Drinking the Kool-Aid: Books That Rewired My Brain (In a Good Way)
Okay, slight departure from my usual food content, but stick with me. I read a lot, and there are a handful of books that didn’t just entertain me — they completely rearranged my life. Like, different job, different mindset, different relationship with myself, different everything. I’m not exaggerating for the algorithm here, scout’s honor! So I wanted to put together the list. Not because I think I have life figured out (lol, absolutely not), but because these books gave me the tools to actually enjoy the figuring-out part. If even one of these does for you what it did for me, I’ll consider this post a win. Let’s get into it.
We’re jumping a little more into the wellness side here, but I love to read, and there are a few books that have truly changed my life. I would be remiss if I did not share the goods, because I want you to be fabulously excited about your life just as I am, and these books were transformational, to say the least. So, here are the books I won’t shut up about:
01
The Power of Now
BABY! This one is POWERFUL. I don’t care if it’s a cult, I’m in it, drinking all the Kool-Aid. This book changed the entire trajectory of my life and put me in one of the happiest time periods I’ve ever experienced. I aim to reread this one every year, because I’m hardheaded and easily get off track, but the lessons here — when I’m in the practice — really and truly hit. If you read nothing else on this list, read this book.
02
Atomic Habits
You’re the problem and you know it, but it’s not intrinsically you, it’s your habits and systems. Now, I have ADHD, so I struggle with routine, BUT this book really helps you realize it’s you, and that you need to build a winning system to actually win.
03
The Miracle Morning
This book gives you a blueprint for that system. Idk about you, but what I was building originally was elaborate and unsustainable, and I have a tendency to always add on and get stuck in that same cycle, so whenever I need a hard reset, I go back to Hal’s system and the mental clarity (& body) go crazzzy!
The Payne Take
You do not need a life overhaul. You just need a slightly better next step.
04
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It
An extension of The Power of Now, but really just rooted in love yourself! Like, it’s really that simple. Make decisions based on what you love, not what other people think or say or yada yada. Actionable steps on how to love yourself, build trust in your decisions and confidence, and find joy.
My life is about joy and freedom — MY joy and MY freedom.
05
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Get your money up, 101.
06
Think & Grow Rich
Get your money — and your mind — up, 102.
07
The Secret
Now that you’ve built a nice foundation, let’s get the universe involved and start to manifest. Dream big, baby. Miracles happen for everyone else every day — why not you?
08 & 09
The Pivot Year and 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think
Honestly, I recommend literally anything by Brianna Wiest, but in particular The Pivot Year and 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think. I don’t know how this woman does it. She is incredible. Every essay of hers hits me to the core. I’m left speechless and very aware of the work I still need to do — but also reminded to give myself some mother-effing grace, because I’m only human. As my nieces like to say, “I’m just a girl.” My own expressions are a work in progress, but a few things I like to keep in mind are that my life is about joy and freedom — MY joy and MY freedom. Also, I try every day, and as a result, throughout my life I’ve touched, in some shape or form, everything I’ve ever wanted to do, and I’m constantly finding new things and new paths to joy. Finally, this is my first time living. I’ve never done this before, so all I can do is see how the shit works out, and thus far the universe has had my back every step of the way — even when I didn’t think it did. I’ve learned, years later, that the things I so deeply wanted that didn’t happen for me were a protection.
10 & 11
Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work
Two quick reads, but basically: stop being scared and share your shit. Marginally more eloquent than that. I struggle with being seen and with perfectionism (if you see typos, syntax errors, etc., keep that shit to yourself — I’m still working on all this, haha), so this book was instrumental in helping me start. Put out that unfinished work, boo. Don’t worry what people think (you only have 5 followers out of a potential 8 billion), and watch yourself get better and your tribe find and celebrate you. That’s as much to me as it is to you!
11
The Artist’s Way
To be real, I’m still working through this one, but what I’ve gotten through has been amazing. We are all artists in our own way, but this really helps open up that creative space.
12
The Midnight Library
This is the only fiction novel on this list, and it’s one of my favorite books. A little sad to start, but the overall message is so inspiring.
13
Untamed
In progress here too, but I always aim to be more and still happy with the here and now, and I feel she encapsulates that tension so well.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I hope to update it as I continue my journey, but in the meantime, start here — I can’t wait to see your sick transformation. There is so much joy on the other side, I promise. You just have to take that first step. If you’ve read this far, I adore you. Thank you so much for listening to me — major ego boost — and please share any of your favorite reccs. I’m always ready for my life to grow and expand again!