From Gratitude List to Bookshelf: How 10 Books Jumpstarted My Wellness Journey!

“He that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For only by patience, practice, and ceaseless importunity can a man enter the Door of the Temple of Knowledge.”       James Allen

My journey to wellness began with a simple gratitude list that grew over time. The longer the list, the better I began to feel about myself. Eventually, I discovered one of gratitude's many hidden gifts: it raises self-esteem and nurtures self-confidence.

That discovery sent me digging into “why” questions — like “why was my self-esteem so low in the first place, even though I pretended to be tough and always in control?” For answers, I turned to the most sacred "things" I own: books. Alongside my journal, a book is the first thing I reach for in the morning and the last thing I touch at night. And every book I read is a favorite until I read the next one.

So, this week I’m sharing 10 books that jumpstarted a deep dive into my "why" questions. Of all the books in my library, these were the first to stimulate and challenge my thinking. And when you change the way you think, you change the way you live. These 10 books changed my life.

At least two or more Circles of Wellness emerge in each book, illustrating how each dimension is interconnected - growth in one area elevates growth in others. So, here they are, listed by author, publication date, Blessons (Blessings and Lessons) I carried away, and the Circles of Wellness each book addresses:

1.     Mohammad Ali, The Soul of a Butterfly (2004) – Reflections from the life of my most admired and respected athlete taught me what it means to put wings on my dreams with conviction and courage. (Spiritual; Intellectual; Occupational)

2.     James Allen, As a Man Thinketh (1902) – A profound little book, barely 60 pages, showed me how my thoughts shape my destiny. (Intellectual; Emotional)

3.     Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter (2002) – Astounding essays that helped me embrace my imperfections. (Emotional; Social)

4.     Eric Butterworth, Discover the Power Within (1968) – This book offered a simple explanation of the concept of God as the divinity within. (Spiritual; Intellectual; Emotional)

5.     Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way (2006) – Introduced me to the practice of introspective journaling to process my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. (Spiritual; Intellectual; Emotional)

6.     Wayne Dyer, There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem (2001) – Taught me a different way to view and solve problems. (Spiritual; Intellectual)

7.     Immaculée Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust (2006) – This young woman's mind-blowing story of terror, endurance, faith, and forgiveness made embracing and making peace with my childhood wounds easier than I had ever imagined. (Spiritual; Intellectual; Emotional; Occupational)

8.     Pierré Pradervand, The Gentle Art of Blessing – This book changed the way I pray- I stopped begging and started blessing. (Spiritual; Intellectual; Emotional; Occupational)

9.     Jim Rohn and Chris Widener, Twelve Pillars (2005) – The 12 life lessons offered in this short, thought-provoking novel is a blueprint to building your own legacy with intention. (Spiritual; Intellectual; Emotional; Occupational)

10.      M. J. Ryan, Attitudes of Gratitude (1999) – Opened my eyes to more of the quiet, miraculous gifts of gratitude. (Spiritual; Emotional)

These 10 books asked better questions about my health and wellness than my doctor ever has, or ever will.  

So is there a book waiting to help you discover parts of yourself that you’ve been too busy or too afraid to explore? Would you like to stimulate your intellectual wellness? If your answer is “yes,” this list is a good place to start.

Think Clearly: Be Well!

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