Sophie’s Top Reads For Self-Love & Empowerment

Please note that this article contains affiliate links.  

In order to flourish into the highest version of ourselves, we need to continue to learn and expand our mindset. We also need to embrace self-love and recognise that it’s necessary (not selfish!) - we simply cannot pour from an empty cup. So, for this month’s top reads, I want to focus on books that inspire you to put YOU first, and empower you to regain control and live your life with purpose. 

We’re so lucky to have so many words of wisdom and guidance at our fingertips - we need to embrace the opportunity to keep flourishing! However, I also know that, for some, reading doesn’t happen so easily - maybe you don’t know what to read, get bored or distracted easily, or believe you simply don’t have the time. To help, I've put together some of my top tips on how to fit more reading into your schedule - you can read them here. 

Below are some of my favourite female-focused books that inspire empowerment, transform relationships, boost positivity, and encourage self-love.  

Check them out and don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below!

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King

• This beautifully designed book shares deep spiritual knowledge in a way that's easy to understand, while providing practical solutions. It is a guide to transforming negative emotions to positive ones, developing self love, mind mastery, and goal setting, and finding a deeper purpose in life. Down-to-earth and relatable, this book is for those seeking a way out of darkness and the tools to build a new life.

You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy

• When was the last time you listened to someone, or someone really listened to you? This life-changing book will transform your conversations forever. Listening has the potential to transform our relationships and our working lives, improve our self-knowledge, and increase our creativity and happiness. While it may take some effort, it's a skill that can be learnt and perfected. When all we crave is to understand and be understood, You're Not Listening shows us how. 

Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

• Such a refreshing read. In a world that tells women we're either not enough or too much, it's time we stop directing our anger and insecurities onto ourselves, and start fighting back to re-shape the toxic structures of our patriarchal society.  This book will help you to tackle and challenge the limiting narrative you have been bombarded with your whole life, and determine feminism on your own terms.

How To Do The Work by Dr Nicole LePera

• Dr LePera offers the support and tools that will allow you to break free from destructive behaviours to reclaim and recreate your life. Nothing short of a paradigm shift, this is a celebration of empowerment that will forever change the way you approach mental wellness and self-care. 

The Awakened Woman by Dr Tererai Trent

• An intimate, and evocative guide that teaches nine essential lessons to encourage all women to reexamine their dreams and uncover the power hidden within them—power that can recreate our world for the better. 

Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

• A great read about the 'wild woman', the wise and ageless presence in the female psyche that gives women their creativity, energy and power. For centuries, the 'wild woman' has been repressed by a male-orientated value system which trivialises women's emotions. Using a combination of time-honoured stories and contemporary casework, Estes reveals that the 'wild woman' in us is innately healthy, passionate and wise.Thoughtfully written and compelling in its arguments, it gives readers a new sense of direction, self-confidence and purpose in their lives.

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

• All you need to know about life, its lessons on restructuring your life, finding self-esteem and self-love, and how to do the work on yourself, is right here in this wonderfully inspirational book. 

Setting Boundaries by Dr Rebecca Ray

• You all know I’m a huuuuge believer in setting healthy boundaries and this book is so insightful as to how boundaries are the key to many of the emotional and practical difficulties we encounter in daily life. It’s not just about saying ‘no' - it's about pursuing the things that set our soul on fire, loving deeply without losing ourselves, and better resisting the demands and expectations of others.

You’re Not Broken by Dr Sarah Woodhouse

• A powerful insight from Dr Sarah, who teaches you what a trauma is (it's probably not what you think), and how to recognise when, why and how your past is holding you back. She gently explains the pitfalls of ignoring awkward, upsetting episodes and how true freedom comes from looking back at your past with honesty. Then, sharing the latest research-based techniques and her own personal experience, she guides you towards breaking the trauma loop, reawakening your true self and reclaiming your future. 

More Than Words

• I have been collecting (and writing!) words and quotes that resonate with me for years to bring you More than Words. There are words to empower you when you feel lost, words to ignite motivation when you need a boost, words to get you through a rainy day, and words to remind you how special you are.

What’s your favourite book right now? Let me know in the comments below or reach out to me in the private Flourish & Fulfilled Facebook community.

Sophie x