Do you feel like you’re on this planet to
become the best you can be? Me too!
It seems like most of us these days are seeking the best wisdom to create lasting change…
But we get overwhelmed and self-help turns
into shelf-help, when it’s on the shelf it’s just
collecting dust leaving us in the dark.
This list will save you time, shed some light and take the heartache of trying to figure out where to start. I had so much fun going into my library (see pic) to give you the best of the best that changed my life.
Oh, and there are quotes to give you the flavor of each book too!
Book topics we’re covering:
- spirituality + the soul
- yoga philosophy
- health + healing
- relationships
- biz + creativity + career
- money + success
- books on my night table
- books I’m excited to read next
Note: This list is not a full list, these are the best of my foundational books from my past and some recent reads. Some are oldies but goodies… And you will get a chance to share what books made a difference in your life in the comments below!
How I Lost My Self-Help Book Virginity on My 21st Birthday
Back in the mid 90’s for my 21st birthday I was given my first metaphysical, self-help book You Can Heal your Life by Louise Hay. I scanned it. I was a bit skeptical but I tried this one exercise and became a convert to the self-help movement.
There was one exercise in Louise’s book that totally cracked me open. It was painful. It was healing. It was exactly what I was searching for.
This Was The First Self-Help Book That Changed My Life
She said to look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you love yourself. Out loud! I know… I’ve never ever did that in my life. So, when I looked myself in the eyes in the mirror and said, “I love you Hillary”, my voice cracked and a river of tears poured down my face.
I ached for a deeper sense of self love and got it.
My life has never been the same since. Louise is a master teacher and I’m eternally grateful her book was given to me. I consider her one of my first teachers.
I want you to get this… What you need to hear or learn will always show up when you are looking for it. You have to keep your eyes and heart open because the universe loves you.
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Tweet this… You gotta check this out! Loving this list of life changing books from @hillaryrubin. Good stuff: http://bit.ly/Yh9fcW
Get Cozy, grab a Cup of Tea and fill yourself up with some of my fave books, friends and mentors who have changed my life.
FYI… The authors names are linked to amazon so you can order the book. Feel free to get the kindle version, audio version, just get the wisdom you are seeking to create lasting change in your life.
Books on consciousness + the soul
Spiritual Liberation – Michael Bernard Beckwith
“Each of us is an individual expression of an unfolding collective, cosmic destiny.” – Michael Bernard Beckwith
Care of the Soul – Thomas Moore
“In our spirituality, we reach for consciousness, awareness, and the high values; in our soulfulness, we endure the most pleasurable and the most exhausting of human experiences and emotions. – Thomas Moore
Power VS. Force – David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D.
“Everything is part of a larger whole, everyone is involved in the evolution of the all inclusive attractor field of consciousness itself.” David R. Hawkins
Poised for Grace – Douglas Brooks
“The Bhagavadigita, the Song of the Blessed One is a defining moment in the history of yoga. It is a response to moral chaos; a guide for the perplexed; and prolonged meditation on the nature of God, the immortality of the Self, and the practical needs of everyday life.
Yoga Spandakarika – Daniel Odier
“Disencouragement and weariness are fruitful moments. They represent a natural pause that comes along to interrupt the course of our eagerness.” Daniele Odier
Yoga Gems – Georg Feuerstein
Yoga has produced a galaxy of extraordinary individuals who were not only spiritual giants but also philosophical and/or literary geniuses.” Georg Feuerstein
How to Heal Your Life – Louise Hay
“No matter what the problem is, our experiences are just outer effects of inner thoughts.” Louise Hay
Why People Don’t Heal and How They Can – Caroline Myss, Ph.D.
“It is virtually impossible not to be influenced by a personal history of emotional or psychological wounds.” Caroline Myss
Biology of Belief – Bruce H. Lipton, PH.D.
“You need more than just “positive thinking” to harness control of your body and your life. It is important for our health and well-being to shift our minds energy toward positive, life-generating thoughts and eliminate ever-present, energy-draining, and debilitating negative thoughts.” Bruce Lipton
Books (program) on relationships
The Mastery of Love – Don Miguel Ruiz
“Love has not expectations. Fear is full of expectations.” Don Miguel Ruiz
Loving What is – Byron Katie
“When you argue with reality, you lose- but only always.” Byron Katie
The Ultimate Relationship Program (DVD set, this changed my world + I had to share it) – Tony Robbins
Discipline One: Putting Your Lover First: It’s Not About You! Put your lover’s feelings first. when you are focusing on your pain, you are putting your own needs first.” Tony Robbins
Fire Starter Sessions – Danielle La Porte
“Whatever is on your plate got there because you said yes to it.” Danielle LaPorte
The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
“Self-doubt can be an ally. this is because it serves as an indicator of aspiration.”
Now Discover Your Strengths – Marcus Buckingham + Donald O. Clifton
(buy this one new to take the online assessment. you can use the kindle version too!)
“You will only excel by maximizing your strengths, never your weaknesses.” Marcus Buckingham
Books on money + work + success
Busting Loose of the Money Game – Robert Scheinfeld
“When you cross the Busting Loose Point, you’ve collapsed the foundational patterns that kept you locked into financial limitation.” Robert Scheinfeld
The Big Leap – Gay Hendricks
“Are you willing to take the Big Leap to your ultimate level of success in love, money, and creative contribution?” Gay Hendricks
The Law of Divine Compensation – Marianne Williamson
“Making love the bottom line doesn’t mean you have to give everything away or that you’ll never charge for your services. The principle of fair exchange gives love to both give and receiver.” Marianne Williamson
Wisdom of the Ennegram – Don Richard Riso + Russ Hudson
The Wounded Woman – Linda Schierse Leonard
Dear Lover – David Deida
The $100 Startup – Chris Guillebeau
Books I’m excited to read next (tell us what book changed your life so we can add it to the list.)
Places That Scare You – Pema Chodron
Meditation for the Love of It – Sally Kempton
May Cause Miracles – Gabby Bernstein
Double Double - Cameron Herold
A Return to Love – Marianne Williamson
The Desire Map – Danielle LaPorte
The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown
The Art of Attention – Elena Brower
Crazy Sexy Diet – Kris Carr
Delivering Happiness – Tony Hsieh
What do you think about this post?
Did it hit the spot? Do you see a book or two or three that you can add to your library?
If you’re seeking resources that are not listed here please tell me below so I can give you some suggestions. (just tell me in the comments below.)
Looking for help with Focus, Motivation + Goals then click here to get my Digital Master Class: The Soulful Truth About Goal Setting, Focus + Motivation.
Your Turn to Share Your Fave Book…
What is the #1 book that changed your life and why? Let us know in the comments below. (extra credit: share a quote from the book.)
I can’t wait to hear what you think and see what books you have to share with the community. I’m will add them to my books I’m excited to read list.
Your Angel of Fire,
Love your list! Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver is truly soul shifting. It helps you to realign with the Divine that is you.
Thank you Amy! I will check out the book. xo
I’ve read probably thousands of books in my life time, which makes it difficult to pinpoint one specific book because there are many…However, there is one book that I’ve read recently that had a memorable impact it’s “Total Law of Attraction” by David Che…this book is phenomenal in the sense that it explains the Law of Attraction in such detail but easy to understand terms…I was able to come away from this book with a very good understanding of the Law of Attraction and I’m now able to apply this law much more effortlessly and I’m seeing amazing results…So please add this book to your list…And I will certainly be adding a couple of your recommended books to my list as well!!!!
Thanks Nadine! I will check it out + add it to the list. Enjoy love. xo
I don’t know if I can pinpoint one book that changed my life the most, but I think definitely when I started reading books on natural health, was when things really started to change fast. Books on crystals, essential oils, herbs, natural remedies. Some that come to mind are the “Natural Remedies Encyclopedia,” “Essential Oils Desk Reference,” “Crystal Power, Crystal Healing,” etc.
I totally get it Marcy, it can be challenging as you see I have a long list.
I will check these out. xo
I’m not sure what category this would fall under. A book I found very interesting and helps in a number of areas is The Healing Code by Alexander Loyd with Ben Johnson.
Number one book is definitely the Wisdom of the Enneagram. Hands down. X
Thanks Susana! I am loving it myself. xo Hillary
Love that Susana!! That book has a big impact on me too — especially since Russ Hudson is now a teacher and mentor of mine.
This is a great list Hillary! Our bookshelves look similar. Love that Wisdom of the Enneagram is on your nightstand! You know I love all things Enneagram.
At the moment I am reading: Practical Intuition, Sacred Contracts, and To Sell is Human.
The number of book that changed my life? I LOVE books and reading so I am not sure I can narrow it down to just one. So, when I think about that question three books come to mind:
When my mid-life crisis began in my mid-30′s, two books saved me and completely reoriented my thinking: The Middle Passage by James Hollis and When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron. A little later, the next book that knocked me off my rocker was The Power of Now by Echkart Tolle, and then similar reaction with A New Earth. Way back in my early 20′s, Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People was another good one.
Thanks for this post and this question!
Typo … meant to say “had” in first sentence!
More typos! The number “one” book . . . typing too fast!
Thank you Laurie for commenting!!! Amazing books and stories. I will look over your list and add some to the books to read. Can’t wait to hear how those books influence you. xo Hillary
Love this, Hillary! Bibliotherapy is amazing.
I’m in the same virginity-loosing boat with you due to Louise Hay’s book. I call it the “mother of all self-help” books.
Another one for me is “Path with Heart” by Jack Kornfield. I read it every year since it literally fell into my hands from the old library at Kripalu Yoga Center back in 1996.
Big hugs,
Maureen
Hey Maureen! Thanks for taking the time to comment… I so get that, it is the “mother of all self-help” books. I will check out the book you suggested and add it to the excited to read list. Lots of love, Hillary
LOVE this so much! I am always looking for new books to read and your suggestions are undoubtedly spot-on. The Big Leap is/was sooo good and it definitely inspired the way I think about things…and revealed some patterns in my past that I hadn’t even recognized. Here’s to overcoming the upper limit!
Hey Kait! Great to see you here. Yes, here’s to overcoming the upper limit! Enjoy these books + let me know what sparks your interest. xo
Great post, Hillary! It totally hit the spot!
I would recommend the research of Dr. Martin Seligman and his vast body of work proving the power of positive psychology.
Xo
Hi Hillary,
First time here! Loving your site already. I just read your ‘About’ page and felt compelled to reach out and say “hi.” Your story is so raw + powerful it made me want to hug you. So sending you digital hugs + sparkles. I recognise you as a soul sista.
Nika xo
Hi Monika! Thank you sweet soul for stopping by. Loving the digital hugs + sparkle. xo Hillary