I recently had a conversation with some friends on how they felt out of sorts but they couldn't explain exactly why. Honestly, I think everyone has been there at some point or another. I know for me I felt like that when I wasn't driven by a goal and instead I was living for everyone else, I even got to the point where I felt I was going through the motions and not actually living. With the pressures of finding balance with home, work and kids sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves.
Whether you need a little inspiration or maybe just need to ignite that fire again I'm sharing a few of the books that helped me get out of that funk. Put the kids to bed early, grab your favorite beverage and curl up with a good book! You'll be surprised what carving some time out for yourself does.
Here are the six inspirational books for women that I love!
This was my favorite read this summer, it really ignited my sense of adventure and independence. It was easy to relate to her reason WHY she wanted to do the Pacific Crest Trail. I don't think I could do the whole journey myself but I have done some solo traveling and realized I like being with me! If you don't want to sit down and read the book the movie, Wild with Reese Witherspoon, is also a fun watch.
2. The Secret
I remember when this first came out on Oprah and everyone rushed to buy the book and DVD. It is all about how we think and the people and things we attract into our lives. It helped me realize that a positive outlook and setting goals was a GOOD thing and helped me believe in myself again. It is all about the little steps. If you subscribe to Netflix you can find The Secret on there!
If you want to take it one step further grab a copy of The Magic. The book is a 28-day journey on how to apply the principle of The Secret in your life every day. If you want to make a positive change in your life this is a great place to start.
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
I found this book at a time in my life where I was stuck in negative thought patterns. It really helped me see my life through others eyes and how I was allowing my circumstances to dictate my reactions. We have a choice in every moment of every day on how we react to a situation and by stopping to think and not allowing ourselves to get caught up in the drama or outside influence we can make a choice to improve our lives. I believe this book applies to every aspect of our lives from relationships to choices we make and every time I read it I learn something new.
The title says it all How to Get from Where You ARE to Where You WANT to be! This book is pretty powerful in making you set goals and stick to them. You'll learn how to increase your confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize all your ambitions. A powerful book especially for young adults.
One of the reasons I like this book by Clinton Kelly, from What Not To Wear, is he simplifies everything and gives you the confidence to look and feel fabulous! He also has great tips on proper etiquette at almost any event you will attend and like the title says How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else. Trust me you'll love it!
Believe it or not Tori Spelling really put her heart and soul into this book and is brutally honest. I've read a couple of her books and I have to say that it inspires me, if she can overcome all the obstacles she did then why can't I? She has truly created the life she wants and never took NO as an answer.
I hope that you never feel stuck and that if you do you can reach out to someone who cares about you to pull you out of the trenches. Find something you love and say YES! You deserve to be happy and have a passion.
What's your favorite book?
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42 Comments
What a great list. I love to read and would definitely check a few of them out. Will check out the movie with Reese W. because I like her as an actress.
I like that books can motivate us when we read stories of others that have done what we aspire to do.
Myriam
Myriam recently posted…5 Things I Wish I’d Known About PRAYER
Some of my favorite books are The Unveiled Wife, The Power of a Praying Wife, Not A Fan and I’m currently reading Love Does.
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Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll have to check them out!
I agree with you on 7 Habits–very inspirational to get moving towards the life you want to have and stop feeling like a victim to circumstances.
I’m currently rereading Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson–its one of my favs!
Lisa recently posted…Why We Have a Mathidemic & What Parents Can Do About It
Thanks for the great list. I didn’t know “The Secret” was on Netflix. I might have to go look that one up!
Stacy recently posted…Half Price Cones at Sonic on 9/23!
I have heard of a couple of these books, but not all of them. Thanks for my new reading list!
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Lots of good stuff here! I read Wild a couple years ago and found it fascinating. I’ll have to check out the fashion book. Glad you have a group of women to share life with.
LEILANI recently posted…Cider-Marinated Pork Tenderloin
My husband is in a leadership role at his work, and he loves The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I may have to take it off his bookshelf and give it a go!
I am also very excited to read Wild and it is going on my wishlist. I have always wanted to travel solo, but I will admit I am probably too much of a scaredy cat to tackle anything that big. Still, I can dream, right???
Thanks so much for sharing this list. Looking forward to having some new reading material.
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We all can dream! You should steal his book there are a lot of great life lessons in 7 habits.
What a great book list. I will definitely pick up one of those books next time I need some inspiration.
Shelah recently posted…X is for Explore!
Great list, great inspiration. I am going to check a few of these out at the library this week.
The 7 Habits and the other Covey book, Principle-Based Leadership I think it is called ,are both great reads with really good ideas and concepts.
Julie recently posted…5 Smart Financial Tips I Learned from My Mom #BusinessWomensDay
I’ve heard good things about Wild the movie starring Reese, so this book is one I would probably give a go. But I like quite a few titles from your list. Thanks for compiling it and sharing with us your good finds.
Missy
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I read Wild this summer, too! Am still on hold for the movie from the library, though… I haven’t read any of the other books, but will definitely be checking them out!
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I’ve heard that Wild is on Netflix!
Great list – I will have to check the ones out that I have not read before
Shannon recently posted…16 Awesome Apple Recipes and Projects for Fall
I love new book ideas! I saw the movie Wild and it was really great! I have heard of some others on your list and I for sure need to check them out!
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With the books you have listed there is no way you could remain in the same head space that you were in when you first opened the book. That is what I love about recommendations, I get to read something about a book I may not have picked up otherwise. I have heard about the Secret even had the DVD in my hot little hands and never got around to it. I always thought it was just not my time to read it. But you have mentioned it, so maybe it the right time now. Thanks for the post.
Rachel.
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Hopefully you get the chance to check out the secret, it was full of surprises for me 🙂
Great list. Thanks for putting it together. I will keep these in mind.
Erin recently posted…Stop It With the Helicopter Parenting
This is a great post! Such great book recommendations! I’ve been wanting to read Wild, I am definitely going to have to check out the other books on this list too, though!
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These all sound like really good books! I love books that inspire me and push me to think about my own life and actions. Thank you for giving me some to add to my to-read list.
Crystal Green recently posted…Small Victories Sunday Linkup
What a great list, they are all really inspirational book! I have always loved the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It really made me take notice that I was just reacting to situations. Once I realized that, I was able to center myself and really think about what I was going to do or say. The difference between reacting and responding is really huge! Thanks for the list, I may have to pull a couple of these out again – they really never get old!
Linda recently posted…Five Things I LOVE About Rome
Love anything by Stephen Covey. Another good one by him is First Things First. Also love anything by Joyce Meyer. Just picked up Guerilla Marketing and will crack that open soon. Thanks for the great list and I hope others are inspired to read them.
Jeana Walz, CAP recently posted…A Powerful Way to Improve Your Productivity
I will have to add these to my wish list! I remember reading 7 Highly Effective Habits, but I think it was a teenager version. It was years ago, but it sticks with me as being such a great book. I think I need to check out this adult version!
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I am so exited I found your blog, I have been looking for some inspirational book to read, freaking fabulous looks right up my alley. Hugs Maria
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What a great list of books. I will definitely be checking them out.
Tina recently posted…7 Quick Easy Dinner Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or less)
this is a great list! thanks for listening!
bex stark recently posted…the one with a the striped shirt
This is a great list you put together. I’ve heard of a couple of them, but not all, so I’ll have to take a look at them and see what they offer. Thanks!
Marie recently posted…Friday Food Focus: Beets
Thank you for sharing such great books. I will be sure to check them all out soon!
TJ recently posted…My Birthday… My 5 Resolutions
Interesting list. I will have to look some of them up, since I’ve never heard of them. But they sound really good! And yes, I have totally been in that “funk.” I LOVE the idea of putting the kid to bed early and curling up with a hot cup of something! Totally going to do that. 😉
ChristyK recently posted…Stop and Taste Some Tea!
Thanks for sharing this list of books! I’ll have to check them out! Lately I’ve been enjoying The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up by Marie Kondo. Have you read that yet? It definitely spurs you on to action to declutter in your life!!
Betsy recently posted…Going Dairy-free while Breastfeeding a dairy intolerant Baby
Really a good list. Adding a few of these to mine. Thanks for sharing!
Catrina recently posted…Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe You’ll Want To Make Right Now
I have not read an actual book in the longest time. Oh wait – yes I have! Called For Life, the Kent & Amber Brantly story, who was the Ebola missionary doctor that caught Ebola and was transferred back to the U.S., not sure if you remember that story? Anyway – other than their book, I have not read an actual book in forever. I used to consider myself a good reader. Not I find other things to occupy my time. 🙁
Oh well, I guess. I try. Someday I hope to read again! Someday! (And I have heard a lot about Wild, and seen the film – I may have to check that out…)
What a great list – some of these were already on my ‘to read’ list, but I’ve added a few more. Thanks!
Erin – American Mom in England recently posted…7 cookies, 1 dough
Thank you for this inspirational list. I loved the film Wild so I am sure I would like the book. I also enjoy books about success- I’ve been meaning to get to some of these. We just did a review of books written by and for dog lovers but now I should have more time. S
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I love all of Tori Spelling’s book. Thank you for this fabulous list. I have bookmarked this page so I can remember to check these books out.
Thank you so much for sharing these books. I have been in a slump lately. I just couldn’t put my finger on what was going on! I will be checking out these books!
Crystal recently posted…Let the Magic Begin
Thank you for sharing this book list. I can relate to your when you said ” I even got to the point where I felt I was going through the motions and not actually living.” This past year I have felt this exact way. I recently told my husband that I needed to make changes in my life. I have the secret on audio book and need to listen to it again. I am going to look into the other books on your list too as I haven’t heard of a few of them.
Rebecca recently posted…The Pressure to Make Strides
I love books that inspire me. So often are attitudes would mold us our actions. So I try every day to work on a more positive attitude. I remember too when the Secret cam out. My mom and I would listen to the audio cds.
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I’ve read each of these and totally agree with your list. I haven’t seen Wild yet and I’m hoping it doesn’t disappoint.
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I’ve read all of these except Clinton Kelly’s book. The Success Principles is my favorite, not just off this list but out of all the books I’ve ever read. I love it! Jack Canfield is an awesome dude. Definitely one to follow on Facebook and Twitter.
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