My Top 3 Books and How They’ve Changed My Life

Books have an extraordinary power to transform our lives, offering us new perspectives, guiding us through difficult times, and reminding us of the truths we often overlook. As we celebrate Read A Book Day, I want to share the three books that have profoundly impacted my life. Each of these books arrived at a pivotal moment, offering wisdom, solace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Here are my top three books and how they’ve changed my life.

1. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

How It Changed My Life: Rediscovering My True Self

Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now is a book that came to me when I needed it most. It reminded me of who I truly am behind all the mental chatter, worries, and emotions. This book showed me my true nature by simply reminding me of all that I already knew deep inside. It brought me back to the present moment and helped me realize that my thoughts are not who I am. Tolle’s teachings guide us to find peace within, no matter what external circumstances we face.

Through The Power of Now, I learned to observe my thoughts without identifying with them. It taught me that the present moment is all we ever have, and by fully embracing it, we can transcend the pain and suffering often caused by our attachment to the past or our anxieties about the future. This book has been a constant reminder that inner peace is always accessible, and it lies in the simplicity of being present.

2. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

How It Changed My Life: Embracing the Universal Truths of Life

Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the soul. This book resonated with me deeply, as it beautifully articulates the universal truths about life. I was particularly moved by Gibran’s wisdom on love and marriage, which emphasizes the importance of loving without possessing. His insights on parenting, where he speaks of children as coming through us but not belonging to us, also struck a chord with me.

Gibran’s words remind us that true love allows freedom—for ourselves and for others. Every time I read The Prophet, it evokes a profound sense of connection to the deepest joys and sorrows of being human. The poetic language and timeless wisdom in this book continue to guide me in my relationships and my journey through life, encouraging me to embrace both love and loss with an open heart.

3. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

How It Changed My Life: Following My Heart’s Deepest Desires

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is a book that many nomadic and spiritual women, including myself, hold dear. I first encountered this book during a time of deep unhappiness and feeling utterly stuck in life and an abusive relationship. My initial reaction to the book was so intense that I stopped reading it and opted for the film instead, hoping for something lighter. However, from beginning to end, the film had me in tears. It awakened a deep part of me that yearned for freedom, adventure, and spiritual exploration.

For years, I had suppressed my dreams of traveling and exploring the world to fit into a life that wasn’t true to who I was. Eat, Pray, Love reignited that passion within me, reminding me of the life I truly wanted to live. It was a catalyst for change, leading to the end of a relationship that no longer served me and the beginning of a journey of self-discovery.

At the age of 26, after years of dreaming, I finally packed my bags and flew to Thailand, then India, Nepal, and the UK. When I finally read the book in full on my flight to India, I experienced pure bliss and pride for following my heart. The tears I shed were no longer of regret but of joy and immense gratitude for the life I had finally chosen to create.

The Power of Books

These three books—The Power of Now, The Prophet, and Eat, Pray, Love—have been more than just stories or teachings to me. They have been guides, friends, and mirrors reflecting back to me the truths I needed to see at different stages of my life. As we celebrate Read A Book Day, I encourage you to reflect on the books that have shaped your life. What wisdom have they offered you? How have they guided you on your journey?

Books have the power to change our lives in the most unexpected ways. Whether they remind us of our true nature, offer timeless wisdom, or inspire us to follow our dreams, the lessons we take from them can stay with us forever. So, on this special day, pick up a book that speaks to you, let it take you on a journey, and see where it leads you. You never know—it might just change your life.