Transformative Reads: Three Books That Shaped My Life Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Power of Reading
Reading has always been my primary passion. As I’ve mentioned in previous writings, I consume over 100 books each year. Among these, I encounter a mix of favorites, average reads, and those I choose to abandon. If a book doesn't resonate with me, I won't hesitate to set it aside. Yet, sometimes I'm simply not ready to let go completely and may revisit it later.
Books have a way of arriving in our lives precisely when we need them. The following three non-fiction books came to me during critical times, and although non-fiction isn't my preferred genre, they have significantly influenced my daily and future outlook.
When I picked up these books, I experienced a revelation that altered my perspective.
Section 1.1: Book 1 - Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I can already sense some eye rolls from readers at the mention of this book, and that's completely fine. Everyone has their tastes—I've rolled my eyes at recommendations for Colleen Hoover myself. While I believe in reading whatever resonates with you, I had to share how Gilbert’s narrative found me during one of my life's most challenging phases. At 25, amidst a divorce and moving back in with my parents, I felt like a failure.
Enter Eat, Pray, Love. This book illuminated for me that divorce does not equate to failure. It taught me that change is a natural part of life, and feeling lost is, too. The "Pray" segment encouraged me to embrace solitude and self-love, emphasizing that I didn't need a partner to define my success. While I'm not particularly religious, I've found meditation to be a powerful tool for calming my mind.
The "Eat" part sparked a newfound interest in travel—not just to foreign lands but beyond my comfort zone. Eat, Pray, Love opened my eyes to the vast world outside my everyday life. Thankfully, my second (and current) husband shares this passion for exploration, and together we've journeyed through 21 countries and 49 states!
Section 1.2: Book 2 - Reading People by Anne Bogel
I used to chuckle at discussions about personality types and astrology. However, everything changed when I bought Anne Bogel's book on personality types to support her work. What I discovered was a treasure trove of insights. Understanding my personality type and how it influences my daily life was genuinely enlightening.
Although many perceive me as an extrovert, I realized I possess introverted traits. Long periods of socializing drain my energy, which poses challenges in my career as an educator, where I must respond to a minimum of 400 questions daily from 9–11-year-olds.
Learning about the Enneagram types—specifically that I’m an Enneagram 1 and my husband is an Enneagram 8—has been incredibly beneficial. These numbers may seem arbitrary, but they encapsulate complex traits that significantly affect interpersonal relationships. This knowledge has been invaluable in my teaching, helping me recognize how my personality traits can impact my students and vice versa.
Subsection 1.2.1: Book 3 - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
I listened to this book on audio during a road trip. The past few school years post-COVID have been particularly tough. With staff shortages and challenges in helping students who struggled with remote learning, I often pondered how to find happiness amidst these difficulties.
Rubin's approach to creating a happiness project resonated deeply with me. She made a list of actionable steps towards happiness, which inspired me to focus on the aspects of life I can control. Since 2021, I've adopted a similar strategy, setting a word for the year and outlining goals I wish to pursue. This list remains flexible; I don’t confine myself to rigid objectives. Goals can be adjusted or removed as necessary.
It's understandable why some might scoff at self-help books—there are indeed some that I find cringe-worthy (I’m looking at you, Girl, Wash Your Face). However, I firmly believe that many self-help titles can provide guidance to those who encounter them at the right moment.
Is there a self-help book that has made a difference for you?
The first video titled "3 Life Changing Books To Read In 2024" explores transformative reads that can enhance your perspective and enrich your life journey.
The second video, "3 Books That Will Change Your Life," delves into insightful reads that have the power to shift your outlook and personal growth.