Self Help Books

Laughter Therapy by Annette Goodheart
You know what "they" say, laughter is the best medicine. Self help books like this one will tell you all about it and how laughter can be one of the most healing therapies ever. Sometimes I think we miss this because it is really so very simple. She even gets people to laugh about things that aren't often so very funny- that's the art of laughter therapy. After reading this book I was reminded of the simple power of laughter.

Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser
Self help books are often based on two premises: 1) that good things do happen and 2) that you have a part in writing your script in life. This book is no exception and provides a concrete, do-able process for creating the results you want.  This is a quick, light read filled with stories and ideas about people who have written down their intentions and experienced a successful outcome. The book is full of practical tips such as creating a "to-be" list in addition to your "to-do" list. I especially recommend this for anyone who is looking for more clarity on what they really want in life. By the way, this book isn't just for writers!

What to Say When you Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter
"77% of what we think is negative" according to Shad. That statement got me curious, and his self help book's main point is obviously all about how to make positive talk a habit. Frankly, I think the world would be a better place if we all did this. He is a keen believer in "you will become what you think about."
He states that the brain believes that which you tell it most and I tend to agree. I found this book to be a good reminder of a powerful way to change my thoughts. It is also a clear guide for how to shift your thinking. It is a bit outdated yet helpful. He even includes some suggested scripts of what you can say to improve your self-talk. It's a quick, helpful read if you want inspiration to change how you think and speak.

Brain Power - Improve Your Mind as You Age by Michael J. Gelb and Kelly Howell
I was given this book right around my last birthday. The subtitle seemed a bit humorous given that context. However, this is clearly not just a self help book for aging seniors - it can be helpful to anyone including your children. Brain Power points out many different (flawed) ways in which North American culture assumes an aging brain works.The book makes plentiful reference to scientific studies but is easy and engaging to read. If you want a good outline for how to feed your brain throughout your life, then this is the book for you. It takes a "whole brain" approach by using learning, exercise, diet, environment, relationships and rest to increase your mind power. The book includes bonus audio downloads of binaural brain synchronization sessions. I found these free recordings to be some of the best binaural brain synch recordings I've ever tried.