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The Untethered Soul

“Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it.” Michael A Singer

Why Michelle chose this book:

I first read this book five years ago, and it changed my mind and my life. We all know that we can’t control life, or what happens in the external world, but we can start to craft our responses to it. This book left me feeling like I had the power and the strength to live my life on purpose with grace and ease.

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Open Book

“Sometimes we are all so afraid to be honest with ourselves because we know that honesty will lead to somewhere.” I wrote this ten years ago. “Can fear walk us to something better?” Jessica Simpson

Why Michelle chose this book:

I had no idea what to expect when picking up this book, but I was blown away by Jessica’s openness, honesty, and her commitment to self-care and healing. An entertaining and inspiring read!

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I've Been Thinking

“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do.” Maria Shriver

Why Barb chose this book:

Maria’s wisdom shared in this book feels like a gentle, loving hand guiding us, comforting us, and inspiring us to live our lives with hope, steadiness, and love.

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The Miracle of Mindfulness

"Everyday we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Why Barb chose this book:

In this beautiful, small book Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us practical exercises for living “awake and fully aware” and reminds us that life is lived in the present moment, and we can only find contentment and ease by being “where are feet are.”

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Heart Talk

“Love yourself enough to say enough is enough when enough has become enough.”― Cleo Wade

Why Barb chose this book:

This is a “words to live by” book of perfect inspiration and poetry to begin the day before you step out in the world. Cleo Wade reminds us that we have only to remember who we are and that “You are more okay than you think.” She reminds us that when life gets hard and heavy remember, “Baby, you are the strongest flower that ever grew-remember that when the weather changes.”

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The Four Agreements

“If someone is not treating you with love and respect, it is a gift if they walk away from you. If that person doesn't walk away, you will surely endure many years of suffering with him or her. Walking away may hurt for a while, but your heart will eventually heal. Then you can choose what you really want. You will find that you don't need to trust others as much as you need to trust yourself to make the right choices.” Miguel Ruiz

Why Michelle chose this book:

This is a perfect pocket-size book for understanding how we create stories about ourselves and our lives in our minds. This well-known Toltec teacher says, “How can you know if what you believe about yourself is true? The truth is we have no idea who we are — we have been saying these stories to ourselves about ourselves for so long that that has become the image of ourselves Our faith has been invested in the lies about ourselves. It’s a story but it’s not the Truth.” Understanding these Four Agreements Don Miguel explains to us will change your life if you let it.

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When Things Fall Apart

"We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy." Pema Chödrön

Why Barb chose this book:

We all know that things fall apart in our lives quite often — some in small ways, and others in big ways. I love the way Pema Chodron, a Buddhist nun says this, “When things fall apart, that usually means we are on the brink of a change of some kind.” This book gives us beautiful advice on how to relax into what is and understand deeply that “This very moment is the perfect teacher.”

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More Myself

“Often, the only way forward is through an exit door.” Alicia Keys

Why Barb chose this book:

Alicia Keys gives us a true account of what it’s like to “withhold parts of myself, sacrificing my spirit to make others feel comfortable.” In this book you will understand fully that the power of your life lies in your truth to accept who you are completely, and your freedom lies in never abandoning yourself for the sake of another. She shares her life with vulnerability and details how she made the shift from “sacrificing her spirit to celebrating her worth.”

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The Practice: Simple Tools for Managing Stress, Finding Inner Peace, and Uncovering Happiness

"When living present, we are aware of the ordinary moments of our lives, which are extraordinary." Barb Schmidt

Why Michelle chose this book:

Yes, I’m including my mom’s book here! She’s a meditation teacher, and her book shares tips on how to develop a 3-part, daily routine to help you find more confidence, feel less stressed, and find deeper meaning along life’s path.

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Untamed

“When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself.” Glennon Doyle

Why Barb chose this book:

In this unprecedented time of uncertainty, fear, and grief Glennon’s experience and wisdom are a road map for living bravely from within. Glennon writes, “Because the more consistently, bravely, and precisely, I follow the inner Knowing, the more precise and beautiful my outer life becomes.”

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The Alchemist

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." Paulo Coelho

Why Michelle chose this book:

This is a favorite of mine that I return back to often, whenever seeking inspiration or a gentle reminder of purpose and passion. The Alchemist opens your mind to believing that anything is possible, and that we all are here to do great things.

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Big Magic

"The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them." Elizabeth Gilbert

Why Michelle chose this book:

For anyone looking for a reminder of their own creative genius, Big Magic is for you! Many of us feel the call to create during this time at home. I love how Elizabeth Gilbert talks about creativity and unlocking the big magic of your own life, in a gentle and inspiring way. I often think about her words and her insights whenever I start a new creative project.

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Barb & Michelle’s Top 12 Reads for Quarantine

We’ve been reading a lot during this extra time at home. Here are 12 of our favorite reads.

⇒⇒⇒Click the cover of each book for our favorite quote, and our own reviews and takeaways on why we chose each book.

We only recommend products and services that we have personally tested or approved. For some of the things we recommend, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life may receive a small affiliate fee.

Editors Pick

The Practice by Barb Schmidt

Barb offers readers life-changing spiritual guidance in an easy to follow format, and what makes this book so magnificent is that she has infused her own stories and struggles to help readers connect and learn.
Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times bestselling author of May Cause Miracles