“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers”.
Charles W. Eliot
Whether you agree with the quote above, that books are the most trustful friends which will never leave you, I know at one point of my life, in my younger years, this was so true for me.
One of my goals this year was to start reading again and make this a self-care Sunday habit. As a young child, my sisters best friend Elaine, used to buy me books as presents all the time, which led to my love of reading.
One of my favourite books given to me by Elaine was C.S. Lewis book “the Lion, the witch and the wardrobe”. I loved the characters (especially Asian) and it’s theme of love, faith, forgiveness, good and evil.
I got more satisfaction reading, than turning on the TV, whilst my family would watch “M*A*S*H”, “The A team”, “Knight Rider”, “Top of the Pops”, “Dallas”, “Columbo”, “Chips” or The Waltons”, I would be tucked away in a corner of the sofa, with my head in the latest adventure, that no TV show could beat.
As a child of immigrants and English not being the first language spoken at home, it also enabled me to expand my vocabulary as well as get to escape into another realm of worlds, when things got tough.
Re-discovering my love for reading and books has been the best part of 2022.
Any opportunity I get, I will endeavour to read. I like all types of book (especially to do with my craft), spirituality, self-help books as well as books to do with my faith.
Reading books is good for my wellbeing. My mind gains better clarity of thought, my language and overall perspective on life continually improves, I feel healthier overall and not only understand myself better but also my family, my friends and clients as a result of putting my reading into action. I’m the best version of me.
Although I am currently, the next couple of months, on a faith based journey and only reading books to do with my religion, here are some books that I would recommend;
1. “Healing is the New High” – Vex King
2. “How to love” – Thich Nhat Hanh
3. “Think straight” – Darius Foroux
4. “Atomic Habits” – James Clear
5. “The Almanack” – Naval Ravikant
*Bonus*- “The things you can see only when you slow down” – Haemin Sunim
Happy (self-care)Sunday.
#healing #healingjourney #wellness #wellbeing #growth #growthmindset #spiritualgrowth #books #reading #london