March is Reading Month! And while moms often focus on helping kids develop a love for reading, this year, we wanted to turn the focus back on us. We’ve put together a compilation of books that encourage self-healing, growth, and transformation–just what’s needed for a true self-growth journey.
The truth is, we all heal differently. But one thing that has been incredibly powerful on my own self-healing journey is reading self-help books. Stories, insights, and strategies from experts have helped me shift my mindset, build healthier habits, and cultivate more self-compassion. This collection below includes books that have inspired our Detroit Mom contributors on their own journeys of healing and growth.
Our Favorite Books For a Self-Growth Journey
Atomic Habits by James Clear
“A must-read for anyone looking to make real changes in their life! This book breaks down how small, consistent habits lead to massive transformation. Every chapter left me with new insights that I could immediately apply to my daily life, one habit at a time.” –Faten S.
The Eldest Daughter Effect by Lisette Schuitemaker and Wies Enthoven
“This book has been super eye-opening if you’re an eldest daughter/child in your family or the eldest daughter after a son. It’s about how birth order plays a part in helping shape our personalities and familial roles. And, how we carry those roles over into our adult years even. Being an eldest daughter, I’ve learned a lot about why I am the way I am. Even the way I mother my kids makes more sense! Birth order truly does play a role in how our personalities are shaped!” –Rana M.
Follow the Magic by Johanna Wright
“This guided journal has been amazing. I struggle sometimes with open journaling and also with self-help books. But I picked this one up on a whim and love it. It’s fun, beautiful, and has me thinking through strengths and things to work on.” –Karli M.
Lighter: Let Go of the Past, Connect with the Present, and Expand the Future by Yung Pueblo
“This book has been instrumental in my personal growth and healing journey. Reading this provided an ah-ha moment coupled with a mindset shift every time I read it! I recommend it to anyone I know on their journey to become lighter, more peaceful, and gain more emotional maturity.” –Natasha K.
Mindset by Carol Dweck
“Prior to reading this book, I had not known a ton about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset. Once I learned the difference in this book, it changed the way I viewed a lot of things in life, especially life’s challenges. Carol talks about how people with a fixed mindset (those who believe abilities are fixed) are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset (those who believe abilities can be developed). With a fixed mindset, you will want to prove yourself over and over rather than learning from your mistakes and growing from them like you would with a growth mindset.” –Katie M.
Peace is a Practice by Morgan Harper Nichols
“I read this book shortly after losing a family member unexpectedly. It provided an overwhelming sense of calm that my body was so badly craving. Each chapter is focused on ways to bring peace and healing into your life with practical tips for building community and “homework” to help put the plan into action. This is a book I plan to reread as often as needed because there were so many points to walk away with about the path to finding peace in the midst of a difficult journey. And the fact that each chapter was focused on a different area means I can also just read a chapter or two when I feel the pull to dive back in again.” –Whitney C.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
“This book played a huge role in my healing journey, helping me become more present and mindful. Eckhart Tolle walks readers through real-life scenarios on how to shift from living in our thoughts to truly embracing the present moment.” -Faten S.
Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
”If you’re looking to deepen self-love and compassion, this book is a game-changer. Tara Brach introduces the RAIN method—a simple yet transformative practice for fostering kindness toward ourselves. One strategy I have continued to use after I read this book is getting curious about my feelings without judgement and being kind to myself in the process. I wish I had found this book earlier in life, as it completely shifted how I approach my own struggles with self-worth and healing.” -Faten S.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
“This book changed my life. I love all her writing but this one in particular just really hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s about how the author fell in love with a woman and left her husband for him but it’s also about how she and many women feel really caged but how she found a sense of freedom. Here are some of my favorite quotes: “…I have stopped asking people for directions to places they’ve never been.” “I will not stay, not ever again – in a room or a conversation or a relationship or an institution that requires me to abandon myself.” –Jennifer S.
Whether you’re just starting your self-growth journey or you’re looking for your next inspiring read, we hope this list offers something that speaks to you. What books have helped you on your own path to healing? Share in the comments!
