As I thought through what my favourite self help book was I sifted through my mind of the many books I have collected over the years. There was one book that I remember reading over four years ago, and the main points still stand true in my life today. The title in itself is a source of inspiration: You Matter More Than You Think. It’s tagline, “what a woman needs to know about the difference she makes.”
This book really digs deep being a source of encouragement and inspiration for anyone making a difference. Leslie Parrott talks about her soul-searching walks along the Beach in Seattle and how she began to find and collect many different pieces of broken glass. Leslie discusses how we often times look at moments of our lives as random discarded fragments, but everything we do means something, and is a part of something so much bigger. Those random little pieces hold great potential for making a profound difference.
As I read this book I was in my final year of high school, I had so many dreams and plans for my future but one thing was clear. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to change the world, even if it was in some small way. I went to Bible College where I studied for a year and just recently completed my last course to graduate with a certificate in Christian Theology. Little did I know when I started the courses that my “plan” on how I would make a difference would change so drastically! I may not be in ministry anymore, in the church since, but I do have a ministry. I believe this blog is my ministry and my way of making a difference in the lives of people. I believe that everything I do has a purpose, and I am constantly reminded that I do matter more then I think.
In April 2010, I started reading and working on “The Grief Recovery Handbook” by John W. James and Russell Friedman. It was the most helpful book I’ve ever read about grief and loss. Here’s a quick overview:
Part 1: Seeing The Problem
This section discusses the misunderstood and neglected process of grief, what makes grief worse, and talks about how ill prepared most people are to deal with loss of any kind.
Part 2: Preparing For Change: Starting To Recover
This section talks about choosing to recover, guidelines for your recovery, and has you make your own Loss History Graph to track all the significant losses in your life.
Part 3: Finding The Solution
In this section, they discuss recovery solutions to help you get to the point where you can feel some amount of peace about the loss you’ve suffered, finishing with a letter to your lost loved one.
I was very impressed by the organization and simple layout of this book. The final homework assignment was so therapeutic for me, I continue to write to my son on a regular basis.
This book offers hope and help to those afraid they may never overcome their grief. I was at that point once, but it helped me start my recovery journey and has taught me that there can be life after death.
“Staying Strong 365 Days A Year” by Demi Lovato is a book that I turned to during my struggles and continued to read it once I had received treatment. The book consists of a collection of quotes – one per day for the entire year – along with a blurb about how you can apply it to your day. It has helped me reflect on my day and help me see my weaknesses and my strengths. So if you’re looking for a book that gives you daily inspiration, this is the book for you.
“I know for sure: Your journey begins with a choice to get up, step out and live fully” is one of many motivating messages behind Oprah Winfrey’s book entitled “What I Know for Sure”, which I have chosen to review in this post.
Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people from around the world. As the host of the top rated and award wining The Oprah Winfrey Show, she entertained, and has uplifted millions of viewers within her twenty-five years. Oprah has established herself as one of the most respected and admired public figures within our society today.
Divided into topics including Joy, Resilience, Gratitude, Possibility and Power each aspect of the topics provides an encouraging and thought provoking reading moments. Oprah encourages the reader to accept and welcome change, to appreciate the gift of life and to be true to one’s self. Over the past few months I have been going through some pretty major changes both in my working career and personal life. Whilst going through these tough and challenging times I have been looking at ways to keep my momentum going whilst looking for inspiration to help me apply to the changes that are happening in this moment in time. I have found “What I know for Sure”, to be a very positive and uplifting book, which I have found to be a great source of inspiration and motivating during theses times.
This was a very hard choice! I’ve read a few really good self-help books over the years and two have stuck out to me and stayed with me. I was stuck between Joyce Meyers book Battlefield of the Mind and You’re Born an Original (Don’t Die a Copy). Both are equally amazing but I decided to go with John Mason’s book because it was one of those books that changed my life-it was that good.
I read this book for a book report back when I was in Bible College and I remember as I was reading and writing about it then it really grabbed my attention to the point where I found it hard to put down and helped open my eyes to the importance of who God created us to be. He created us to stick out from the rest of the people in the world and tap into the talents and abilities He gave us to fulfill the calling He has on our lives. John uses what he calls nuggets for his chapter, they’re smaller but powerful!
One of the “nuggets” that stuck out to me the most was nugget #12, it’s called “There are no unimportant people.” It talks about how if you know you are capable of doing amazing things for God but you plan to stay comfortable and where you’re at, you’re eventually going to get frustrated with your life and will become upset with yourself. It also talks about how God has talents and abilities designed specifically for us. We may share the same talents and abilities as other people but it doesn’t mean God can’t use them in different ways.
Reading this book has encouraged me to go after the gifts God has for my life and use them for His glory. This book not only encourages you but will also give you the tools to become all that God has created you to be.
Defying Shadows 