My list of inspired reading for self-care

For me, self-care involves doing something that inspires, nourishes, and regenerates my entire being—body, mind, spirit.

Here’s a short list of some of the books I’ve read, and reread that I’ve found immensely enjoyable, helpful, relatable, and have shifted me into a new expanded way of thinking.

1. The Calling: 3 Fundamental Shifts to Stay True, Get Paid, and Do Good, by Rha Goddess (2019, St. Martin’s Essentials)

My job/career is important to me, and because it takes up considerable time in my day, it makes sense to know how I can better align with my calling as an author, healer, teacher—which is part of how I take good care of myself. I have almost every page of this book highlighted and tabbed. It is full of wisdom and exercises designed to shift consciousness to be in total alignment with true purpose and right livelihood. As the author says, “Being a conscious creator is not easy; it takes dedication and practice.” The Calling gave me many aha moments.

2. The Little Book of Energy Medicine, by Donna Eden (2012, Tarcher/Penguin)

Small book with powerful energy techniques designed to treat anxiety, fear, flush toxins from the body, balance the energy field, overcome insomnia, hot flashes, promote clear thinking and so much more. Pictures demonstrate the techniques. A five-minute daily energy routine is included that highlight several exercises for energy and well-being. This book is a standard go-to for myself and clients.

3. Count your Blessings, by Dr. John F. DeMartini (1997, Element)

I met Dr. DeMartini at a conference where he was the keynote. If you ever have the chance to see him speak in person—go. Powerful speaker, super inspirational messages about the power of your mind to heal your body. I’m currently rereading Count your Blessings and it’s resonating for me on an even deeper level. Each chapter includes examples of gratitude wisdoms from DeMartini’s personal life and experiences from the lives of his clients. At the end of the chapters are reflections, realizations, and affirmations—all doable and designed to shift consciousness.

4. Writing Down Your Soul: How to Activate and Listen to the Extraordinary Voice Within, by Janet Conner (2008, Conari Press)

One of my daily self-care rituals is journaling. Channeling my own highest wisdom through this process brings me so much clarity and peace. If you’ve never tried journaling and don’t know how to get started, I recommend Writing Down Your Soul. Lots of simple exercises and sample questions to get you started and keep you going.

5. A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson (1998, Broadway Books)

Travel writer Bill Bryson, chronicles his hilarious Appalachian Trail hike with an out-of-shape friend. In addition to learning something about the trail territory that stretches 2100-miles from Georgia to Maine, I laughed myself silly. Laughter is one of my favorite forms of self-care. It increases endorphins, lowers cortisol and blood pression, and releases tension from my body. I highly recommend A Walk in the Woods. No one sees life quite like Bill Bryson!

And as always, I’m available for private or gallery sessions if you need deeper understanding, support, or guidance through energy work or intuitive life coaching.

If you’d like to learn a couple powerful techniques for having more energy, watch my free video Take Back Your Energy.

If you’d like to learn how to help bring more love to yourself, your families, your neighborhoods, cities, and the world, watch this video on a simple way to change fear energy to Love by using our waterways.