We have all experienced seasons of lack of motivation, unexplainable amounts of sadness, social media overload, and generally feeling disconnected from our innermost selves and need a little pick me up for the soul. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the rat race of life and trying to achieve success that we forget to fill our cups and do those things that uplift our souls.
If you are like me and find great comfort in books, then this list is just what you need to uplift your soul and reconnect with your inner self.
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
“This book will change your f*#@king life!” Joe Rogan wrote in his review.
Can’t Hurt Me is the real-life story of former American Navy Seal, David Goggins whose childhood was nothing short of a traumatic nightmare. He grew to become a depressed, overweight young man working as an exterminator.
In this book, he narrates how by the power of callusing his mind, he turned his life around and became the only man in the US army to complete elite training as an Army Ranger, a Navy Seal, and an Air Force Tactical Air Controller. Talk of a complete shift!
He also went on to win and set records as an endurance athlete. Outside magazine named him The Fittest (Real) Man in America. Goggins believes that most people don’t utilize more than 40% of their potential.
Just in case you are feeling mopey and sorry for yourself, Goggins’ energy and ruthless raw candor in this book will jolt you straight into action; to turn your life around and start striving to surpass that 40% mark.
This book will not just uplift your soul it’ll kick you right into action.
Check out- Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
“This book will change your f*#@king life!”
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Acclaimed as The Greatest Self-Help Book of the 20th century, Think & Grow Rich has been transformational to many.
FUBU founder and Shark Tank investor, Daymond John said in his review, “The main takeaway from this book was goal-setting. It was the fact that if you don’t set a specific goal, then how can you expect to hit it?”
Tasked by business magnate Andrew Carnegie to interview and study the wealthiest men and women, Napoleon Hill came up with the “Philosophy of Achievement,” which included 16 laws to success. Though many have questioned the legitimacy of this book and the promises it claims, the over 50 million sold copies tell a different story.
Napoleon once said that the goals of the book were “..to help the reader become self-aware. To help the reader understand how to become more effective amidst the immutable laws of the universe.” This explanation liberated the book from the assumption that it was a get-rich-quick book rather a compass pointing its readers towards achieving more fulfilling lives.
I believe this is one of those books that will definitely uplift your soul and give you more clarity and direction. Food for the soul.
Check out- Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
“The main takeaway from this book was goal-setting. It was the fact that if you don’t set a specific goal, then how can you expect to hit it?”
Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This is the story of a shepherd boy Santiago, who embarks on a journey to find the world’s treasure.
The book fuses magic, wisdom, and mysticism to teach us the essential power of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunities, and having the discernment to spot the omens along our life paths.
Santiago’s journey leads him to find a treasure far more precious and satisfying than he had ever imagined.
The Alchemist has become a modern classic that reveals new teachings with each read. Hands down a favorite of mine; I’ve read it a couple of times. It’s one of the books I go back to when I feel my soul needs a pick-me-up. An observation I have made about The Alchemist is that no matter how many times you read it, the teachings seem to touch your soul in a fresh and new way. Like you’ve never heard of them before. So profound!
Check out- Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
In his review, fitness junky and CEO of Onnit, Aubrey Marcus said, “[The Alchemist is] ..one of the first books that profoundly changed my life for the better.”
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
This book offers a step-by-step guide toward achieving a healthy work-life balance through the story of hotshot lawyer Julian Mantle, who was forced to confront his out-of-balance life when he suffered a heart attack while in court.
This urgent wake-up call led him on a life-changing spiritual journey where he learned about an ancient culture that gave him peace, wisdom, and practical lessons on how to live a full life. These lessons are shared throughout the book.
This is yet another book that was written for just the kind of situations where your life is overwhelmingly packed; you can not even recognize the still voice of your soul speak. Many of us, like Julian Mantle, push ourselves so hard until our bodies force us to pause and take better care of ourselves. A truly uplifting book.
Check out- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
In her review, Elaine St. James, author of ‘Simplify Your Life’, said, “Robin Sharma has created an enchanting tale that incorporates the classic tools of transformation into a simple philosophy of living. A delightful book that will change your life.”
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Inspired by Toltec wisdom, Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements has been named a must-read by thought leaders and spiritual gurus.
“This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter,” a review by Oprah Winfrey.
The book chops up the complexities of our day-to-day human experience and minces it into simple concepts that show us how our self-limiting beliefs take away our joy and create unnecessary struggle and suffering in our lives.
When you’re looking for an uplifting book that relates to everyday life, this is definitely it. Self-help books tend to feel out of touch with real life and make unrealistic promises; this book, however, is more like The Alchemist; the same teachings, different interpretations, and manifestations for every reader.
Check out- The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
“This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter,” a review by Oprah Winfrey.
What I know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
For years, American talk show host and author Oprah Winfrey shared her life lessons in a column titled ‘What I Know For Sure’ in her magazine O: The Oprah Magazine. In 2014, these lessons and more were compiled into a book of the same title.
The book is segmented into themes that summarise the things she knows for sure. They are rare and insightful gems shared by one of the most extraordinary women in the world. AudioFile Magazine praised the book saying, “Winfrey’s warm, familiar voice makes each personal story powerful and entertaining. Her narration adds authenticity to the underlying teachings on the importance of spirit and love.”
“Winfrey’s warm, familiar voice makes each personal story powerful and entertaining. Her narration adds authenticity to the underlying teachings on the importance of spirit and love.”
Audio File Magazine
The gems shared in this cloth-covered book are a combination of life lessons and spiritual teachings that will stay with you and ring at the back of your mind constantly.
Have you ever experienced a book that feels like a warm hug you did not know you needed? Enter What I know For Sure. It’s undeniably uplifting and life-changing. It will help you evaluate what you truly believe in and what you really Know For Sure.
Check out- What I know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
Until Today by Iyanla Vanzant
Until Today is a daily devotional that is meant to guide, inspire and uplift you all year round. You can stop the thoughts, situations, or relationships that have held you back from existing in your fullest and most content self as long you decide to declare ‘Until Today.’
They may be insecurities you are working through, fears you’ve been trying to overcome, addictions even, or decisions you have been delaying making. Highly acclaimed New Thought spiritual teacher Dr. Iyanla Vanzant has been known to speak and write candidly on how people can heal and grow into living full lives, and this book is no different.
One of her friends Oprah Winfrey praised Dr. Vanzant in her review calling her, “..the most powerful spiritual healer, fixer, teacher on the planet.” Critics also lauded the author and the book. USA Today wrote, “Vanzant seems to have touched a chord among those looking for inner peace.”
“Vanzant seems to have touched a chord among those looking for inner peace.”
Oprah Winfrey
As we come to the close of the year 2022, it is important to take stock of what the last 12 months have been like, what they have taught you, and the person you have become as a result of these lessons. After taking a walk down memory lane, the next step is to set intentions for the coming year; having Until Today as the book that guides you in the new year will be the best decision you make.
Not only will this book uplift your soul when having one of ‘those days’ it will provoke a mind shift in you.
Check out- Until Today by Iyanla Vanzant
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Growing up, you probably had someone older, wiser and patient who understood you, helped you see the world as a profound place, and gave you invaluable advice to navigate through.
Like Mitch, you probably lost track of this mentor as you went on with life, the insights faded and everything seemed colder. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could see them again, ask the burning those burning questions and drink from their well of wisdom again?
Author Mitch Albom had that second chance. He reconnected with Morrie- his old college professor, in the last months of the man’s life. Knowing he was dying, Mitch visited Morrie in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college.
Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class”: lessons in how to live. Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie’s lasting gift with the world.
Check out- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson
Popular for the contemporary poem “Our Deepest Fear”, Marianne Williamson returns with yet another book packed with spiritual gems.
The book A Return to Love, is her way of sharing reflections from the preceding book ‘A Course in Miracles’, which became a worldwide bestseller. In the book, Williamson gives insights on how to apply love in our search for inner peace.
In her ever-so-calming voice, Williamson uses humorous personal narrative to illustrate that God is love and Love is the healer to every kind of pain we experience. Just the kind of information you need to uplift your soul and heal so as to move forward stronger and be a better you.
Check out- A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles” by Marianne Williamson
“Marianne Williamson’s book is a classic,” Deepak Chopra, M.D says in his review, “She reveals, with elegant simplicity, that love is not a mere sentiment of emotion, but the ultimate truth at the heart of creation.”
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
Did you know that you are the creator of your own pain?
Eckhart Tolle, bestselling author of The Power of Now takes readers through this uncomfortable but necessary conversation in the very first chapter of his book.
It is no wonder this book has sold over two million copies; it is a gem. Just what you need to uplift your soul and heal your heart. Especially as the year closes, it is the most opportune time to take stock of the last 11 months, look back with kind eyes and then forge forward armed with knowledge and spiritual awakening from this powerful book.
The Power of Now is one of those rare gems that you encounter once or twice in your life that has the power to shift your life completely.
Check out- The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
Thought leader and business mogul Naval Ravikant says, “This book is the OG.”
And I think that’s all there is to say about it!