For as long as I can remember, I have always been a big reader, but I don't think I made the shift from fiction to nonfiction until about 10 years ago. It was when I became a mom that I really started turning to educational, self-help, Christian living, personal growth type books. I craved stories of encouragement, inspiration, and wisdom. I desired to be a better version of myself, and by discovering these books that spoke to me during different seasons of my life, they helped grow me into the person I am today.
I've wanted to do this post for a while. I love hearing about the different books that have been transformational in someone else's life. So, I figured why not share mine? Here we go...
1. Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker. This little book filled with devotions and motherhood humor introduced me to Jen Hatmaker during my early years of being a mom. From there, I became a huge fan of hers, reading most if not all of her books and following her on social media for years. Jen is all about encouraging and empowering women to build community and lift one another up.
2. Balancing it All by Candace Cameron Bure. Growing up with Full House, I've always been a big fan of Candace. I read this book when I was struggling through a foot injury that side-lined me from running for nearly a year. I turned to the exercise bike and read this book, along with all of Candace's other books and fell in love with her all over again. This book encouraged me in a season of busyness with young kids, work, and ALL the things.
3. Girl Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis. I randomly picked up this book at the store when it first came out, not knowing that Rachel was about to soar to the top of her career. It was so relatable and funny, and I read through it not once but probably 3 times. The book not only introduced me to Rachel, but led me to an entire community of people in the personal growth and development space. This book led me to Dave Hollis, whom I adore, their podcasts and so many other amazing podcasts, and the entire RISE community, a group of like-minded goal-oriented women, some of whom I am friends with on social media.
4. Grace not Perfection, A Simplified Life, and When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley (my favorite author) I discovered Emily Ley a few years ago when I picked up one of her beautiful books. I immediately fell in love with her brand and her writing. Emily introduced me to the idea of simplifying and organizing your life to make things easier and more calm. She is such a breath of fresh air to follow on social media and has a new book coming out this month.
5. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. I listened to this book, and it literally changed my mornings. I've always been someone who has had to wake up around 5:30 due to work, but with her 5 second rule, Mel convinced me to start waking up at 4:30am, giving me an extra hour while the house was quiet to write not one but two books in the last couple of years, all during my "me time." We have time, we just have to make the time.
6. If You only Knew by Jamie Ivey. This book introduced me to Jamie, whom I absolutely adore, and gave me the extra encouragement I needed to share my own story as I wrote and self-published my 1st book. Everyone has a story, and there is power in sharing it. Jamie has a couple of new books out that I love as well.
7. Dream Big by Bob Goff. I don't think I truly understood what a gift Bob Goff was until I read this new book of his. From there, I devoured all of his others and started listening to his podcast as well. He has a way with sharing stories and gently pointing people to Jesus, and I just couldn't love him any more. This book pushed me to keep dreaming big as a writer and author.
8. Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines. Ever since Fixer Upper came out, I have loved and admired Chip and Joanna Gaines. This book of his really spoke to me, empowering me to embrace small acts of courage and to go after success no matter what that looks like.
9. The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi. I discovered this book last year, and I have absolutely fallen in love in Kendra and her lazy genius principals for living life. She has so many practical tips for getting your life in order, focusing on the things that matter most and being lazy about the things that don't. She is such a delight, so funny, and so helpful.
10. The Home Edit Life by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin. Like everyone else, we found the Home Edit on Netflix during 2020 and decided to edit our entire house during the Covid shutdown. This book and their show has really helped me organize our house in a way that makes it not only more functional, but cosmetically pleasing to the eye. I have always been someone who appreciates clean, tidy, and organized, but these ladies have helped me take it to the next level.
And there you have it... some of the top non-fiction, personal development books and the authors behind the books that have influenced my life over the last 10 years! Do you enjoy reading non-fiction? Have there been books, authors, speakers, podcasters or influencers who have really molded and shaped you into the person you are today? Have they encouraged you, empowered you, inspired you, pushed and challenged you? Have they helped you get your house, your life, your habits and routines in order? Have they helped you become a better mom, parent, spouse, or friend? Has reading someone else's story inspired you to write your own? Have you started your own business or podcast, learned a new hobby, or trained for a marathon after reading someone's book about it?
Words have power, and the words we read, listen to, and tell ourselves matter! I hope that you discover the words you need to see at just the right time in order to make a huge impact on your life.
Keep reading friends ~ Allison
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