The 3 Books That Changed The Way I Looked At Life

 

The Routine of a Busy Life

I was never one to question the path I was on. My days were a blur of meetings, deadlines, and the never-ending demands of raising a ten-year-old boy. From 9 AM to 9 PM, I was a professional—a dedicated worker who took pride in delivering results. Then, from 9 PM to midnight, I was a mother, a wife, and a woman trying to hold it all together. Weekends weren’t much different. They were packed with errands, soccer practices, and the occasional dinner with friends that left me more drained than refreshed. Life was a routine, a well-oiled machine that kept moving forward without pause.

A Sudden Shift in Perspective

But one night, as I sat at my desk after another exhausting day, staring at the empty word document in front of me, something inside me shifted. A thought, uninvited yet persistent, crept into my mind: *Is this it? Is this all I’m meant to do?* The thought was unsettling, but I couldn’t shake it off. Was my life just about endless to-do lists and ticking off boxes? I started to wonder if there was a bigger purpose, something beyond the daily grind.

Questioning the Meaning of It All

These questions lingered, growing louder as the days passed. I found myself reacting differently to the same situations—things that once seemed so important now felt trivial. The way I snapped at my son when he forgot to do his homework, the frustration I felt when a project didn’t go as planned, even the joy I used to find in small accomplishments—it all felt hollow. It was as if a fog was lifting, and I could see my life for what it was: a cycle of doing, without much being.

The Unfamiliar Path of Reading

This change in perspective led me to an unfamiliar place: the bookshelf. I had never been a reader. The idea of sitting down with a book had always felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But now, something within me was urging me to search for answers, to explore the thoughts that were taking root in my mind. The following 3 books came to my rescue. Click on the image of the book to get more information about these books. 

Embracing Surrender: The Surrender Experiment

I began with *The Surrender Experiment* by Michael A. Singer. This book was a game-changer. Singer’s journey of letting go of control and trusting life’s flow resonated deeply with me. His story taught me the power of surrender, of allowing life to unfold without forcing it into a predetermined mold. After reading *The Surrender Experiment*, I decided to let go of my need to control every detail of my day. Instead of micromanaging a project at work, I allowed my team more freedom to make decisions. The result was surprising—our project not only met the deadline but exceeded expectations. I realized that by surrendering control, I could trust others and life’s natural flow, leading to better outcomes than I could have achieved alone.

The Power of Presence: The Power of Now

Next, I picked up *The Power of Now* by Eckhart Tolle. This book was a revelation. Tolle’s teachings on the importance of living in the present moment hit home. I saw how much of my life I had spent lost in thoughts about the past or anxieties about the future, never truly experiencing the now. One evening, as I sat with my son during his homework time, I noticed my mind drifting to the work emails I needed to respond to. Remembering *The Power of Now*, I refocused on the present moment. I put my phone away and gave my full attention to my son. This simple act of being fully present led to a deeper connection with him, and I saw how much he appreciated having my undivided attention.

Building a New Foundation: Atomic Habits

Finally, I read *Atomic Habits* by James Clear. This book was practical and insightful, showing me how small changes can lead to big results. Clear’s focus on the power of tiny habits helped me understand that I didn’t need to make drastic changes to see progress. Inspired by *Atomic Habits*, I started small by incorporating a five-minute morning meditation into my routine. Initially, it felt insignificant, but as the days passed, I noticed how this tiny habit calmed my mind and set a positive tone for the day. Over time, this small change led to other positive habits, like journaling and regular exercise, all of which contributed to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

These three books didn’t give me all the answers, but they helped me start asking the right questions. They became the catalyst for a journey I never expected to take, one that is still unfolding. I’m learning that life isn’t just about doing—it’s about being, about connecting with others, and most importantly, about connecting with myself. I’m still a professional, still a mother, but I’m also something more: a seeker, a learner, a woman discovering her own deeper purpose. And that, I’ve come to believe, is the most important work of all.

Hope my journey is able to give you some direction or some inspiration on how to get started, if you have started to question life just like me. Do comment and let me know if there have been other books that you know of.

Much Blessings and Love,

Mama HealthNut

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