Have you ever finished a book and felt like your entire perspective had shifted? As an artist and lifelong learner, I've found that the right books can be transformative, opening new pathways for creativity, personal growth, and understanding life's complexities.
I wanted to share with you a curated selection of books that have profoundly impacted my journey. The ones that have guided me through creative blocks, healing processes, and life's ups and downs. Most I've read (or listened to) several times, and I've observed the way the truths hit differently over time.
My sister and I recently laughed at one of the many ways we are different—which is that she reads fiction books exclusively, while my list certainly leans on the 'self-help' side. Still, I know she would love some of these purely because of how life-changing they have been!
Before I dive into the recommendations, let me take you on a little tour of my reading journey and how it intertwines with my art, healing practices, and everyday life. Whether you're a fellow artist, someone on a healing path, or simply curious about expanding your horizons, I hope you'll find something here that speaks to you.
See my full Amazon List of Book Recommendations
My Reading Journey
Growing up, reading was one of my favorite things to do. I remember my parents creating this initiative one summer to help motivate my sister and I to read—we got $1/book, and $5/book if they were over 300 pages. From that point on, I only read $5 books—with the magic of dreamy stories like The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables still sticking out to me now. I’ve always been interested in fantastical worlds and characters driven by truth, and drawn to books that sparked my imagination and nurtured my budding creativity. As I grew older, my tastes expanded, and I found myself gravitating towards books that challenged my perspectives and offered new ways of seeing the world.
During college, my love for reading was replaced by the busyness of life, and it was only later, during a particularly challenging period in my life, that I rediscovered reading. Feeling lost and searching for direction, I stumbled upon books that spoke directly to my soul. Since then, books have become a constant for me on my journey of self-discovery, artistic exploration, and healing. To be honest, I’m the kind of person that is always reading 3-5 books, and many of these are part of my regular rotation. It truly depends on my mood and current state—so at any moment I’m ready to pick up a poetry book, read a quick essay, re-listen to an audiobook, or settle in for a few slow chapters.
I'm excited to share with you some of the books that have been instrumental in shaping my path. These aren't just books I've read; they're books I've lived with, wrestled with, and grown through. I hope that by sharing them, I can pass on some of the wisdom and inspiration they've given me.
Book Categories & Recommendations
Art & Creativity
Color, Form & Magic: Use the Power of Aesthetics for Creative and Magical Work
I love love LOVE color theory. With my experience in design and marketing, I know a lot about the influence that color psychology can have on people. (Think—why an ‘x’ button is styled red and a checkmark appears green.) But this book was unique in its descriptions around a color’s magical or spiritual properties. Not necessary anything I didn’t already know—but a beautiful book and fun to read just the same.
I highly recommend getting a physical copy & the accompanying Prism Oracle Deck also made by Nicole Pivorotto—it’s currently my favorite for a daily draw!
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Happiness
This book is a delightful exploration of how design and aesthetics impact our daily lives. It's filled with colorful examples and thought-provoking insights that have changed the way I view my surroundings. Since reading it, I've found myself noticing and appreciating the small, joyful details in everyday objects and spaces, which has in turn influenced my own day-to-day living, artistic practice and physical space.
The Artist's Way
This absolute classic is like a trusted friend guiding you through a 12-week journey of creative recovery. It's packed with exercises, anecdotes, and wisdom that help unblock creativity and foster a deeper connection with your artistic self. I've gone through this program multiple times, and each time I discover new layers of my creative potential. Elements like the Artist’s Pages and Artist’s Dates have become an integrated part of my life, and originated with the ideas found here.
Personal Growth & Self Development
Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
Pema Chödrön's words in this book are like a warm embrace for the soul. It's a gentle yet powerful guide to cultivating self-compassion and mindfulness. The teachings are rooted in Buddhist philosophy but presented in a way that's accessible and applicable to modern life. This book was a game-changer for me during a particularly challenging time and taught me to simply embrace self-compassion as a starting point for growth.
The Four Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz distills ancient Toltec wisdom into four simple yet profound agreements. Each agreement - be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best - seems straightforward at first glance, but the book delves deep into how truly living by these principles can transform your life.
Every once in a while, I like to listen to this again on Audible. The simple truths always seem to resonate in a new way. Plus, it takes just a few hours to listen to it all the way through.
Energy Work & Self Healing
"Anatomy of the Spirit" and "Advanced Energy Anatomy" (and basically anything else) by Caroline Myss
These books have served as roadmaps to remind me of the intricate connections between our bodies, minds, and spirits. Myss introduces the concept of the seven chakras and links them to Western religious sacraments and developmental stages. Her insights have profoundly shaped my current understanding of holistic health, energy anatomy, and more—and I have so much more to learn here.
I've been reading a ton from Caroline Myss, Gary Zukav and similar. Caroline Myss's "Sacred Contracts" and Gary Zukav's "The Seat of the Soul" are standouts in this category. Myss's work on archetypes and life purpose is fascinating, offering a unique perspective on why we're here and how to fulfill our potential. (I learned a lot from revisiting the strengths and weaknesses of my 'Visionary' archetype recently.) Zukav's writing, on the other hand, explores the concept of authentic power and multi-sensory perception. Both authors have a way of making complex spiritual concepts feel accessible and applicable to daily life.
The Brain, Mind and Perspective
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself
This book is a fascinating blend of neuroscience, quantum physics, and practical exercises. Dispenza explains how our ingrained thought patterns shape our reality and offers a step-by-step approach to rewiring our brains for positive change. The meditation techniques he describes are powerful - I've personally experienced shifts in my thoughts and behaviors after practicing them consistently.
I enjoy listening to this one as an audiobook while on a long walk or in nature—somewhere my mind is free to explore.
The Big Leap
Gay Hendricks introduces the concept of the 'Upper Limit Problem' - the unconscious tendency we have to sabotage ourselves when things are going well. This book was a revelation for me, helping me identify patterns of self-sabotage in my own life and providing strategies to overcome them. It's particularly useful for creatives and entrepreneurs who find themselves hitting invisible ceilings in their work or personal lives.
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think
When I first read this book, I truly proceeded to buy 8 copies to give to people I thought might love them, too. I've never done that before or after—so take from that what you will ◡̈
Each essay is concise yet profound, tackling topics from self-awareness to societal conditioning. What I love about this collection is its versatility - you can flip to any page and find something thought-provoking. I often use it as a daily reflection tool, reading an essay in the morning and pondering it throughout the day. It's a book that grows with you, revealing new insights with each re-read.
Poetry & Fiction
Healing Through Words by Rupi Kaur
This isn't just a book; it's an experience. Kaur guides readers through a series of writing exercises that serve as a form of self-therapy. It's raw, honest, and at times challenging, but ultimately empowering. The hard-cover book is beautifully designed, making the process of working through it feel like a sacred ritual.
In fact—highly recommend setting yourself up with cozy lighting and some candles, incense—or whatever else helps you to drop in to a reflective state and allowing yourself to indulge in this process! I received this book as a gift, and have kept this in the back of my mind for the next time I have an exchange with a sensitive friend!
If you’re new to Kaur's work, I also highly recommend starting with "milk & honey" or "home body" to experience her poignant and powerful writing. I saw her perform LIVE in Denver a few years ago and it was magical. Just a huge fan all around.
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho weaves a magical tale of a young shepherd's journey to find his Personal Legend. It's a story that speaks to the dreamer in all of us, filled with symbolism and wisdom. What I love most about this book is how it encourages us to listen to our hearts and follow our dreams, even when the path seems uncertain.
Currently Reading
The Way of Mastery, Pathway to Enlightenment: The Way of the Heart
I'm currently immersed in this profound spiritual text. It's a series of channeled teachings that explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and our relationship with the divine. The language is rich and poetic, requiring careful reading and reflection. Each chapter feels like peeling back another layer of understanding about the self and the universe. A friend of mine is also reading it, and we joked about starting a book club, where the only book is this, we just read it over and over.