4 Books to Aid in Your Journey of Self-Discovery
I was never really the type to want to leisurely read whenever given any additional free time. It wasn’t until I had a book sitting on my bookcase with a cover that was completely daunting me and free time that I wanted to spend productively, rather than taking in blue light from a screen (though I often read books from a kindle app), that I turned to reading for fun. And quite honestly, I feel like my world has expanded vastly since diving into this adventure.
It is almost to the point where I question all the time I wasted, not getting started sooner. The genre I spend the majority of my time in is more in the nonfiction, self-discovery and self-help sector. While there are several other techniques I love using to help me discover myself (more on that later), reading has been a vital role in opening up my perspective and consider so much more than what my limited knowledge and experience allows. So here’s a list of four of the top books from the summer which have quickly turned into some of my favorite books for self-discovery:
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
An important message that encourages the hypersensitive to get out of their heads and ultimately, out of their own way. So often there are situations we might find ourselves in that we take responsibility for which can cause undue stress and anxiety. By reprioritizing what really matters, we don’t waste time or energy on aspects that won’t be beneficial in the long run. Through conserving the energy and effort for those things that truly deserve our attention, we can in turn live more fully and authentically without the repercussions of feeling burnt out or spent. The lessons Manson teaches might be some one could learn through a lifetime of trial and error, but instead, he gifts anyone this information to bring the opportunities to their attention without having to continuously struggle through similar situations.
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
The Enneagram is a personality numbering system that helps you dive deeper into yourself and recognize the intentions that motivate some of your tendencies, depending on the number you identify with. It’s a fluid process so even if you identify with one number, you could very well also show certain aspects of another number. Additionally, one number is not necessarily superior or inferior to another. There is so much depth to be explored within the book and the numbers itself. Generally, this book leads you through each number and quite possibly, could help you identify and articulate parts of your personality, motivations, and even insecurities that might have been previously confusing for you.
The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships by Suzanne Stabile
Another compliment of the Enneagram genre. The Path Between Us guides readers through the interactions of each number with others. It allows individuals to recognize how their tendencies might be perceived by other outside individuals, how to best understand another number’s actions and reactions, as well as offering coping skills in various situations. It is helpful to have a general understanding of the Enneagram itself to fully appreciate the information that this book offers. Though it might not fix all relationship problems, it introduces an alternative perspective to allow individuals to consider others and create a space for conversation.
THIS: Becoming Free by Michael Gungor
Michael Gungor’s story is one that might be very familiar with someone who grew up in a very devout Christian home, but through life circumstances and trials he has faces, has caused him to introduce questions about his faith, who God is and ultimately continue to deconstruct it into something a bit more manageable for him. This book cultivates a sense of comfort with asking questions and being curious about what lies beyond all we have been lead to believe is true in our lives; something I think is important for continual growth and the opportunity for self-discovery.
It is so easy to fall into the rut of comfort or going through the motions of everyday without true intentions. It can also be additionally frustrating when there are parts of you that you know are there, but you can’t quite explain or haven’t discovered yet. I hope these books help. While I’m sure there are plenty more out there, even picking up just one can be the start of something beautiful.
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