Today I want to share the Seven books that I feel that every woman should read. I've spent the last 10 years learning how to heal my wounds and grow as an individual, and these books helped me discover what it means to truly love myself and my life.

Books can act as personal guides to helping us become our best version. Books can teach us how to better communicate with difficult people, become happier, or better understand ourselves. I love the quote, "A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise one learns from the mistakes of others." When we read, we can learn from others. We can hear their stories, what worked for them and what did not.

How to make time to read more

I often get asked how I can read up to 60 books a year while chasing three kids and running multiple companies. My secret is that I listen to most of my non-fiction books. I have found that when I listen to my books, whatever activities I’m doing at the same time become more enjoyable.

Here is a list of my favorite times to listen to books

1. Driving

2. Folding laundry

3. Cleaning

4. Cooking

5. While I'm getting ready

6. Walking the dog

7. Watching the kids play at the park

8. Working out

9. While I'm waiting to pick a kid up from an activity

I have grown myself and my companies from listening to books on marketing, leadership,

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parenting, and relationships. When I listen to books, I learn about new ideas, apply what I can and keep what works.

FREE and affordable ways to read more books

Your local library is a vast resource. Many offer ebooks and audiobooks through an app called Libby. The only downfall is that you have to wait for popular books. This was hard for me initially, but once I realized that I could place 10 books on a waitlist. I enjoyed it when books would randomly become available. This actually took off the stress of having to choose what to read next.

I also have an Audible subscription, so I get one book for $14.99 a month, every month. Not every book I want is available at the library, so my audible subscription allows me to fill in the gaps.

Where I get my audiobooks

1. Audible – I have had a monthly subscription to Audible for over 5 years and love that I can get best sellers for a low monthly cost. Try Audible for FREE

2. Libby – A FREE library app that allows you to get access to audiobooks and ebooks. I started using this about 2 years ago, and it is now my primary source of getting tons of great books for free.

There are so many books that have helped me over the years. It was tough to only pick my favorite eight. If you like this article, make sure to click the heart if you would like more blogs like this one!

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The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

This book is Brene's journey to learning how to live a happier, more fulfilling life. For many, we think that to achieve success and happiness, we need to work long hours, keep pushing through, not letting go of shame and fear to protect ourselves. Brene conducted interviews with successful people and found that they lived by a different set of rules. Step by step, she walks her reader through what we need to let goof to live a happier life. She goes over powerful topics like love, gratitude, and self-compassion and teaches us how to apply her lessons to everyday life.

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

This book is raw and funny. I love a lady who knows how to swear. It goes over the habits and mindset that are the foundation for your personal growth journey. Learning what success looks like, discovering what is holding you back, and giving you the tools to let go of the crap. The chapters are written in easy-to-read, bite-sized chunks making them manageable to apply in real life.

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

This is not your typical self-growth book. In fact, it's really written more like a murder mystery story. Within the first couple of chapters, there's shooting and mysterious men chasing the main character, it's kind of thrilling. I listened to this book because it talks about learning how to trust yourself, learning how to see outside of your own worries, anxieties, and concerns that the universe is there to provide for you.

A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Not only am I a huge Grey's Anatomy fan, but her book is hilarious. You can feel her being vulnerable, which is refreshing. After reading her book, I was inspired to understand my "why." So many times in our lives, our daily activities don't align with our values, priorities, and goals. This book helps you learn how to choose activities that are truly important and to let go of the rest.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

This book holds a special place in my heart. It truly helped me rediscover my happiness and fearlessly authentic self. Three years ago, I forgot what made me happy. This book guided me through 12 months/markers to discover the habits and mindset that cultivates happiness.

The 5 am Club by Robin Sharma

Don't worry if 5 am sounds too crazy early for you, then focus on finding the right morning routine that really cultivates strengthening your mind, body, and soul. Learning how these different habits of taking care of yourself first will help other things in your life grow was eye-opening. If you're looking at how to grow yourself or your business this is an excellent book on getting you set up for good foundations.

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The 5 Love Languages By Gary Chapman

I've read The 5 Love Languages to The Secret to Love that Lasts. He has some excellent insights into marriage, but what I took away was learning how to identify how I needed to be loved. Knowing what my love language is, allows me to clarify what I need to fill up my love tank. I was also able to identify what other people’s love language is and use that information to help strengthen my relationships with them.

Learning Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Learning about boundaries for ourselves is the foundation for living a happier life. Learning how to love ourselves is learning how to build up our confidence. Boundaries are the foundation to healthy relationships, and people who have healthy relationships live happier lives.

What I want you to remember when reading these books is that we are all beautiful. These authors wrote about what works for them. You need to find what works for you. Take what you need and leave the rest. Books are here to help guide you on your journey. Until next time, stay brave and curious and remember to love yourself.