Start Fresh: 5 Books To Help You Heal and Grow

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but what if they were also opportunities for growth and transformation? In When Things Fall Apart, Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön offers gentle yet profound guidance for navigating uncertainty, pain, and change. With wisdom rooted in mindfulness and compassion, she encourages readers to lean into discomfort rather than resist it. I can’t recommend this book enough.

It took me 8 years to write The Sacrifice: When Transitions Look Like Chaos," It’s a deeply vulnerable piece of work during some of the most tumultuous times in my life. This poetry and prose book is a quick and easy read exploring themes of heartbreak, poverty, love, spirituality, friendship break-up, and resilience. I hope this book serves you as you pursue your healing journey. I hope what I’ve learned helps you in this season of your life.

Do not pick up this book if you don’t want to do the work. If you’re ready to break free from old patterns and step into a healthier, more empowered version of yourself, start reading this immediately. In How to Do the Work, Dr. Nicole LePera, also known as “The Holistic Psychologist,” combines her expertise in psychology with practical tools for self-healing. With a focus on the mind-body connection, this book provides a roadmap to uncover subconscious beliefs, heal from past traumas, and cultivate lasting change.

What if the question isn’t “What’s wrong with you?” but instead, “What happened to you?” In this groundbreaking collaboration, renowned neuroscientist Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey explore how childhood experiences shape who we are, and how understanding our past can lead to profound healing. This is one of the most transformational books on healing that I’ve read in a long time.

How do you move forward when the pain of the past feels impossible to shake? In this deeply personal and compassionate guide, bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst explores the complexities of forgiveness—not as something you do for others, but as a transformative gift you give yourself. With a blend of vulnerability, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom, Lysa helps readers navigate painful memories, make peace with their stories, and reclaim joy in their lives. This is a must-read if you struggle with forgiveness.