Self-help is a notoriously garbage category, so I wanted to share some of the books I have on my “approved” list as we enter into gifting season. These books are rooted in strong data and credible expertise, without being so heavy and academic that they are unintelligible.
If you are looking for information on psychology or want to be more well-read on topics pertaining to your own mind, here are some books and authors I recommend:
The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger
The Dance of Anger by Dr. Harriet Lerner
Maps of Narrative Practice by Michael White
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a $%^# by Mark Manson
Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain by Sharon Begley
The Paradox of Choice by Dr. Barry Schwartz, Ph. D.
Don’t You Know Who I am? by Dr. Ramani S. Durvasula, Ph.D.
For more socially acceptable books to gift that still capture the crux of the ideas above, but are easier to read, go with these:
Wolfpack by Abby Wombach
The Gift by Dr. Edith Eger
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
What Happened To You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah
Psychological ignorance runs amok in our culture. The best way to prevent yourself from being a victim of it, is to be curious about your self and your mind.
Or to quote one of my favorite psych instagram accounts:
🔔 You better not shout, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: Your adults can’t regulate their nervous system. 🔔
[Read in a sing song voice]
For why nervous system regulation matters and why it’s probably the reason your family get together is so painful, see the aforementioned list of books above.
I’m signing off for 2022 and will be back in your inbox next year.
Happy Merry AllTheThings.
Margo
PS: When you think about strength this holiday season, I want you to consider that it takes more courage to feel a feeling (or even identify and admit to having one) than it does it avoid it.
If you have to choose between the two, go with the courageous choice.
Or risk becoming this.
