Evergreen: Discover the Joy in Every Season The Joy of Small Things The Book You Want Everyone You Love* to Read *(and maybe a few you don’t) The Well-Lived Life The Keys to Kindness The Good Life The Comfort Book The Self-Care Revolution The Gifts of Imperfection Quiet Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
11 Books to Inspire Self-Compassion
15 Jan 2024
While the idea of a fresh start can be really exciting and a great motivator – ‘new year, new me’ – it can also bring with it immense pressure as we try to put into action unrealistic resolutions. Failing to meet our own high expectations and the ideal version of ourselves we’ve envisioned, can lead to burn out and negatively impact our mental health. So, it’s crucial that we remember to be kind and compassionate to ourselves at the start of the new year, to invest in some self-care time and appreciate the ‘current you’. To help you do this, we’ve created a list of books that will guide and inspire you, and uncover the amazing qualities you already possess while gently encouraging you on a journey of self-discovery and development.
by Lydia Millen
Evergreen
is a transformative guide inspired by nature's wisdom, offering practical advice for cultivating inner strength and joy. Based on Lydia's personal journey, the book empowers readers to reconnect with nature, follow their true desires, and navigate life's challenges. From embracing amateur status to rethinking comparison,
Evergreen
provides timeless tools for a fulfilling life at every stage.
by Hannah Jane Parkinson
‘A compendium of delights’ (
Observer
). Hannah Jane Parkinson, a connoisseur of life's small joys, delights in her marshmallow-like dressing gown, savors solitary cinema trips, appreciates fonts' personalities, celebrates pockets, and unapologetically abandons unenjoyable books. Extracted from her popular
Guardian
column, Parkinson's everyday exaltations are a pure and delightful celebration of life's simple pleasures.
by Philippa Perry
In this practical and witty guide, bestselling psychotherapist Philippa Perry emphasizes the pivotal role of relationships in navigating life's challenges. Offering warm and compassionate advice, Perry addresses love, conflict resolution, managing change and loss, finding contentment, and self-reflection. With a healthy dose of sanity, her insights aim to empower readers to become happier and wiser individuals.
by Dr Gladys McGarey
‘Astonishing. Contains so many lightbulb moments it could power the national grid.’ (Elizabeth Day). At 102, holistic medicine pioneer Dr. Gladys McGarey shares secrets for a joyful life, challenging norms by advocating spending energy wildly.
The Well-Lived Life
offers transformative insights from her encounters with Gandhi, her roles as a physician and mother, and stories of miraculous healing. A must-read from the family doctor you wish you had, it redefines health and healing.
by Claudia Hammond
Discover the transformative power of kindness with Claudia Hammond. Backed by psychology and neuroscience, her book outlines a prescription for a kinder life, from enhancing leadership success to improving mental and physical health. Drawing on collaborations with the University of Sussex and the BBC, Hammond calls for a kindness revolution, emphasizing that making the world better, even in small ways, feels good and does good.
by Robert Waldinger & Marc Schulz
Based on the 80-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development, programme directors Dr. Robert Waldinger and Dr. Marc Schulz reveal a simple truth: stronger relationships lead to happier and healthier lives. This groundbreaking book combines scientific precision with real-life stories, offering actionable insights and emphasizing that our well-being is within our control.
by Matt Haig
‘Full of eloquent, cogent and positive reminders of the beauty of life.’ (
Independent
).
The Comfort Book
shares consolations learned during tough times and offers suggestions for brighter days. Through maxims, memoirs, and inspirational stories, it celebrates the ever-changing wonder of life, providing timeless comfort for modern minds. This book serves as a reminder that, even in our busy world, we can nurture inner strength and hope.
by Suzy Reading
‘An essential bible of how to live your best life.’ (Anya Hayes).
The Self-Care Revolution
proposes a shift from surviving to thriving. It introduces the Vitality Wheel, a comprehensive Self-Care Toolkit for body and mind, designed to replenish your daily energy reserves. Instead of running on empty, this approach empowers you to excel and embrace whatever life brings your way.
by Brené Brown
In
The Gifts of Imperfection
, Brené Brown Ph.D explores societal pressures and presents ten guideposts for Wholehearted Living. Drawing on a decade of research, Brown encourages cultivating courage, compassion, and connection. Her transformative message invites embracing imperfections, affirming worthiness, and living authentically, acknowledging that we are enough, brave, and worthy of love and belonging.
by Fearne Cotton
Fearne Cotton's
Quiet
is your modern life handbook to silence the negative inner voice and embrace your inner wisdom. Packed with expert advice, practical ideas, and inspiring interviews, the book empowers you to discover hidden confidence, courage, and beauty.
Quiet
guides you in tuning out negativity, so you can hear the positives that propel you forward in life.
by Tara Schuster
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies
details Tara Schuster's transformation from an anxious TV executive to a self-loving ‘ninja’. With practical advice and humor, she navigates readers through gratitude, healing, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. The book offers daily rituals for mind, body and relationships, empowering readers to craft a fulfilling life. A candid guide to personal growth and self-love, free from clichés.
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