I’ve been an avid reader since I strung my first letters into words and words into sentences. When I needed solace, companionship, escape, new approaches to life, information and inspiration, I would head to the nearest bookshelf or bookstore.
As I moved through the process of healing from my loss, there were a few key titles that served as a lifeline for me.
1. When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodren. Rarely can we get through life without facing challenges. Chodren acknowledges the pain, anger and sadness that is the human experience when circumstances that feel beyond our control generate loss in our life. She also offers insights into finding ways to let go, release and find peace in how we respond.
2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. If someone only allowed me one book to take to a desert island where I was to be stranded the rest of my life this would be my choice. At my lowest times, I would pull out the heavily highlighted, dog-eared copy and reread it yet again.
Viktor Frankl teaches the ultimate empowerment and shares the most inspiring story of going beyond survival into being able to find a sacred place to thrive spiritually while imprisoned in Natzi death camps.
3. Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider, PhD. This book was instrumental in helping me integrate a model for living that has allowed me to thrive again after losing so many years of my life to the grieving process. It helped me uncover my purpose and take the risk of creating a new career helping others find the energy to move from surviving to thriving.
4. Thirst for Wholeness by Christina Grof. In a completely transparent way, Christina Grof reveals her own struggles with addiction and explores the connection to a loss of connection with something greater than ourselves. Her book provides great insights into the area of life I refer to as the Spiritual Facet ~ the part of us that is about our greater mission.
What books have left an indelible mark on your life?
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Hi Tambre, thanks for sharing with us, the 4 books that saved helped you hold on to life again. I have not read any of them but looking at the titles and the synopsis you provided, they are worth reading.
I read your about page story and drew strength from how you turned your experience from losing a loved one, to finding passion in what you learnt during the journey. That was an awesome transformation; only a few people ever survive it not to talk of turning that experience to build a profit business.
Thanks again, for sharing your books with us.
What a great idea for a list post Tambre. Not only is it a great idea for the blog challenge it offers your readers valuable information!
I share your passion for books. As I am growing older and wiser I have moved more towards reading inspirational/motivational books. One of my favorites is Taming Your Gremlin: A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way by Rick Carson. The book teaches you how to overcome self defeating behaviors and beliefs. I recommend this book for anyone who wants improve their self image. Thanks for sharing some titles to add to my collection.
Hmm. Somewhat surprised, thinking I knew you, that there wasn’t a fifth – the most published book in the world (albeit under various guises…)
Hi Tambre,
Thanks for sharing this list. I am going on vacation in 2 weeks and I will take the opportunity to read Man’s Search For Meaning.
It sounds very powerful!
I love gremlin work and have a copy of this on my shelf…thanks for the reminder! An excellent recommendation.
Check out this amazing video by my dear friend and fellow coach, Maureen Hunter. Maureen specializes in grief recovery and shares how books helped her find her way through loss. http://esdeer.com/griefbooks/
I will be adding these books to my reading list. Thank you for describing these powerful titles.
Wonderful to hear people are finding new resources…feel free to share a book that has changed your life!