6 books that have massively impacted my life

In 2018, I made the commitment to read a book a month. I have realised that being a student of life helps you grow as a person as well as expand your mind.

So here are the books that have had a massive impact on my life and the way my mind works now knowing more than I did when I started reading.

1. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Paulo is such a great writer when explaining such important topics in an easily understood way. I actually read this book back in 2015 when I was living in The Netherlands working as an AuPair. Life was pretty crazy there. I was learning to grow, be on my own and experiencing a totally different culture while I figured out who I was. The book is about listening to your heart and following your dreams. It takes you through difficult encounters with a lesson to be learnt each time. The book taught me to tune into my heart to follow it, and not to be disheartened by setbacks and to look at the lessons to be learnt.

2. The Power of Now – Eckheart Tolle

I think I have read this book 2.5 times by now. I first read it after I read the The Alchemist. I heard a few people talk about it, so I went straight to the library in Utrecht and took it out. It was kind of hard to read at first. Felt like another language to me. Totally new learnings of the spiritual realm. I’d not completely gone here before. I read it – I think not completely understanding what the heck I’d just consumed. But it was now in my subconscious, so as life continued and I partially used the learnings to really live in the moment. Then in 2016, I found myself in a pickle, picked up the book again, read half, continued to stay in my pickle until I forced myself to really read it again. It was hard, but I am so thankful to this book because it was really the beginning of my spiritual journey and going deeper into the realm. It shows you how to live in the present and how we are all not currently doing that and how to fix it.

3. The Answer – Allan & Barbra Pearse

I read this during my time studying as a Personal Trainer. The course went for 5 months and it took me that long to read it. (I read other books between it as well, including my study reading). I was really taking my time, so I could completely absorb it all. I was raving about this book after the first chapter. I knew all about manifestation and how what we think is what we become but this was the ‘how’ it all works and I was just really enjoying the how rather than ‘just believing’ as such. It helped me believe that I could make a massive career change from admin to health and fitness. I was able to live anywhere I want from South Australia, to Mandurah to Margaret River. It gave me the courage to do what I want and when I want to.

4. Smart Girls Screw Up Too – Bella Zanesco

After completing my studies as a Personal Trainer, I found myself in a half supportive vs. half discouraging environment. I completed my studies being told I was going to do great things. I was voted by my peers for the Energiser Award & passed all assessments (some better than others) & left the institute on top of the world ready to tackle the industry. Then straight to work in this new work environment I was told I would fail in the fitness industry. This was really frustrating to hear, and to be honest it absolutely made me second guess myself. Launching your own business isn’t easy, which I am well aware of. I watched my parents work a crazy amount of hours to keep their business alive. So while I went though all of the ups and downs of the business – this book offered support and guidance that I was on the right path and it’s ok if I mess up anyway. It helped me create the life I want.

5. Live Your Best Life – Michelle Jones

I met Michelle while I worked in sales and marketing, it was hard work but I really enjoyed it (95% of the time, commission was scary). Michelle is one of those people that feels like a mothers presence or a warm hug. Her nature is so kind and genuine it’s hard not to feel the love around her. She gave me her book, I think I almost cried of happiness and the fact she could probably see the absolute mess I was. Michelle herself has been through a ridiculous, un-natural amount of horrible situations and life changing situations. This book was quite the eye opener to really live the life that I want to create, honour my true desires and tune into my purpose.

6. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – Deepak Chopra

I listened to a podcast on the Melissa Ambrosini Show and it was all about Ayurveda and this guy Deepak, and I was so inspired I had to get my hands on some of his books. The time I found this book was when I was really worried if I would be a success in the fitness industry so I was learning everything I could about life success and business success and this book can be applied to both. It is known as ‘A practical guide to the fulfilment of your dreams’ and it truely is.

If you’re looking at a self help book to guide, educate or inspire you to live a fulfilling life, I couldn’t recommend these more!

I have a few on the list to read this year including;
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
What I know for sure – Oprah Winfrey
Perfect Health – Deepak Chopra
Normal People – Sally Rooney

I need a few more to add to the list, what are your favourites?
What books have changed your life?
Which ones should I add to my 2020 list?

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