Seeing that this is the month of LOVE and Valentine’s Day is around the corner I thought I would share five of my top favorite self-love books. Reading these books (over and over again!) has helped me get closer to mastering self-care. It does take practice and being mindful on a daily basis but it’s essential for my overall well-being.
Practicing self-love builds your self-esteem and practicing it every day ensures you pay attention to the most important person in your life – YOU! I hope you enjoy these self-love books as much as I do.
5 Best Self-Love Books You Need to Read to Master Self-Care
1. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brene Brown
One of my all-time favorite self-help authors, Brene Brown once said, “You can’t change your life without loving yourself first.” I can attest to that after realizing this myself many years back when I went on a journey of self-discovery.
This book gives practical advice for wholehearted living with self-love being the cornerstone of every practice mentioned. The author shares her personal stories as a way to teach her readers about courage, vulnerability, and shame.
Her ten guideposts are written as effective daily practices to engaging in and with life wholeheartedly while paying loving attention to yourself. She talks about self-esteem and compassion, belonging and authenticity, and why they’re vital for living a balanced and content life.
The title of the book says it all – by letting go of who you think you are and embracing who YOU are, you’re giving yourself the greatest gift of self-love.
2. The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship (A Toltec Wisdom Book) – Don Miguel Ruiz
How can a practical guide to the art of relationships empower you to have more self-love? Think about it – who is the most important person you’re in a relationship with right now (and forever more?) That’s right – YOU!
By illuminating fear-based beliefs and assumptions around love, the author shows you how to heal your emotional wounds so you can be loving towards yourself and others. He shows you how to find freedom, joy, and playfulness within yourself so that you can have healthy and fulfilling relationships.
The author shares insightful stories demonstrating how to capture the love that is within you so you don’t need to go hunting for it elsewhere. His stories teach you how to accept and forgive yourself fully so you can love with your whole heart – inwardly and outwardly.
This beautiful quote from the author says it so eloquently, “Happiness can only come from inside of you and the result of your love. When you are aware that no one else can make you happy and that happiness is the result of your love, this becomes the greatest mastery of the Toltec: The Mastery of Love.”
3. Walk It Off: A South African On the Camino – Erns Grundling
I was gifted this book last year by a very dear friend when my partner was struggling with benzos withdrawal. It talks about the author who had become “…disillusioned with love, life, and himself.” Initially, I did wonder how walking the Camino was going to teach this author about self-love but the further I got into the book, the more I saw the magic of self-discovery taking place.
Besides falling in love a few times with other fellow walkers, not using his mobile for the whole 1,025 km, and dropping quite a few pounds, one major event stuck out for me. Walking the Camino, alone at some points and with delightful companions at other times, brought the greatest gift of inner transformation for the author.
Knowing what self-discovery can do for a person, I understood that Erns Grundling surely came face-to-face with self-love and began to master it, the longer the journey took. This book is an inspiration and being an African myself, I’m proud that it’s written by a South African too!
4. Coming Home: Rediscovering Our Sacred Selves – Maggie Hamilton
Published in 2002, this book written by Australian author, Maggie Hamilton talks about concepts that are still being bandied about 20 years later in the self-love club. Her opening words, “We are here on earth to wake up and embrace the adventure of being alive” remind us that we need to go back to ourselves in order to enjoy human life.
Part of tapping into our essence is being able to practice self-love. Only then can we connect with our inner wisdom, transform other relationships besides our own, and attain emotional stability. The author’s practical guide helps her readers to find more depth and meaning in their lives. She does this by welcoming you back to your sacred space and self.
The book starts with your first day on earth and ends with your last magical moments before you die. Through understanding your emotions, the value of rituals, and giving yourself and others the gift of forgiveness, you’ll also discover the sacredness of self-love.
5. Women Who Run With the Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman – Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Focusing on the inner lives of women, this book comes with heaps of insights, wisdom, and love written by an author who knows. Using poetic words to transform the power that is woman, the author describes the passion, creativity, and ageless knowing that exists within ALL women worldwide.
Through her beautiful writing and insightful knowledge, the author teaches her reader how to re-capture her intuitive wisdom and instinctual self-confidence through acts of self-love. It’s only when we have true regard and respect for our overall well-being and happiness can we reclaim our true feminine power.
If you care about your relationship with yourself and then with others, this is the book to read. It transforms you into another world full of magic and medicine, allowing you to embrace yourself with love, joy, and ancient wisdom.
Final Thoughts
Self-love isn’t an easy concept to integrate especially when society has taught us that it’s an act of arrogance and self-centeredness. However, when you realize that it’s a practice that nurtures your soul, you’ll understand how vital it is to love yourself first before you can show loving-kindness to others.
Embarking on a journey of self-love takes you on a path of self-discovery, wisdom, and joy. It can be painful too but without pain or sorrow, you can’t experience pleasure or happiness. Reading these books will help you take the journey, knowing you’re safe in the hands of people who have taken the same road as you’re taking. Enjoy the ride!
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