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?
