Tools For You

So much of my growth has come from reading and then digging in to do the work to be a happier person. Full disclosure, I also work with other coaches and a therapist. Growth is a lot easier and more enjoyable with someone else cheering me on. I am not a creator of the ideas, values, philosophies I discuss on this site, I’m just another human carrying them forward. I wanted to share the books, podcasts and other media that have helped me think and feel deeper to be happier with who I am. I have recorded some mediations at the bottom of this page for you too.

The book that started it all.  I was given this book in 1990 and it changed my life.  As you can see, this is my original copy that is dog eared, highlighted, taped and has post-it notes. In reading Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life, I learned I was not able to say “I love myself”.  At twenty, I knew this was not good and dug in to do the work.  I spent one month reading this book, doing the exercises and getting to know myself and my mind.  Since then I know, if someone can’t say they love themselves, that is the first place to start.  If you don’t love yourself, how can anyone else love you? If you want happiness, it comes from the inside and you have to like who that person is.

I’m a huge fan of Brené Brown. She is a research professor at the University of Houston so the information she shares is based on years of interviews, polls, shared information and facts. She is a great writer; the information is easy to understand and put into daily life. The Gifts of Imperfection is a must read for someone who is on their journey to self love, ready to do the work and wants definitions of concepts such as spirituality, faith and self-kindness. She also shares ways to dig deep, be deliberate, inspired and get going on your self introspection.

This book was a great source of foundational concepts to help me move forward with my fear and scarcity mindset. It all goes back to perspective and Brené helps you adjust where your mind may be and where it can go. For instance, when I find myself in scarcity mode, I acknowledge it, say “I’m feeling scared and that’s ok”. Then I try to think of something in my life that has abundance and say “I’m so grateful for _________.” To read more about my scarcity mode, check out my blog titled Scarcity & Scared.

Brené has an amazing podcast called “Unlocking Us” and a blog which can be read below.

You Are a Badass was groundbreaking for me so I started giving it to everyone I knew graduating and heading out into the world. It’s like having a cheerleader in your head at all times. It’s a ‘how to’ book to gain confidence in yourself. You are great, stop doubting it and start living the life you want.

Another book that had a huge impact on my thoughts is Are We Happy Yet? While I knew happiness comes from the inside, I enjoyed reading Lisa’s books for the quotes and stories plus it’s got quizzes, exploratory questions, and exercises. If you aren’t happy when done reading it, contact me so we can chat about it.

Happiness is an inside job, this book is a great resource if you need a change in perspective.

Lisa Cypers Kamen also has a great program called Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS

Meditation has changed my life. It has allowed me to be more calm and less reactive. I started slowly, with 30 seconds. Then as I felt ready, I moved to 1 minute, then 5 minutes then 20. Do not start meditating at 20 minutes, ease into it so you can have success long term. I also found it helpful to listen to guided meditations when I was first beginning.

I have recorded my favorite guided meditations here for you to listen to. I hope they help you relax. Meditation has also helped me observe my mind, thoughts and emotions without judgement; like listening to a good friend. I love to hear how meditation has impacted others so drop me a line and let me know your thoughts at happy@happinessnachor.com or use the form below.