10 Self-Help Books That Actually Helped

1. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams
If I could recommend only one book because for some reason you can only afford one book - it's The Book of Joy. It restored my faith in humanity. It helped ease my anxiety and shifted my previously pessimistic perspective of "life" into a better and healthier light. I gifted my very highlighted version of the book to a friend who I thought could use it. If I had all the money in the world, I'd buy every copy off Amazon and do a book tour promoting and handing out this book that I didn't even write. 

2. What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
My mom read the Korean version and demanded I order it online. It's an easy, but necessary read. She is straight to the point with zero fluff. I loved Oprah before, but my awe and respect for this woman increased dramatically after reading this book. This book would be a great gift to anyone at any age.

3. You Live By Learning by Eleanor Roosevelt
This book is underrated. I came across this book in my recommended section on Amazon during my self-help book binging phase, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's a book with many highlights and one I know I will find myself re-reading. 

4. Eat, Pray, Love Made Me Do It by Various Authors
When I was living in New York, my roommate, Rachel, handed me Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book changed my life. And I am one of probably a few thousand people. I had my I don't have to live like this moment, quit a job I loved, and left a city I admired with people I cared about because I wasn’t happy or healthy. However, what helped me even more was this book, which is a collection of real stories written by real people who share their personal accounts on life's adversities. I felt less alone because I was reminded there are other people who are hurting just as badly, if not more, in this cruel and beautiful world. If they can get through it, if I can get through it, so can you.

5. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
This book is another compilation of real stories shared by real people with real problems. Cheryl Strayed's response to each story elicits empathy and exudes wisdom. Her writing has the ability to calm the reader through feelings of connection and understanding. Ninety percent of the stories weren't necessarily relatable, but the sympathetic honesty in every story made me feel for each person.

6. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
You really can! With some guidance and a whole lot of love and kindness, you can heal your life. The affirmations in this book were very helpful.

7. The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships by Esther and Jerry Hicks
This book is a lot. I found myself returning to pages and rereading certain sections because it can be difficult to digest. I’ve been in a place where I lost control of my thoughts, and I never ever want to return there. Reading this book, I’ve realized how important and necessary it is to actively choose the way we think and the way we phrase our thoughts. Kind of like “manifesting,” but this book lays it out in a way that makes sense. Think about what you want and how it will make you better; DO NOT think about the lack - meaning don’t think about how unhappy you are because you don’t have what you want. You will get more of what and where you focus your energy and thoughts.

8. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
I wish I had read this book two years ago. I’ve read The Power of Now, but this one resonated with me more. Eckhart Tolle brilliantly translates all the words I’ve been wanting to express and explain over the past year in a way that made me say, “yes, yes, YES!” throughout entire the book.

9. First in the Morning: 365 Uplifting Moments to Start the Day Consciously by Osho
I try my best to not have the first thing I look at in the morning be my phone screen. This book is a 365 daily short readings to help you start your day with a clear and meditative mind. 

10. Last in the Evening: 365 Relaxing Moments to Enter the Night Consciously by Osho
Similarly to my mornings, I try my best to not have my phone screen be the last thing I see before falling asleep. It’s hard, but I try. When I'm feeling any kind of anxiety before bed, reading a few "moments" usually helps.