Come February, the month of romance or love, we all know what everyone’s typically thinking. If you’re in a relationship, great, have fun on your date. But if you’re single, there’s that sense of dread. I am alone and dateless, and I can’t wait for February 14 to pass and for all those cheesy decorations to be dismantled.
But here’s the truth: Valentine’s is a celebration of love. And whether you’re single or taken, this month is the perfect time to renew your vows – to yourself.
You see, loving yourself is first and foremost; it is essential before you learn to love anyone else, or loving your life and the Universe for that matter. You deserve to celebrate you.
This Valentine’s season, start a journey of self-care and self-love by diving into the pages of self-love books. Use these books to nurture your inner being and pamper yourself because you are amazing and you are worth it.
When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times by Haenim Sunim
One major cause of burnout is the feeling of not being in control. At the workplace, there are many things you can’t control. And this sense of powerlessness tends to overwhelm us.
This inspiring read by renowned Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim charts a warm and relatable solution to losing self-control or, as the title aptly captures, when things don’t go your way. By sharing hard-won wisdom, Sunim offers a warm and reassuring path through the most challenging moments of our lives, showing us that within these challenges are rare opportunities for self-discovery and earning profound enlightenment.
Keep Moving by Maggie Smith
If you’ve ever fallen into hard times, Maggie Smith’s book is a warm and moving book that offers a simple message, “Keep moving.” Going through a painful divorce, the poet started sharing her daily “notes to self” on Twitter as a way of holding herself accountable. Little did she know her words would catch fire and resonate with so many people.
Smith, in an interview with NPR, said, “Other people can tell you, in hard times, ‘You’re going to be fine.’ But if you’re not telling yourself that, sometimes it’s hard to believe. I think one of the things I realized when writing this book is the most important conversation that you have each day is the one you have with yourself. And if that’s not a kind and gentle, sort of brave-making conversation, then what other people are telling us sort of slips off of us.”
Filled with deeply moving thoughts, quotes, and personal essays, this book is for anyone who has gone through a difficult time and is wondering: what comes next?
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
In Year of Yes, creator of hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder, Shonda Rhimes, takes readers on a journey of self-discovery. Here, she reveals how saying yes to everything for one year changed her life for the better and how it can change yours too.
Here’s the back story. Even with her success, people are surprised to know Shonda is an introvert. She confesses hugging the walls during social events and experiencing panic attacks before press events. She was scared a lot. But one day, in 2013, her sister told her point blank: you never say yes to anything. A light bulb moment. That’s when Shonda Rhimes decided to live a year of YES. If you’ve ever been scared like Shonda Rhimes, especially of stepping outside your comfort zone, this book can change your life as it did hers.
Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in Anxious Age by Katherine May
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed and overstimulated in this modern era? So many things vying for our attention. The chatter of social media, the rolling news cycles. Many of us feel trapped in a grind of constant change. Kathrina May searched for a better way to look at things. Could there be a different way to relate to the world, one that would allow her to feel more rested and at ease, even as seismic changes unfold on the planet? Might there be a way for all of us to move through life with curiosity and tenderness, sensitized to the subtle magic all around?
Kathrina May’s book is a refreshing gift for anyone who feels exhausted and helpless, by offering stories of her own struggles at work and with family, and the after-effects of the pandemic, exploring restorative ways of the natural world, and identifying the quiet traces of magic we can see if we open our eyes and hearts.
Love for Imperfect Things by Haenim Sunim
Love for Imperfect Things is a compassionate beacon in the modern quest for self-acceptance. In a world that often demands flawlessness, Haemin Sunim’s profound insights gently guide readers toward embracing their imperfections with kindness and understanding.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, practical exercises, and timeless wisdom, this book offers a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the pressures of perfectionism. From cultivating self-compassion to finding beauty in vulnerability, Love for Imperfect Things invites readers on a transformative journey toward self-love and inner peace. This is a powerful and uplifting read for anyone who needs genuine happiness in their lives.
Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It by Kamal Ravikant
Kamal Ravikant is no stranger to misery. In 2011, the company he spent the last 10 years nurturing suddenly and unforgivingly sank. The former CEO became depressed, the kind that made him bedridden. In his darkest days, light came in the form of a chant – the only source of comfort that helped him pull through. I love myself.
This book is about Ravikant’s transformational journey to reclaim his life and his destiny. It shares hard-won wisdom and unwavering commitment to self-love through a powerful combination of personal stories, practical advice, and an accessible meditation practice
Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, Kampton explores how embracing imperfection can lead to a deeper sense of contentment and fulfillment in modern life. Through heartfelt anecdotes, practical exercises, and insightful reflections, this book is a gentle guide for cultivating mindfulness, gratitude, and acceptance in everyday life. Beauty can be found in the simplest and most ordinary things, and yes, even in the imperfect ones.
The Art of Letting Go by Damon Zahariades
In The Art of Letting Go, author Damon Zaharadies delivers a powerful roadmap to things that bog us down emotionally – regrets, anger, resentment. This is a book, especially for those who have difficulty letting go of pain and emotional turmoil in their lives. Imagine being able to release those negative thoughts and painful memories at last.
The Art of Letting Go provides a complete toolkit on getting rid of emotional anguish that’s ruining your happiness. You’ll receive all the tools you need to finally let go of the emotional anchors preventing you from enjoying life to its fullest through a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern insights.
I Decided to Live As Me by Kim Soo-Hyun
Kim Soo-Hyun is a best-selling South Korean author of self-help books. Her debut book. I Decided to Live as Me is about Kim Soo-Hyun’s own experiences navigating adulthood and the realizations she gained along the way.
In I Decided to Live as Me, acclaimed Korean actress Kim Soo-Hyun shares her courageous journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Soo-Hyun invites readers into her world – from battling insecurities to embracing her true self, shedding light on the importance of self-acceptance, self-expression, and self-love in the pursuit of genuine happiness.
Many young readers have resonated with Kim Soo-Hyun’s words, but it shot into popularity when a member of the popular South Korean band, BTS, recommended it.
31 Days of Single by John Kim
In 31 Days of Single on Purpose: Redefine Everything. Find Yourself First, renowned therapist and author John Kim offers a groundbreaking guide to embracing singlehood with purpose and intention. With raw honesty and practical wisdom, Kim challenges conventional narratives surrounding relationships and empowers readers to redefine their self-worth and identity outside of romantic partnerships. Through a transformative 31-day journey, readers are encouraged to explore their passions, confront their fears, and cultivate self-love.
This book is a rallying cry for singles everywhere to reclaim their independence, rediscover their passions, and embrace the journey of self-discovery.
The Bottom Line
The world of books is rich with many words of comfort and healing for all of us who need to learn to love ourselves better. And contrary to what others think, self-love is not selfish at all. Self-love is showing up for yourself and filling yourself up so you have love to give to the world.
So this love month, whether you’re single, in a relationship, or simply seeking to deepen your connection with yourself, these books offer invaluable insights, practical exercises, and heartfelt wisdom to guide you toward a deeper sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment.
Treat yourself to the gift of self-love and embark on a transformative journey towards embracing the most important person in your life – you.
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