#LeMillRecommends: Self-Love: Books to Read & the Concept to Adopt

We often ignore the importance of loving ourselves and even though we’re constantly bombarded with the concept of self-love, we’re not certain that we understand what it truly means.

To decode it, self-love is a state of appreciation for yourself that grows from specific actions taken to support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. Nurturing this feeling looks different for everybody. You can practice it in a number of ways but the baseline is doing whatever it takes to make yourself feel empowered.

We can’t always rely on external sources to make us feel loved and that’s where self-love comes in.

For some, reading is the perfect escape and has the power to transport us to a whole new world. We rounded up a list of some of the more inspiring self-love books that are sure to get you on the right path to believing the best company you can have is yourself.

What a Time to Be Alone, by Chidera Eggerue

Just when you thought being alone was scary, this book teaches you that it might just be the best thing to ever happen to you. Based on the notion of deciding your own fate, Eggerue takes a three-stage approach in decoding the key to loving yourself – celebrating YOU, not worrying about THEM, and feeling the togetherness in US.

The Self-Love Experiment, by Shannon Kaiser

Oftentimes we live in fear of being selfish by putting ourselves first, but accepting that it’s okay to prioritize our feelings and become our own best friend. Kaiser takes you on a journey of falling in love with life by changing certain thought processes, habits, perspectives and overcoming fears.

The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You by Lydia Fenet

Having raised more than half a billion dollars for non-profits worldwide, gone from intern to managing director, and mastered the ability to sell absolutely anything, Fenet shares the secret to her success and extraordinary sales approach. Teaching you how to empower yourself and feel like the most dynamic woman in any room, this book is motivation to strive for your dreams and have a voice of your own.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Thawab

Experiencing the feeling of being authentically you means speaking up, setting healthy boundaries and learning that it’s okay to say no. Insta-famous therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab talks about the powerful ways of establishing boundaries with compassion and confidence.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

While Eat Pray Love has become the book inspiring millions worldwide to take a leap of faith, the same author, Elizabeth Gilbert, empowers readers once again with Big Magic. She opens the audience up to a world full of creativity by sharing her wisdom on engaging with curiosity, facing your fears and finding your inner passion.

The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey

If you’re a fan of Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, look no further.  A curation of some of the most impactful conversations between Oprah Winfrey and several visionaries of today, this book represents a part of her spiritual journey filled with moments of empowerment, enlightenment and inspiration.

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Pause immediately if you think self-love has to be this serious, hard-hitting process of finding yourself! A refreshing take on the concept, You are a Badass is a guide on how to create the life you love, now. The book is sure to make you laugh along the way, too.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

Named by Forbes as one of the "Five Books That Will Actually Change Your Outlook On Life," this book is a guiding light towards the belief that we are worthy of success and love. A guide to whole-hearted living, Brown tells it like it is with honest anecdotes, scientific research, authentic encouragement, and the beauty of living an imperfect life.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Creator of favourites Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton to name a few, television’s favorite Shona Rhimes’ discusses the challenges of saying yes to everything that scared her for an entire year. Full of humorous recounts, Rhimes talks about her introverted self before the Year of Yes to the journey after it, convincing herself to do everything she feared.

After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle

Reflecting upon the journey from self-doubt to self-love, Elle shares stories of overcoming challenges related to childhood, love, and career. She talks about how she used these struggles as tools to fuel her own growth personally and professionally. The book is a soulful guide on embracing the beauty that life offers and a reminder that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.