In this chaotic world full of expectations and reputations and so much self-doubt and fake people, it is something of a challenge sometimes to live in a way that reflects our true, authentic selves. I’ve found a few books that inspire and encourage us to truly start living from a place of authenticity, even in a world that doesn’t always make it easy. These are just a few of my favorites, but I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments, too!
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Own Your Self:
The Surprising Path Beyond Depression, Anxiety, and Fatigue to Reclaiming Your Authenticity, Vitality, and Freedom by Kelly Brogan
In a book that’s both provocative and promising, holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, M.D., author of A Mind of Your Own, shows us that we don’t have to medicate our mental, emotional, and physical pain away-that the best way out is through. She explodes the mistaken belief that our symptoms-from mood changes to irritability to fogginess and fatigue-are evidence that we are sick or broken. Then she charts a new path to get real, get well, and get free.
from Own Your Self description on Bookshop
“New York Times best-selling author presents a radical alternative to psychotropic meds: discerning the meaning in your symptoms and your struggle as a way to reclaim your health and your self.”
If you are like so many of us and struggle with mental, emotional, and physical pain, this book by holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, M.D., is a wonderful book to add to your library. She shows us that the best way out of these struggles is straight through them. Importantly, she explodes the myth that if we suffer from such symptoms as mood changes, irritability, fogginess, and fatigue, it means that we are somehow broken or sick. She lays out a new path that helps us get well and free.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with relying on medical interventions and working with your physician to find help and support if that is what one needs, this is a great book to explore other options, as many times, these issues truly say more about what is wrong with the world we live in than about what might be wrong with us as individuals.
Scary Close:
Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy by Donald Miller
After decades of failed relationships and painful drama, Miller decided that he’d had enough. Trying to impress people wasn’t helping him truly connect with anyone–and neither was pretending to be someone he wasn’t. He’d built himself a life of public isolation, but he dreamed of having a life defined by meaningful relationships instead. At 40-years-old, he made a scary decision: he was going to be his true self no matter what it might cost.
from Scary Close description on Bookshop
Many folks crave deeper intimacy in their relationships; authenticity is a great way to facilitate that. This book is written easily and conversationally by a man who, after struggling to find the deeper connections he was always hoping for, decided to be himself, no matter the cost.
The author helps us see how living in this more authentic place leads to a healthy and happy mind, which in turn helps to create a strong family and intimate relationship bonds and more satisfying relationships in one’s working life. If you, like the author, are ready to focus on authentic connections and meaningful relationships, this funny and smart book may be just what you are looking for.
The Nesting Place:
It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith
Myquillyn Smith is all about embracing reality–especially when it comes to decorating a home bursting with kids, pets, and all the unpredictable messes of life. In The Nesting Place, Myquillyn shares the secrets of decorating for real people–and it has nothing to do with creating a flawless look to wow your guests and everything to do with making peace with the natural imperfection and joy of daily living.
from the The Nesting Place description on Bookshop
Many decorators and even mothers will tell you that you need to cultivate a certain (often “untouchable”) design aesthetic in your homes. If that doesn’t appeal to you, but you want to create a home where you feel comfortable and cozy, this might be the book for you. This book is about decorating for real people, making a welcoming environment without trying to “wow” others with your flawless style. This book considers that we have lives, families, pets, and lots of unexpected things that happen in our homes while knowing that we still want our environment to be warm and inviting.
If you want to cultivate an authentic life that spills into your living environment, this book can help you get there. Embrace your imperfections and get to living your most authentic life!
If Women Rose Rooted:
A Life-changing Journey to Authenticity and Belonging by Sharon Blackie
Like Women who Run with the Wolves, this is powerful rallying cry to women to embrace a different kind of femininity. Described as both transformative and essential, Sharon Blackie leads the reader on a quest to find their place in the world, drawing inspiration from the wise and powerful females in native mythology, and guidance from contemporary women who have re-rooted themselves in land and community and taken responsibility for shaping the future.
from If Women Rose Rooted description on Bookshop
This book helps us authentically identify who we are as women. Especially if you have felt a certain uncomfortableness with different forms of feminism at different times of your life. I am all for feminism, but I have sometimes struggled to find my authentic voice in that movement. This is an important book to help us rise, but in a rooted and grounded way that is authentic to our true selves, whatever that may look like for the individual.
This book has the potential to be truly transformative. If you are ready to embark on a quest to truly find your place in the world, this book may be your guide. The author offers a mix of mythology and guidance from women in our contemporary world to help us see how to re-root ourselves in our land and our communities and start taking responsibility for shaping the future.
This is a rallying cry; if you are ready to hear it, you’ll be glad you found this book.
The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brene Brown
Brené writes, “This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.’ Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.”
from The Gifts of Imperfection description on Bookshop
Brené writes, “This book is an invitation to join a wholehearted revolution. A small, quiet, grassroots movement that starts with each of us saying, ‘My story matters because I matter.’ Revolution might sound a little dramatic, but in this world, choosing authenticity and worthiness is an absolute act of resistance.”
This book is a gem for anyone who is questing to live their everyday lives more authentically but may have trouble believing they are good enough, worthy enough, as they are. If you’ve ever questioned your self-worth or wondered, “If I showed the real me, would people even like me?” this is a great book for you to read today! Join the revolution!
These books and more can be purchased from The Sparkling Soul Bookshop on Bookshop.org. Bookshop.org is a fantastic alternative to buying books on Amazon. Bookshop.org sources your book purchases from local bookstores. Buying from Bookshop.org is a great way to shop locally with the convenience of online ordering!
If you want more recommendations for books on Authenticity, check out my article, 5 MORE Books on Authenticity, HERE.