Happy Sunday Peacemakers!

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! When I was a kid, one of things I loved most about summer, was the list of books we were given to read for school. There was something exciting to me about all of the knowledge contained in a great list of books. Upon opening each book for the first time, I would feel eager to know what was about to unfold in front of my eyes, and often times teach me valuable life lessons.

That enthusiasm lives within me today, and while I’m not given required reading lists for homework as I once was, I often search out inspiring reads that lift me up when I need a boost, motivate me when the time is right, and give me real life examples to rely on in maneuvering life. Inspired reading has been a critical cornerstone in my spiritual practice.

For a little throwback to the olden days, I decided to put together my special list of inspired reads for you to dive into this summer (it’s not required, but it is suggested! :)). On my list this year you’ll find books new and old, all equally inspiring in their own ways, and all are books that have touched me deeply at some point in my life. The great thing about inspirational books is that you can read them time and time again and always get something new from them. They are like the friends you can go back to for advice when you need it.

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle

I was riveted by Glennon Doyle’s memoir Love Warrior. I think I read it in two days. Her honesty, realness, and strength are truly inspiring to me. It’s one of my favorite new books this year.

Tears to Triumph by Marianne Williamson

I consider Marianne Williamson to be one of my greatest teachers and a huge influence in my life. I have read all of her books, but I put Tears to Triumph on the list this time around because of its relevance to managing difficult times. I know we have discussed lately that many of us are feeling like life is extra challenging right now. This book is an amazing guide for getting through setbacks to prepare for your comeback.

Strong in the Broken Places by Quentin Vennie

Quentin is a dear friend of mine who just published his first book, a memoir documenting his life growing up in Baltimore under difficult circumstances. He battled chronic anxiety and depression, which led to a dependency on prescription drugs. Quentin healed his demons through holistic health with meditation, mindfulness, and juicing, and he’s now teaching others to do the same. This is a beautiful read that you won’t want to put down!

White Hot Truth by Danielle LaPorte

If you’re tired of the same old self-help book, and are looking for something with a little sass and a whole lot of truth, Danielle LaPorte’s White Hot Truth is for you. I found myself nodding along as I read, and even yelling “yes!” in excitement because she is so spot on with her wisdom, and her fierce way of telling you how it is.

The Practice by Barb Schmidt

The Practice is a wonderful book designed to teach you how to incorporate a spiritual practice into your life, and maintain it. I might be biased based on my relationship with the author; however, I have heard comments from people all over the world how about impactful this book is, especially in the gentle, manageable way it teaches meditation and mindfulness. This book is a staple on my spiritual bookshelf.

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

In Daring Greatly, Brene Brown tackles the idea of vulnerability, courage, and self-identity. This book truly changed my life, and challenged me to look at the events in my life from a different vantage point.

Maybe It’s You by Lauren Zander

If you’re feeling like you are in a rut and need to make some changes in your life,  Maybe It’s You, is a great guide for life improvement. In her book, Lauren Zander takes you through her step-by-step process, called the Handel Method, for uncovering your true desires, finding what’s holding you back, and teaching you how to create the life you truly want. This book was the kick in the pants I needed, at a time where I was feeling stuck.

10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn’s 10 Mindful Minutes is a beautiful book on mindfulness for parents and children. Goldie has been walking the walk for decades.  Her work with the Hawn Foundation through her MindUp program, is incredibly inspiring. It has been teaching nearly 1 million children in schools across the world mindfulness.

Kicking Sick by Amy Kurtz

Kicking Sick is a beautiful book by my dear friend Amy Kurtz about learning to become your greatest ally when standing in the face of chronic illness. We all have to deal with health concerns in our lives, and Amy’s book is a beautiful, empowering, and informative guide that includes tips from the top health and wellness experts. It is a must read for anyone feeling left behind by the healthcare system, or who is feeling lost on how to get well.

The Invitation by Oriah

This book is poetry, inspiration, and magic rolled into one. I first read The Invitation last summer, and it transformed my soul. One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from this book, “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.”

I hope you get a chance to check out some of these books this summer! Let me know how any or all of these gems have touched you.

I’d love to hear what some of your favorite inspiring reads are! Let me know in the comments!

xo, Michelle