For many people, the New Year signals a time to make resolutions and begin a new routine. However, sometimes we could use some advice to help become a better version of ourselves. In January’s “Writers Who Read” column, I’m taking a look at a few “self-help” books that our team of writers recommends.
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Writer Julie Fritz states this book is “funny, heart wrenching, deep, and loving.” Formally titled Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be, author Rachel Hollis shares tips on how to find your passion through the business of life. This #1 New York Times bestseller channels Hollis’ career as founder and CEO of her own media company. It describes the 20 lies and myths that can hold people back from fully living and enjoying their lives while achieving their dreams. “As a working mom, I forget about myself a lot, and this book reminded me that being my best self is important,” said Fritz. “It is a Christian working mom’s take on life and being fulfilled.”
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
In The Four Agreements, author Don Miguel Ruiz explains four agreements that a person should make with themselves to gain freedom from self-limiting beliefs that keep you away from feeling joy and causes needless suffering. These agreements, based on Toltec wisdom, are “be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.” “This book was a reminder that people are walking around in their daily lives with their own issues that have nothing to do with me. All I can control is myself, and this is a reminder to do just that,” commented writer Stephanie Helsabeck. If you are feeling burdened and looking for an escape, The Four Agreements is a book for you to read.
Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs
According to writer Denise Heidel, Bad Girls of the Bible and the follow-up book, Really Bad Girls adds a “unique twist to a traditional Bible study.” “Liz Curtis Higgs is a dynamic and hilarious speaker with a tremendous personal testimony. She brings to life women from the Bible, first in a fictionalized short story account of the woman’s story in the Bible and then a study of the lessons we can learn from each of them,” Heidel explained. In the book, Higgs describes ten Biblical women, including Sarah, Mary, and Esther. “These books gave me new insight to women in the Scripture, women whose names have endured. Women were imperfect and often, those imperfect women have been used in powerful ways by God,” said Heidel. “I learned so much from reading about them, and because the author is a master storyteller, she makes each story unique.”
As we begin 2019, remember to take time for yourself and enjoy life. There are many books out there that give tips and advice on different topics. Choose one on something you might be struggling with, a situation you are facing, or something you might want to better yourself on. Make 2019 a great year!
