Does anyone else frequently raid the “self-help” section of the library or bookstore? I’m not sure how much help you think you might need, but based exclusively on my regularity as a customer, I’d say that I judge myself to be rather lacking in the confidence department at times. That’s not to say that I’m totally lost, but it is suggestive of a deep desire to continually improve my internal GPS.

Self-improvement books are my weakness. Topics can range anywhere from spirituality to career development (as in PLEASE help me figure out what I want to be now that I’m a grown-up). As a new mother, most books that I grab include content on improving oneself as a parent. There are times when I set out to find a highly-rated thriller only to find myself in the personal growth section yet again.

My most recent read is entitled “Slay Like a Mother,” by Katherine Wintsch, CEO and founder of The Mom Complex. This book is very helpful and sits at the top of my list of recommendations. So many books in this genre encourage you to carve out large chunks of time for bettering yourself, but this one acknowledges that the life of a mother is anything but conducive to self-improvement. We’re so busy improving the lives of our families that we don’t always have time to turn that energy inward.

In the book, Wintsch reminds us that “The struggle is real. Your suffering is optional.” That quote is scribbled on a sticky note inside of my planner. It’s such an important reminder that all of us face daily struggles pertaining to children, work, bills, cleaning, auto maintenance, relationships, and so on. Struggling is inevitable. Suffering, on the other hand, is avoidable. We should face our struggles with self-compassion, not self-hatred.

Life is hard. We don’t have to make it harder. That seems to be the gist of most self-improvement pieces. The daily grind occupies so much space in our lives when it really should be sharing space with stuff that matters. I admire how others can phrase this so eloquently.

Below is a small list of recent reads for any fellow personal growth junkies. Some pertain specifically to your practice as a parent. If you find one that doesn’t sit well with your soul, please don’t kill the messenger. If you find one that aligns with your spirit, please feel free to share what you’ve discovered. I’d love to gather book recommendations that led you to a greater understanding of yourself. I will likely be back at the shelves this week so I’ll be in need of suggestions. And again the week after.

Suggested Reading:

• “The Path Made Clear” by Oprah Winfrey
• “Buy Yourself the F*king Lilies” by Tara Schuster
• “ScreamFree Parenting” by Hal Runkel
• “Calm the H*ck Down” by Melanie Dale
• “Carry on, Warrior” by Glennon Doyle Melton
• “Present Over Perfect” by Shauna Niequist
• “Parenting in the Present Moment” by Carla Naumburg, PhD