Have you been wondering which inspiring books you’ll be called to read in 2022? I have.

And as 2021 quickly comes to a close, I am looking back on the inspiring books that changed my world. Each played a special role to either push me forward, help connect to my soul more profoundly, make me laugh, and teach me something new.

I listened to most. Read a few while curled up on my couch. Made countless bookmarks. Bought new highlighters. And re-read or re-listened to most at least 2x.

I hope that you’ll add a few of these inspiring books to your reading list for 2022.

With love,

Melissa

P.S. Please leave a comment below with your recommendations! I’m literally an open book! (Except no sci-fi…as you’ll soon be able to tell, I definitely have a type when it comes to books!)

Money Is Not The Problem, you are.

By Gary M. Douglas & Dr. Dain Heir

“If you want to make money, do what you love. If you do what you love, you can make money with it, that is—if you’re willing to receive money for love. In other words, you have to be willing to be a prostitute.”

Holy shit. Did this book ever shake up my money beliefs! I read it twice back-to-back. Despite being a short read, it is PACKED with life-changing insights that will not only transform the way you relate to money, but the way you relate period.

The art of receiving, WOW. I’ve read tons of books on money, but none ever emphasized how important it is to be able to receive, until now.

It was recommended by my friend, Salina Mitera. A talented coach, personal freedom facilitator, hypnotherapist, and gem of a human. She and I participated in two game changing coaching containers in 2021 and she is one of the reasons the game changed for me.

Get your hands on this book then let me know how mind blowing it is for you when you read it!

A Complaint Free World

By Will Bowen

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou

A client was wearing a Rastaclat bracelet. When asked, she told me that she had started the Complaint Free Challenge inspired by a book that rattled her thinking.

The goal: to go 21 consecutive days without complaining. When you catch yourself complaining verbally or in written form, you start back at Day 0. Note that the challenge also includes criticizing, gossiping, bragging, and a term I had not heard of before: griping.

She sparked my curiosity. And although I didn’t consider myself as someone who complained a lot I listened to the audiobook. Twice. My thinking was rattled. Awareness heightened and shook as I noticed how often I:

• criticized myself and others,
• engaged (and initiated) gossip that did no one any good.
• found it hard to go a full day without complaining when I so easily lose my shit when my dog, Bali, barks or doesn’t listen.

I’ve noted ONE day since August. ONE. But it isn’t only about making it 21 days, its making progress and noticing the areas where I have needed support to deal with the root causes of my complaints (I’m still working on some. Send recommendations for dog trainers please?)

Perhaps we can both go complaint free in 2022? DM me and Get your copy!

The Complete Conversations With God

By Neale Donald Walsh

“See the divine in the baby who needs changing at 3am.”

I’ve been conversing with God in written form for the last few years. Listening to this book was a great way to explore this conversation from a new perspective. I loved how the narration is done and highly recommend the audio version.

Get your copy!

The Great Work Of Your Life

By Stephen Cope

“A life of dharma is exactly like a great yoga posture. Everything must be aligned around the spine.” 

“The dharma is a strict task master. Dharma will require you to reach. To work at your maximum potential.”

My coach challenged me to listen to this book in a few days. With lessons from the The Bhagavad Gita explained through the life stories of great leaders and everyday folk, I was pushed to contemplate the importance of dharma in my life. To explore what is my dharma. The answer is simple and complex. Ever evolving and composed of many layers. Motherhood.

If you want to deepen your journey to your true calling, or start it with open arms, this book will move and inspire you. And you may need to listen or read it twice. (This is a theme with the books on this list!)

Get your copy!

The Queen’s Code

By Alison Armstrong

My relationship was hanging by a tread and I was desperately looking for ways to look at the situation from a different perspective. I worked with a relationship coach who recommended that I read The Queen’s Code. That recommendation has changed the way I look at relationships and who I want to be as a woman.

I purchased my copy directly from The Queens Code website which came with additional bonuses. Videos shot in old school fashion with timeless wisdom.

If you are ready to be the Queen of your Queendom and either find or restore the relationship you have with your King, get this book. It will change your love life no doubt!

Get Your Copy + Access To Awesome Resources @queenscode.com

Disrupt-Her

By Miki Agrawal

“You can still live in a childlike state of curiosity, playfulness, and awe and be a responsible adult, on and off the job.”

When they say this is a manifesto for modern women, they aren’t kidding. Miki Agrawal, creator of the period underwear Thinx and the bidet attachments, Tushy brings her creative business mind to this masterpiece.

The 13 Disruptions described in this book will wake you up, give you fuel, and provide actionable tips to awaken the powerhouse that you are!

Get your copy!

Untamed

By Glennon Doyle

“Perhaps part of a woman’s freeing herself is freeing her partner, her father, her brother, and her son.”

Woah. You will need a new highlighter for this one as you’ll find an endless amount of powerful gems such as the one above.

I’ll admit that there are aspects of this book that became repetitive or didn’t float my boat, however the golden nuggets come out on top. The first chapter for me was everything.

I also found solace in the fact that I am not the only one who takes forever to get back to people and shares a similar view point on friendship, albeit perhaps not as extreme of a view. In any case, I loved this book. And I love my friend Kat for gifting it to me.

You are a goddamn cheetah so get your copy if you haven’t already!

The Untethered Soul

By Michael A. Singer

“Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it.”

Part of the Y.O.U. Collective Life Coach Training is to complete a book review. Back in 2017, Sophie chose The Untethered Soul and I thought about this gem of a human as I listened to this powerful book.

A theme in the books I read this year is that I have felt challenged, new on the spiritual path, and awakened a tiny bit more. The Untethered Soul presented so many truths that my ego wasn’t enjoying the ride. But it needed it. And yours will too.

Get your copy!

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.”

I’ve read several books on building habits, so what more could this one bring to the table?

The answer: a lot.

It reinforced some of the key principles from Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect and had me reading The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Kids at night. (And you read that right, the kids book. I highly recommend it.)

The most impactful insight I received from Atomic Habits is the photography story. He shares it in his article Why Aiming For Perfection Won’t Help You Achieve Your Goals (And What Will). 

I’ve always valued quality over quantity but within a few moments that value was challenged like never before.

Start making tiny changes today!

Greenlights

By Matthew McConaughey

“Alright. Alright. Alright.”

It goes without explaining why I would chose to listen to this book rather than get a hard copy. Listening to McConaughey’s Texan accent and exciting story telling made organizing the laundry room while Alicia slept a memorable experience.

I finished it on a Sunday while driving to and from Montreal. Alicia slept. I laughed and relaxed as Matthew shared his wet dreams and dreams of fatherhood. It almost felt like I was in a Lincoln ad.

My favourite part? The response his future wife gave him when he asked her what he would need to do to lose her. Boom. That’s love. You’ll have to get your copy to find out what she said.

Key Person Of Influence

By Daniel Priestley

“If I started completely fresh, in a world where anything is possible, what would I love to be doing?”

I’ve read this book several times and reference it often. It is filled with powerful questions and insights that remind you to own your story and build a life (and business) that lights you up.

Warning: chances are you’ll start writing a book after reading this. Do it for the right reasons. 

Get your copy!

What To Do When It’s Your Turn

By Seth Godin

“Make better art.”

I’ve had this book for nearly a decade. It was a gift from one of my first clients, talented portrait photographer and new mama; Alexa Mazzarello. I cherish it. Each time I read it I am reminded to stand proudly and do what I am called to do.

Reading it this time as a mom, the “Where do you put the tired?” passage has saved me from falling into the exhausted trap (sometimes at least.)

Seth Godin is a genius. If asked who I’d like to spend an afternoon with to pick their brain and welcome their advice and feedback, Seth would be one for sure. He overflows with.

If/when I own a physical space (insert vision of an epic coaching hub slash surf café slash creative co-working space tucked away in nature) you can be sure that there will be copies for you to read. Until then, you’ll want a copy for yourself and all of your friends. And one for your coach, of course 😉

Take your turn

Think & Grow Rich For Women

By Sharon Lechter

“Fear, the worst of all enemies, can be effectively cured by forced repetition of acts of courage.”

If you have yet to have read Napoleon Hill’s classic, Think & Grow Rich, I encourage you read both of these in tandem. It may feel like a lofty task as each contains enough insights to last a lifetime, if (and when) you leave with ONE that makes an impact, your life will be changed forever.

If you have to make a choice between the two, I’d go for the original while keeping the wise woman alive within.

Get your copy!

You Are A Badass At Making Money

By Jen Sincero

“You can have excuses or you can have success; you can’t have both.”

Jen Sincero is a riot to listen to! If you’re looking for a highly motivating book that will have you feeling fired up about making money, this is IT! There is no way to read this book without tapping into your money making genius and taking your money mindset to another level.

It is fun, real, and meant to shake things up (if you’re open and ready.)

I want to be a badass at making money!

Let My People Go Surfing

By Yvon Chouinard

“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know that it is wrong.”

This by far my favourite business book of all time. My copy is mostly yellow from all the highlighted sections. I am currently listening to the audio version because when I love a book, I want it in all forms. To unravel the gifts it has for me through as many senses as possible.

Chouinard’s manifesto is a classic. Not only for business but life as well.

Get Your Copy!

Women Who Run With The Wolves

By Clarissa Pinkola Estés

For years I have kept the copy of this book close. I’ve started it several times but can’t seem to make it very far. But I wanted to add it here as I know it has had a profound impact on those who have read it. Also, our time is limited. We will never be able to read all the books we want to. And I don’t believe that you need to finish every book  you start. On the contrary. Put down the book that doesn’t feel glued to your fingers. Life is too precious to force yourself to read what doesn’t light up your soul.

Now, if my coach asked me to read this book, I would. Because being held accountable has often led me to complete things I would have otherwise not done before.

I recommend books to my clients all the time. And I am grateful for the books my coach had me read this year. So if you are looking to expand and be held for your greatness, apply to work with me today.

And if you are ready to run with the wolves, get your copy of this book!