5 Inspiring Book Recommendations

Are you looking for some inspirational reading this summer?  Here are 5 books inspiring book recommendations.  I hope they inspire, inform, and motivate you.  Enjoy!

Alchemist, by Paul Coelho

This book was recommended to me by a fellow traveler on my way home from a yoga retreat in Costa Rica.  It was a serendipitous recommendation as I returned home refreshed, renewed, and motivated to continue the positive momentum.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

The Blue Zones of Happiness, by Dan Buettner

Dan Buettner is an author, explorer, journalist, producer and researcher.  Through his research, he discovered the “blue zones” where people live the longest, healthiest, and happiest lives.  Wow – what a fantastic career and discovery!  This book shares lessons from his global research and tips on how to apply them to your daily life.

“Having a purpose and knowing exactly what your values are will add additional years to your life.” – Dan Buettner

Happy Money – The Science of Happier Spending, by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

So often the focus of our culture is on accumulating money.  This book offers a refreshing and informative perspective on the importance of mindful choices on spending our money.  Dunn and Norton share the five principles of happier spending – and explain how, and why, applying these to your life will bring more satisfaction and happiness.

The Five Principles of Happier Spending are: 1) Buy experiences, 2) Make it a treat, 3) Buy time, 4) Pay now, consume later, and 5) Invest in others

“People who spent money on others got happier; people who spent it on themselves, nothing happened.  It didn’t make them less happy; it just didn’t do much for them.” – Michael Norton How to Buy Happiness

Life in Five Senses, by Gretchen Rubin

Did you ever enjoy a book so much that you didn’t want to finish it? That was my experience reading and savoring each chapter.  While traveling organically heightens your senses to new experiences, sights, sounds, and tastes – Gretchen Rubin shares how you can take a field trip in your own home or neighborhood.  Taking time to notice and appreciate each of our five senses and the way they come to flourish in our daily lives can bring us newly discovered joy and inspiration.

“Surprise stimulates the brain, and research shows that people who do new things and visit new places…tend to be happier.”― Gretchen Rubin, Life in Five Senses

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, by Meik Wiking

While it is tricky to pronounce (hyoo-guh), hygge is a well-loved foundational life outlook for the Danish…and an aspirational approach for many worldwide.  Merriam-Webster defines Hygge as “invoking or fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being.”

As the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, and research associate for Denmark at the World Database of Happiness, Meik Wiking is a living example of the Hygge lifestyle.  In the book, he shares specific examples and opportunities to cultivate hygee in our lives, and daily interactions.

“To paraphrase one of the greatest philosophers of our time-Winnie-the-Pooh-when asked how to spell a certain emotion, “You don’t spell it, you feel it.”
― Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge

These are just a few of the many great books and inspirational voices out there.  Are there any other similar books, or authors, that you recommend for inspirational reading? Please share at info@givejoy.me.

Check out these links for additional information:

The Alchemist, by Paul Coelho

The Blue Zones of Happiness, by Dan Buettner

Live to 100 – Secrets of the Blue Zone, Netflix series

Happy Money – The Science of Happier Spending, by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

How to Buy Happiness, Michael Norton at TedxCambridge

Life in Five Senses, by Gretchen Rubin

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, by Meik Wiking

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