FIVE BOOKS THAT HELPED CHANGE MY LIFE

Books have as much power over us as we give them. In the midst of darkness, I gave these books so much power, hoping I could learn something about myself and fortunately in turn, they set me on a journey of reflection that ultimately was the very beginning of changing my life around.

1. The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz

"'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz is a self-help book that outlines four principles for living a meaningful life. It encourages readers to be impeccable with their words, not to take things personally, never make assumptions, and always do their best."

2. The Mastery of Love, Don Miguel Ruiz

"Don Miguel illuminates the fear-based beliefs and assumptions that undermine love and lead to suffering and drama in our relationships. He shows us how to heal our emotional wounds, recover the freedom and joy that are our birthright, and restore the spirit of playfulness that is vital to loving relationships."

3. The Voice of Knowledge, Don Miguel Ruiz

"A spiritual guide to overcoming negative emotions offers advice on saying what one means, refusing to speak against oneself, and ending self-deprecating thoughts and attitudes as part of realizing true knowledge and being true to oneself."

These three books by Don Miguel Ruiz are what I like to call the "golden trilogy." His arguments and principles for living a free and meaningful life brought me so much perspective. I reccomend these books for those ready to receive, and begin the journey to cleanse every negative belief you have every thought about yourself. These are simple reads, but books that you could read ten times over and still find new ways to reflect.

4. Explorations of a Cosmic Soul, Allie Michelle

"Align your soul and spirit with this beautiful collection of poetry straight from the author’s heart. Inspiring and powerful, Allie's words will sweep you off your feet delivering the message that YOU are a cosmic being."

As a writer and poet, I can admittedly be a little picky about the type of poetry I like to read. Allie Michelle is one of my favorite poets and someone I look up to as a writer and person. Reading this collection directly after Don Miguel Ruiz's triology made me feel so seen. Her work breathes light and freedom, and is truly the best reminder of the power we hold.

5. How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Evolution, Cat Bohannon

"Cat Bohannon covers the past 200 million years to explain the specific science behind the development of the female sex: “We need a kind of user's manual for the female mammal. A no-nonsense, hard-hitting, seriously researched (but readable) account of what we are. How female bodies evolved, how they work, what it really means to biologically be a woman. Something that would rewrite the story of womanhood."

This last book I highly recommend for all of the nonfiction science-lovers like myself. Writing in a light-hearted voice, Cat Bohannon's research truly helped me understand more about who I am biologically and instinictually as a woman. It's so easy to blame ourselves for how we feel, but so much of how we think and behave comes from the way our brains and bodies are wired. An amazing and relieving eye-opener!