There are few things more relaxing than curling up with a good book, and one of my favourite things to do, especially towards the end of a full year, is to revisit some of my much-loved books for a little inspiration.
As we become more attached to our phones and devices, reading is a great way to switch off from the outside world, but it’s also a great source of inspiration and motivation as we prepare to start a new year. Here are some of my favourites that I’m revisiting at the moment. I hope you’ll find them as inspiring as I do!
1| The top 5 regrets of the dyinG – bronnie ware
On the top of my list this year (and every year to be honest) is re-reading Bronnie Ware’s incredibly powerful book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.
Bronnie worked in palliative care for many years and she has captured what she learnt and her experiences with her patients in this wonderful book. It is the perfect reminder that life is short and that we should live every moment without regret. This is something we can sometimes forget in our full lives, so I encourage you to read this book if you haven’t already, and keep the messages within it in mind as you go about your days.
2| Help Me – Marianne Power
I was lucky enough to have Marianne on my Your Dream Life podcast earlier this year, and ever since then I’ve loved re-reading her book. She is so lovely and funny and this book is the amazing story of how she committed to testing one self-help book a month, for a whole year!
Her year-long plan turned into a total roller-coaster ride. What began as a clever experiment became an incredible story of laughter and adventure and how she eventually learned that she didn’t need to change herself, but rather needed to learn to accept and enjoy herself. Something we should all try to do.
3| The little book of HOUSE PLANTS and other greenery – Emma sibley
One of my true loves in life is reading, but another is nature. This little book has so much great advice on growing and caring for your house plants.
I’m about to move house and I’m so excited about setting up our own indoor oasis – this book has been helpful in guiding me on the plants we’ll choose to grow in our new home. Plus, it has gorgeous photography so it’s the perfect coffee table book.
4| The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin
This is one of my favourite books that I read all the time. I just love re-reading it over and over. Gretchen writes about her attempts to live a happier life, using a range of techniques drawn from everything including ancient wisdom and pop culture. It’s a real reminder to me to celebrate the little things and be happier every day!
The cover image pictured here is of my favourite limited edition kikki.K covers we designed for Gretchen’s book back in 2015 – unfortunately, it’s no longer available with this cover, but it’s still one of my all-time favourites!
5| Principles – Ray dalio
I just love setting goals and chasing dreams, and this time of year is perfect for setting our intentions and goals for the year ahead. The incredibly inspiring Ray Dalio is one of the world’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs, and in this book, he shares the unique principles that he’s developed, refined, and used over the past forty years to create results in both life and business.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business person, or simply want to work on achieving your goals, this book is full of advice and lessons we can all use to help us on our way.
6| Mandela’s Way – Richard Stengel
There are few people more inspiring than the great Nelson Mandela, so it’s understandable that I’m finding it hard to find the words to describe how inspiring and beautiful this book is.
Richard Stengel collaborated on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, and has now used this experience to celebrate 15 life lessons from the South African leader. From ways to be more courageous to the importance of taking time for yourself, this book really helps me see things from a different perspective, as well as put my own challenges in perspective!
These are just some of the inspiring books that I’m re-reading at the moment, and I hope you’ll find them as inspiring as I do.
P.S: If you’re looking for more inspiration for your bookshelves, discover our gorgeous selection of books at kikki.K here.
