“No two persons ever read the same book.”
― Edmund Wilson
“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.”
― Oscar Wilde
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.”
― Charles William Eliot
Three quotes that ring so true to me. When I think about the books that have had the most profound impact on me over the years, I realise that each I have read more than once and usually when I am questioning something in my life or need a little guidance and support. A number of my top reads I have read either at the same time as a close friend or read knowing I could discuss it with someone on the ‘same page’ as me and rarely have we shared the same experience or responded to the messages in the same way. No two people read the same book, just like no two people experience the exact same feelings or emotional responses to situations in life.
On the back of the incredible response to my last post which contained a reading list with books that change your life – compiled with the help of my fellow jugglers on Instagram – I decided to confer with my amazing contributors to pull together a balanced reading list. I asked each of them to share their two most powerful books in their specific niche.
If you have read any of the following books I would love to hear your thoughts. Likewise if you have further suggestions please share.
Holly’s top reads:
While I have read a lot of books, a number of which I could proclaim to be life changing in their own ways, I simply cannot go past The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle as my number one go to book when I know I am living in my head. This is one I have read and re-read numerous times. My Mum put me onto this book many years ago as she believed it was a great place to start my journey of self-discovery. Thanks to this book I realise the importance of being present.
When I think productivity, I think Tim Ferris. There is a reason this book is a number one New York Times bestseller. This guy is motivational, inspiring and realistic in his approach to being successful. I am so regimented and focused on managing my time effectively but there is always a more efficient way of managing your time and getting more out of your day. The 4 Hour Work Week makes you consider what would happen if you could 10 x your per-hour output and how your life and business would change?
Carolyn’s top reads:
Another New York Times bestseller, this is a great book if you want to get really serious about the interconnection of body mind and spirit and what we can do to bring about emotional balance into our lives. It’s a comprehensive guide to energy healing which reveals the hidden stresses, beliefs, and attitudes that cause illness. It also explains the author’s breakthrough model of the body’s seven centres of spiritual and physical power and how you can develop your own latent powers of intuition as you cultivate your personal power and spiritual growth.
The cornerstone of being balanced is being present. For many people the thought of meditating is daunting or overwhelming. This book offers many varied ideas to keep us grounded and in the now. It’s a modern and completely unique encyclopedia of practical meditations. These meditations can be used anytime and anywhere to de-stress and centre yourself and they can be done in just minutes.
Mardy’s top reads:
Bob Proctor takes you step by step to the surprising discovery that success is not always reaching out for something that you don’t have but rather only reaching over and rearranging the pieces already there. This book is designed to bring you closer to your financial goals as well as personal fulfilment. You can download a free copy via the hyperlink above.
This incredible man, who sadly passed away last year, is one of the most respected identities in the field of empowerment. He writes about nine spiritual principles for getting everything you want in this powerful book. He discusses decisions and actions, whether they are controlled by the ego, how in touch you are with your environment, self-imposed limitations, emotions, self-worth and so much more. It provides clarity and illuminates a new path to achieving our truest goals.
Angela’s top reads:
This book was revolutionary when it first was published. The thyroid and iodine information was, and still is to many, highly controversial. However, it has undeniably changed countless people’s lives for the better. What it does remarkably well is it empowers readers to take control of their own health and wellness journey by providing unbiased information. Readers can then do their own research and make their own informed decisions. A cd is also available for those that may prefer to listen to Elaine talking through the main points.
Dehydration is such an underestimated epidemic in our society and the public has been misled over the necessity for quality water and quality salt (yes, we do need salt) in the daily diet. The information out there is confusing and this book and CD does an amazing job of getting back to the basics.
Both of these books cover many common ailments, from headaches to diabetes, depression, underactive thyroid and other hormonal conditions, as well as cancer. We all have the power to make simple changes to our daily routines and choices, in order to avoid unnecessary pain and a lesser quality of life than we deserve. Angela has given these books to people as gifts. As she always says ‘good health is the greatest gift of all – what we choose to do with the information available to us is within our own power’.
