This International Woman's Day, I decided to do something that, quite frankly, I NEVER thought I would be able to do—I posted a selfie on Instagram, completely bare faced. I've always had self esteem issues when it comes to my appearance and hiding behind makeup has become the norm.
Today though, I couldn't help but look in the mirror and appreciate my face. My scattered freckles, sparse eyebrows, and hooded eyes used to be a source of shame for me but being able to feel good about my natural features warranted a post as proof to myself that I am beautiful and enough, just the way I am.
In my caption, I used the hashtag #selflove2019 and was both shocked and excited when I found that my selfie was the face of the hashtag because it was the first photo in the Top section of the hashtag search. Of course I had to hit it with the screenshot for proof that it actually happened.
This sparked the idea to share some of my favorite self-help books that have assisted me in my journey to find acceptance and love with myself. I like to read my self-help books via Audible because it's more convenient for me to be able to listen while in the car on the way to and from work than to find time to sit down and actually flip through a book. What makes this extra awesome though is that most of the books are narrated by the author, allowing the words to be emphasized how they were intended. So far, these are the top 6 books that I recommend to jump-start your self love journey.
Jen Sincero is smart, funny and genuine, and it shows. She's quickly become my favorite author in the self-help realm because of her extraordinary use of language and sincere desire to help others. This book is in constant rotation in my audible listening schedule and I will continue to listen to this one for years to come. This book has helped me out of some of the darkest times in my life and reminds me why I am important and capable of anything. Definitely a must have in your library.
2. You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
I actually read this book before her first book (above) which I loved so much, I knew I had to get. In this book, Jen is a motivating machine offering stories of people in her life going through various money struggles and how they changed their lives. Solid advice can be found throughout in a witty, humorous and sometimes sarcastic manner. You'll be energized and ready to grind for the moolah after reading.
When I say I can't stop listening to this book, I mean, I really can't stop listening. It's a short read but everything in it is relatable and substantial. This no-nonsense book helps whip you into shape by asking you to reshape the way you think and train your brain to engage in positive internal self-talk. He let's you in on the best mantras to keep your brain on the right track. The fact that it's narrated by the author makes it twice as addicting because of his heavy and likable Scottish accent.
4. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Like the book above, this book really tells it how it is and takes a jab at positive psychology with a realistic approach to why things are the way they are in your life. Having a sense of humor is essential when reading this because some of the points he makes really hit home. I've only read this one once, but it's definitely one I'd like to revisit.
5. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Listening to Rachel Hollis narrate her book makes it seem more like a conversation between you and a friend. She is very down to Earth and offers insightful advice while sharing some of her hardships and obstacles along the way. I didn't know this when purchasing, but she has a strong Christian faith which appears a lot throughout the book, which can sometimes result in a "pushing-my-religion-onto- you" vibe. Once I got over the bible verses and church references, I found the book to be overall an enjoyable read.
Dan Harris, a news anchor, narrates a comical sometimes heavy book about how negative self-talk can impact your life for the worse and what you can do to quiet that voice in your head to begin living your best life. He keeps it super real throughout this book by walking through certain life events (good and bad) which makes him very relatable and trustworthy. This is one of the first self-help books I listened to on Audible and one that I will keep in my collection and revisit often.