The resources that have influenced me the most, which will be updated regularly.
Literature:
Personal development.
You can Heal your Life. Louise Hay.
A truly incredible book from an amazing lady. I read this in two days and then read it again, completing each exercise which took several weeks. This is a book that takes time to absorb and helps you overcome past negative events. It helped me to forgive and love myself for who I am.
Change Your Thought, Change your life, Dr Wayne Dyer.
From a legend of a man who is equal to Louise Hay in the positive impact he has had over many years in personal Development. This is an analysis of the Tao De Ching, an ancient Chinese philosophy from Lao Tzu. 80 chapters and taking one per day. It is a book you read and keep repeating. It is full of wisdom for a life well-lived.
The Compound Effect Darren Hardy
A masterpiece of work where the focus is on making small changes, compounded over time which brings lasting change and benefits. The compound effect looks at habits which can enhance or negatively impact your life. The compound effect can definitely work both in both directions for good or bad. A book which left a huge impression.
Atomic Habits, James Clear
From the number one habits man; this is a must read to continue building good habits. One process James talks about is habit stacking where you build from one established habit with another. He also talks about starting small so the new activity can be made achievable.
Ikigai The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.
Finding your purpose and passion. Research into the lives of those who have lived the longest. This book gives you a blueprint of a pattern of behaviours that people exhibit who live to 90 plus years. It talks about the five blue zones in the world where people live the longest and the commonalities of what they all seem to share.
Your First S… Version Lisa Bean
One of the first online mentors, I discovered. Lisa’s book talks about getting your first version of work, project, aim out there and for it not to have to be perfect, but just good enough. This book encouraged me to create my first FB live teaching post which attracted over 3,000 views in 24hrs and multiple, enquiries concerning my work when English to Care teaching business was in its infancy.
Deep Work Carl Newport
Karl talks in detail about the power of Focus and deep concentration. Something that we can all lack from in a digital age that steals our concentration. This book helps you to build a commitment to go deep into your work, an optimal time to sustain it and how to get the best results from your efforts. As a writer, a sense of flow, which is a key sign that you are totally immersed in what you are doing, is crucial to creativity and output in any project, literary or otherwise.
Think and Grow Rich, Napolean Hill
Many could argue this is not the easiest of reads but this timeless classic is considered essential reading for anyone wanting success, not just financial but in every area of life. One of the central ideas in this work is that you create something twice- first in your mind and then in reality with your action.
The Art of Rest Claudia Hammond. I really needed to read this. It gives you the permission to just be and to slow down.
Good Vibes, Good Life Vex King The Law of Vibration and the power of self-care, self-love and creating abundance. Vex argues you need more than just to know there is a Law of Attraction. A very good guide and covers lots of different topics in personal development.
Jordanna says that the Law of Attraction can only work if we have a Law of Action.
The Natural World
Meadowland John Lewis Stempel
This work ignited my love of Nature, wanting to walk and a growing interest in the world of farming. I have always been a keen environmentalist, and this just further fuelled the fire. The author is a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge, especially history and literature which is quoted extensively. His work is exquisite and beautiful. And my favour nature writer and author.
The Running Hare John Lewis Stempel.
Grounding Finding Home in a Garden Lulah Ellender. A beautiful book set in Sussex about how one woman found hope and grounding in uncertain personal times. She talks about life’s transitions reflecting on her own mother’s gardening diary and visits other historical gardens sharing her insights.
The Spiritual World
The Secret Rhonda Bryne My introduction to the Law of Attraction. This is a very easy to understand and readable book.
The Power Rhonda Bryne Following on from the secret this explores further the Law of Attraction but centres on your power you have inside you to change aspects of your life, from feelings to money creation, relationships and health.
The Magic Rhonda Bryne. I was sceptical about reading this, in terms of a 28 challenge and creating a dramatic life shift. How wrong was I. Read this, if you dare, follow the exercise to the letter, and be prepared to go on, not just a walk but the ride of your life.
Reading and Writing
The Art of Mindful Reading Ella Berthoud. This was a very good for me because I realised it is easy to read too fast and not actually absorb what you are reading. I can read while becoming distracted. This makes you realise that we all need to read in a more ‘present’ way. A book you can never read too many times. Contains lots of practical exercises.
The Way of the Fearless Writer Beth Kempton. A wonderful book inspired by an extensive knowledge of Japanese wisdom and culture, Beth uses her vast knowledge to teach us how to write fearlessly by passing through various gates of Eastern Philosophy. This is an approach like no other to release writer’s block and help you develop creative writing skills on any subject.
Currently reading
As mainly a non-fiction reader, I tend to read books which you can pick up and put down and have usually two or three books on the go, depending on what I’m focusing on.
Mindfulness and the Natural World Claire Thompson. An introduction to connecting with nature in a more mindful way.
Make it Happen Jordanna Levin. A very useful book saying action needs to happen for The Law of Attraction to work.
52 Ways to Walk Annabel Streets One walk at a time, one week at a time, Annabel explores the many different ways you can walk, from walking in the rain to walking in the morning.
Podcasts
Jo Durrants Beautiful Universe. This beautiful podcast opened my eyes to where arts and science are not merely separate subjects but can merge, compliment and inspire. https://jodurrantsbeautifuluniverse.libsyn.com/
Just One Thing, Dr Michael Mosley. He is leading the way for me in making small health changes that are important for a healthier life. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09by3yy
The Way of the Fearless Writer Beth Kempton https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/fwpodcast/
Inspirational teachers’ (leaders in personal development) and other websites that I have found really helpful.
In no order of importance
Mark and Angel Hack Life The first thing I discovered and where my journey began. They are phenomenal. https://www.marcandangel.com/ They have personally have known deep adversity and how to power through it and come out the other side. Look at their website as it speaks for itself.
Darren Hardy The second person I discovered. I subscribe to Darren Daily, an audio newsletter five days a week and its rarely missed and played first thing in the morning when I wake up. I love his whole ethos to life, and he says it as it is. His personal discipline is hard to match. https://darrenhardy.com/
James clear. I subscribe to his Thursday 3:2:1 Newsletter. He is your number one habits man and one newsletter I never leave unread. https://jamesclear.com/
Peter Sage. A recent discovery who I consider to be one of the greatest speakers and teachers in personal growth I have ever heard. He worked as one of Tony Robins Trainers and his backstory is amazing. https://petersage.com/
Tony Robbins. Known to thousands if not millions of people, he is seen as one of the leading trainers in personal growth and business leader development. https://www.tonyrobbins.com/. He does a huge amount of collaboration with Danny Grez who is also a leading personal coach and mentor.
Jim Rhon. I see him as the central man that inspired and taught so many, including the last three people I have mentioned here. (The Mentor of Mentors). He is truly a legendary figure. https://www.jimrohn.com/
www.Dowhatyouloveforlife.com Beth Kempton. Currently subscribed on one of her courses. Her often-free Writing Sanctuaries are sensational, and her teaching is amazing. She brings out the best in me as a writer.
InspireActionSucess Fiona Brennam. Have been fortunate enough to personally work with this wonderful lady from Ireland. A personal coach and business mentor who feels like a friend. https://inspireactionsuccess.com/
The Art of Improvement. A really excellent You Tube channel with bite size wisdom and knowledge. https://www.youtube.com/@TheArtofImprovement