Christmas spirit. So, I wrote this blog posts to take a moment and reflect on the importance of this time of year. I’m not referring to family, although that is important too, I’m talking about gratitude and reflection. Whether you love or hate this time of year – it’s important to look back on the year with appreciation for how far you’ve come and how much you have to be thankful for.
This section of books are the must-reads that have changed my life in someway. Books that, regardless of the category, have motivated, encouraged, supported, strengthened, or stretched my mind.
Must-Reads for Self-Improvement and Growth
Girl Code by Cara Alwil Leyba
Girl Code was the first book I read in the mindset category. These types of books were what my soul craved but I couldn’t find them in the book stores because I wasn’t looking in the right places. In a FB group I joined, this was the book of the month and it completely changed my life. GC is about honestly, respect, and support. It’s filled from cover to cover with examples of incredible women to look up to in business and practical advice for ditching the competitive, jealousy-plagued comparison game and start building real connections. The whole book is centered around lifting women up and learning to love each other.
Mastering Your Mean Girl by Melissa Ambrosini
Melissa is well known for her book “Mastering Your Mean Girl”, a phrase you’ll hear me mention quite frequently. This book is a map to self-love and the perfect cure if the voice in your head just won’t stop putting you down. We all have her – that painful voice that pops up to make you feel even worse when you feel embarrassed or wrong about something. The voice that tries to keep you small. This book is the perfect anecdote to that voice, a how-to guide to learn how to control your mind and shut her down when her unwanted opinions start to take over.
Open Wide by Melissa Ambrosini
No. 2 on my list is Melissa’s second book – Open Wide; A Radically Real Guide to Deep Love, Rocking Relationships, and Soulful Sex. Her book is filled with light and love; she infuses her deep love for her reader and her deep understanding of living an amazingly healthy and beautiful life onto each page. It’s a big book and I’d consider it an encyclopedia to a fantastic, well-rounded, kick-ass life.
Whole Beauty by Shiva Rose
This book is overflowing with soft, feminine vibes. The light hues of pink and the images of flowers displayed across this amazing book leave me feeling light and airy. Everything about this book is pinterest-worthy. There are prayers to goddesses, recipes for organic face masks and tea, advice to properly care for your yoni, ways to connect with the moon’s cycle. It’s very similar to Open Wide, except there are more detailed lists, recipes, rituals. I would start with Open Wide to understand why connection to the divine feminine is important and the details of why things like moon rituals work then read Whole Beauty to discover how to implement it into your life in great detail.
Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra
Depak is a must-read in any category. Perfect Health focuses less on the spiritual aspect of his work and explains Ayurvedic medicine in great detail. You’ll learn your dosha (vata, pitta, kapha), how to use this knowledge to properly care for your body, what foods might irritate your body based on your dosha, what methods they use at his center in California, ways to incorporate ayurvedic methods at home. It’s a completely new way (to us – this method of medicine is actually quite old) to look at the body and one I’d recommend everyone consider when taking a journey towards epic health.
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
MF is amazing! Her weekly MarieTV is filled with epic knowledge and empowerment for both men and women. Her book is no exception. This book gives you practical knowledge and advice to adopt the everything is figureoutable philosophy. It’s all about encouraging you to grab life by the horns and enjoy the ride because you’re ready for anything. She empowers you to know your worth and to accept that you really can figure anything out if you believe in yourself.
Do Purpose by David Hieatt
This tiny little nugget of wisdom was recommended to me while I was in B School. It’s fun and quirky with a great design and, although its small, it packs a big punch of knowledge. Do Purpose is all about creating a business with a purpose in the world and why it’s important to make an impact while making a sale.
The Latte Factor by David Bach
How many lattes do you drink a week? This surprisingly simple question can lead to amassing your entire life savings into the millions. It’s written like a novel instead of another investment or savings book so it’s fun to read and shows how practical this advice can be in everyday life.
Earth Is Hiring by Peta Kelly
Peta is a goddess! This book is totally sassy, quirky, and loads of fun to read. Cover to cover this book encourages you to take the job the earth is hiring you for – to be Mother Earth’s representative with a voice and to stand up for her. It’s incredibly encouraging; she teaches you how to take complete control of your life and to stand up for what you believe in.
Women Food and God by Geneen Roth
A bit darker than the rest, Geneen touches on a subject many women suffer with but few really know how to solve – food. The way we eat is directly related to the other aspects of our life. Geneen helps you to understand this concept, uncover the pain below the surface, and rekindle a love for your beautiful body. If you have an eating disorder or a bad relationship with food in some way – this book will change your life. I know because it completely changed mine.
There you have it! My list of incredible and life-changing reads. It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve read hundreds of books since the day I went to Barnes and Noble several years ago and picked up Malcolm Gladwell in a desperate attempt to find something to fill the craving deep in my soul. So much can change in very little time if you open your heart and mind to what the Universe has planned for you. My hope is that these books will spark a light in your eye like they did in mine; encouraging you to dig deeper and uncover your beautiful purpose.
I may add to this list from time to time as I uncover gems that shape me in new and profound ways. I’d love to know – what books are you reading? What sits on your bookshelf with worn pages and coffee stains from so much love? Tell me in the comments or send me a message! I’d love to know what books are lighting up your soul.
