Self Help Reading

Cynics may scoff, but there's a good reason why 'Self-Help' books sell millions of copies around the world.  

They work!  

Reading in general allows us a form of escape from our normal lives and with this particular genre of reading, we open ourselves up to learning how best to cope with our changing circumstances.

In general, they teach us the power of adopting an 'attitude of gratitude' rather than becoming stuck in a dark world of negativity, doom and gloom.

Take Control of your Attitude

The theme running through the current list of best sellers in this category have a simple message - think good thoughts, forgive yourself, take control of your own attitude, help yourself rather than waiting for someone else to solve your problems, and life will turn out good.

Here's our Top 10 Favourites:

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers.

First published 27 years ago, this is a superb book for anyone contemplating change and terrified of the outcome. It breaks down 'the fear' into manageable portions, teaches us how to take responsibility for our lives - the good and bad parts, how to look at each individual set of circumstances, how to relax into the changes that are taking place and demonstrates through a series of exercises that 'whatever happens', you can handle it!  

We couldn't recommend this book highly enough!

Flourishing by Maureen Gaffney

Maureen in an Irish Psychologist and here she outlines 10 strategies to help build the positive elements of your life and more importantly, eliminate the negative. Based on the most recent scientific research, Maureen combines this with practical experience she has accumulated in her work with individuals, couples and organisations, making it a brilliantly inspiring read.  Flourishing has been in the Irish Best Sellers list since it appeared first three years ago.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Starting in 1939, this book tells the story of a young boy and it follows his personal relationships throughout his life, through Hitler's regime, through apartheid in South Africa and it demonstrates the difference one person can make in a crazy world.  First published in 1989, it has sold over 18 million copies worldwide. One of Oprah’s favourites.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Based on the law of attraction, this book teaches us that we attract the kind of life we want by our thoughts.  By sending our good thoughts into the Universe, we attract only good things into our lives. First published in 2006, it has been translated into 46 languages.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a great light hearted read for anyone going through heartache. It’s about ruin and heartache, being true to your authentic self, transformation and love.

The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama

In this unique publication by one of the Worlds great spiritual leaders. It offers his practical wisdom an advice on how we can overcome everyday human problems and achieve lasting happiness, by combining the ancient principles of Tibetan Buddhism with western culture to achieve life balance and complete spiritual and mental freedom.

Loving What Is, by Byron Katie

This book demonstrates in step by step fashion, an entirely different way of looking at a particular problem. As Katie says “It’s not the problem that causes the suffering; it’s our own thinking about the problem”. It teaches how to manifest the power to resolve issues and experience a sense of lasting peace, along with the clarity and energy to overcome what seem like impossible situations.

The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

Michael Singer is a spiritual teacher and explains in this book how the development of consciousness can enable us to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that prevent us from achieving happiness and self-realisation.

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

An internationally acclaimed best seller based on Marianne’s own true life experiences. She shares her insights inot how the practical application of love every day can provide an answer to the problems that confront us, whether these are in our relationships, our careers or our health and wellbeing. It has sold over one million copies worldwide. 

The Twelve Principles of Karma by Steven L. Hairfield

Probably the heavier read of this list but worth the effort nonetheless.  Based on his study of Tibetan Buddhist teachings on truth and honesty, his words ignite and empower the reader to understand the nature of karma and engage his twelve step programme almost as a daily ritual to fulfilment.  Steven came from humble beginnings, through a troubled childhood and he demonstrates how this programme has changed his life.

Happy Reading!