Inspiring Books for 2022
You’ve declared your theme and goals for 2022. Now what? Read on for inspiration to guide you on the right path.
I’ve rounded up a list of books that reflect my theme to live intentionally this year, leading with love and kindness. These titles also support my goals to prioritize self-care and turn obstacles into opportunities. It’s not your typical self-help book list. My choices here are meant to serve as a guide to anyone who wants to unlock their purpose, live a healthy and joyful life. I’ve included journals, poetry, self-help and picture books for readers of all ages-anything that inspires me! Two titles related to health and wellness are from Midwest authors, who I’m thrilled to promote. I’m still waiting for a few to arrive, here’s what’s stacking up on my shelves so far. Happy reading!
A Year of Self Care, by Dr. Zoe Shaw
Psychotherapist Dr. Zoe Shaw says busyness is like a drug you become addicted to and prescribes her book, A Year of Self Care as a guide for change. Embrace self care with a year of prompts, quotes and affirmations through her book. Follow her on social media for daily motivation, or listen to her podcast, Stronger in The Difficult Places.
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, by James Norbury
Embark on a thought-provoking journey of friendship, reflection and courage over tea. Conversations between Big Panda and Tiny Dragon reveal insights on friendship, inner wisdom, and self acceptance. British author and artist James Norbury created the book to share ideas that have helped him overcome obstacles. Norbury hopes to inspire readers of all ages with his words, images and humor in this beautiful book.
Bigger Than Us: The power of finding meaning in a messy world, by Fearne Cotton
Discover how to effectively change your way of thinking and lead a more positive life, in the latest book by best selling UK author Fearne Cotton. The broadcaster turned author shares insight from experts on how to achieve happiness, connection and hope. Fans of Cotton’s past books which launched the Happy Place podcast, will be inspired by this book, which she says helped heal her. Follow her journey online for a daily dose of motivation.
Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life, by Lara Casey
A guide to embracing imperfect progress and making what matters happen, little by little. Author Lara Casey’s signature “goal gardening steps” offer a creative approach with faith based principles to help you grow a life of joy. Find more of Casey’s tips for goal gardening through her Cultivate What Matters planners and on her blog. Plant seeds of patience in young readers with Casey’s charming new children’s book, Gracie’s Garden.
Deep Kindness, by Houston Kraft
Being kind is an essential ingredient to bring meaning to our own lives, the lives of others and the world. Houston Kraft’s debut book is being hailed as a revolutionary guide for the way we think, talk and act in kindness. I’m looking forward to digging deep into this one, which offers journal prompts. Follow Kraft’s kindness movement online to learn more.
Every Kindness Matters, Illustrated by Vikki Chu
Hand-painted elephants deliver messages of empathy and encouragement in this inspiring journal, with mostly blank pages for writing. One of my favorite quotes, “Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion and your heart for love. “
Everything is Figureoutable, by Marie Forleo
Learn how to retrain your brain to think outside the box and face obstacles head on with the help of a book that’s been called “life changing.” Marie Forleo says the idea was based on sage advice from her mom, “Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you roll up your sleeves. Everything is figureoutable.” I’ve been using that line a lot lately and it’s empowering. We ordered two copies of this indispensable handbook, one for me and my daughter.
Healthy Deviant: A Rulebreaker’s Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World, by Pilar Gerasimo
Transform your body and life for the better by breaking some rules with the help of a wellness trailblazer. Pilar Gerasimo has made it her life’s passion to show people how to live a healthy life in an unhealthy world. The award winning health journalist offers a step-by-step guide on how to break free from the norm and get healthy! Join Gerasimo’s tribe online for more inspiration and wellness tools.
HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time, by Brad Aronson
A heartwarming book filled with true stories about how one small deed can make a world of difference. Inspired by the generosity of strangers after his wife Mia’s cancer diagnosis, Brad Aronson penned a story of love in action. What began as a dark period was transformative and led to something beautiful, restoring his faith in humanity. All author royalties go to Big Brother Big Sisters, where Aronson volunteers.
How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude & Hope, by James Crews
What the world needs now is love and poetry. Dive into this book edited by James Crews, filled with uplifting poems from all over the United States. Featuring inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and others from all walks of life, with something for every mood. Poetry offers readers a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on what really matters. Watch for another inspiring collection Crews is working on, The Path to Kindness: Poems of Connection and Joy.
Inside Us There Is Everything, Illustrated by Sarah Forster
Free flowing watercolors of butterflies inspire reflection, growth and change in this stunning journal, with plenty of blank space for writing. One of my favorite quotes inside, “All you need is deep within you waiting to unfold and reveal itself.”-Eileen Caddy.
Juliet’s School of Possibilities: A Little Story About the Power of Priorities, by Laura Vanderkam
A charming, life-changing fable that will help you rethink your whole approach to time, priorities and possibilities. Powerful and packed with wisdom, Laura Vanderkam proves why sometimes the best things come in small packages. Vanderkam has made it her mission to help people spend more time on what matters and less on what doesn’t. Follow her blog for more useful tips and updates on the release of her new book, Tranquility by Tuesday.
Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us, by Kobi Yamada
Put on your thinking cap and escape to a child-like world of wonder in the pages of this magical book. A world where you can do anything, be anything and maybe exceed your wildest dreams. Written by Kobi Yamada, author of the equally inspirational, What Do You Do With An Idea? and lovingly illustrated by Gabriella Barouch.
The Complete Guide to Self Care: Best Practices for a Healthier and Happier You, by Kiki Ely
Grab a cup of tea and cozy up with this book to help you uncover your purpose and live a joyful life. Author Kiki Ely is passionate about sharing her tips for living an authentic life, which begins with self care. Ely breaks it down into categories of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. Relax and refuel with the inspiring guide. Watch for the release of her new book, The Complete Guide to Sleep Care, later this year.
The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition, by Brene Brown
Read the book that Brene Brown fans keep going back to, which has transformed lives, including mine. I still refer to my dog eared pages regularly. An easy, ten step guide to wholehearted living, this bestseller gives readers the tools they need to write their own story. Follow Brown online to discover a complete library of books by the Texan who turns data into soulful stories. Her latest book, Atlas of the Heart, is out in paperback next month.
The Little Book of Intentional Living, by Carolyn Boyes
A tiny treasure to kick start your year of intentional living, with beautifully illustrated journaling prompts. Author Carolyn Boyes shares her life coaching expertise in simple tools to help you slow down and make the most of every moment.
The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose, by Oprah Winfrey
Unlock your purpose and honor your calling with the help of Oprah and her friends. This book is meant to guide you on asking powerful questions of yourself to create the life you were meant to live. Inspirational stories and quotes, paired with stunning photographs provide readers with a beautiful daily resource for achieving a life of purpose. Join Oprah’s book club to discover more inspiring titles.
The Possibility of You, by Miriam Hathaway
Looking for a journal to help you reshape how you define yourself? This activity book, beautifully designed and illustrated by Justine EdgeWhatever could be it. Inside you’ll find thought provoking journal prompts and inspirational quotes to help you rediscover the possibility of you.
The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice, by Deborah Adele
Deepen your knowledge of the spiritual practice of yoga with the help of this book, which has become the go-to guide for yogi’s. Deborah Adele combines her yoga expertise with the art of storytelling to examine the guidelines of yoga, which she calls jewels. Adele’s best selling book has been translated into Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
3 Minute Positivity Journal: Boost Your Mood. Train Your Mind. Change Your Life, by Kristen Butler
Feeling stuck and not sure how to start journaling? This best seller by change maker Kristen Butler could be just what you need. Find the good vibes you seek in three minutes. A time efficient journal that feels like an app to help you harness the power of positivity. Follow Butler online for more motivation to jumpstart your day.
Journal It!
Don’t forget to keep your journal handy when reading. You never know when you might be inspired to rewrite your story! Every year is a new chapter. Each day is a fresh start. If you begin with gratitude and lead with kindness, anything is possible! Which books are motivating you to make it a magical year?