Resources

When my life is in tradition, I challenge myself to be curious.  Creating a new path and relationships depend on your willingness to learn more about yourself and uncover what you truly want.

My resource list does not include everything I’ve read, instead, it taps into to resources that made the most significant impact at one point in time in my life. If one calls to you, click the explore button and check it out. I do not make any commission and have tried to link each resource to the creator’s page. 

Below, you will find a personal story how each resource impacted me in my process.  

 

By Don Miguel Ruiz

This book changed my life. A girlfriend recommended it, and after I read it, I knew that my first marriage did not serve me, and there was nothing I could do to piece it back together. Ruiz is a renowned spiritual teacher and author. I found his book very profound, and it ultimately challenged my views on the definition of a healthy relationship. It’s not a summer-book-read, so have an open mind and stick with it.

By Gary Chapman

Wow, I needed this book before I started dating! Chapman breaks down the way we express our love into five different languages. Before reading this book, I didn’t understand that I showed my love when I emptied the dishwasher and cleaned the house as an “act of service”. You will discover tools to help you navigate how you show love and recognize how others show love, which ultimately leads to more fulfilling relationships.

I consider this the bible for relationships; it’s a must-read.

By Elizabeth Gilbert

Interested in going on a journey around the world to heal? Escape with Elizabeth Gilbert as she moves through Italy, India, and Bali and learns to forgive herself and love herself after a divorce. If you’re not into reading, you can check out the movie version!

Check out my blog article on finding your Eat, Pray, Love moments too.

By Marie Kondo

Often a transition in your life begs for a shift in your environment. When I first read this book on an airplane, I cried. Finally, someone understood how organization cleared and cleansed my mind. Letting go of material items I shared with my ex and sending them with love helped me declutter my world and my mind.

Check out my blog article on how you too can ‘KonMari” your life.

By Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Divorced, married, or single, this book is an amazing resource if you are stuck in any part of your life. I read the book when I was going through a transition in my career and have recommended it countless times. If you really want to treat yourself, check out the accompanying journal on Amazon as well and start designing your new life. And yes, it’s an interactive book, so get ready to figure out how to design your BEST life.

By Melody Beattie

One of my best friends recommended this book and it has been a permanent fixture on my coffee table. In need of daily inspiration? Look no further! Beattie is an acclaimed author and her daily meditations are soothing and touch on each day of the calendar year. I find that her words of inspirations are like an extra cup of coffee to start my day…or at least an extra sip!

By Dr. Brené Brown

In my opinion, Dr. Brené Brown is one of the thought leaders of our generation. As a researcher and author she encourages us to dare greatly across in every of aspect of our life. From relationships to parenting, this book shares how to embrace vulnerability and imperfection to live a courageous, and deeply rewarding life. Shouldn’t you dare greatly in your next relationship? Trust me, you are worth it and so is this read. Also, check out her special on Netflix. “The story I’m telling myself in my head,” is my new phrase for handling any disagreements.

By Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes may be best known for her incredible TV series like scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, but she’s also an introvert. She challenges herself to participate in a year of yes and I challenge you to do the same thing. If you just ended a relationship, it may be time to start your own year of yes, dance it out, stand in the sun, and be your own person too. I loved this book and breezed through it in one weekend. 

By Don Miguel Ruiz

Four rules that I strive to live by everyday; be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. Ever since my divorce, I have been on a personal journey to live my best life and embrace each moment. Often a big change in your life jump starts transformation. The Four Agreements is a profound read and I have come back to it time and time again.

By Mira Kirshenbaum

Mira Kirshenbaum is a world renowned therapist and takes you through 36 questions designed to help you realize the heart of your relationship and the issues lying beneath the surface.

Although I didn’t use this book in my divorce, many friends have said it has made the difference in their lives. 

By Elizabeth Gilbert

Are you creative and stuck? Big Magic and The Artist’s Way (scroll down) are my two favorite creative accelerators. Creativity doesn’t have to mean painting, writing, or playing an instrument; it can translate into strategic thinking, problem solving, and more. If you feel a little stuck, I highly recommend this book and it’s the reason you are seeing this blog today. 

By Dr. Nicole LePera

Do you keep repeating the same patterns in your relationships? Ever wonder why? Dr. Nicole LePera, a holistic psychologist, walks you through ‘the work’ that it takes to uncover the ah-ha moments about why you do what you do. I believe that doing ‘the work’ is the only way you can change your trajectory. Come in with an open mind, and this book will be an incredible resource.

From health and wellness, to relationships, the Goop podcast always has an array of interesting episodes to tap into. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:


What makes a good marriage,  Starting and ending a marriage, Gwyneth Paltrow & Jay Shetty: What happens when you spend time with yourself, Gwyneth Paltrow & Elena Brower: On divorce and self-forgiveness

By Glennon Doyle

Tabitha, you’re a goddamned cheetah, ok? I listened to this on Audible and couldn’t turn it off. Glennon Doyle takes you through the events of her life that lead her to find her true love, herself, and her voice. An exquisite book that challenges your way of thinking.

By Mel Robbins

5,4,3,2,1; it’s time to take control with Mel Robbins. This multi-talked guru breaks down the ‘hard things’ so you can regain control. Her series Start Here (scroll below) is also one of my favorites. She has very approachable action plans and doesn’t beat around the bush. Mel is one of my favorite no nonsense coaches. 

The headline says it all: “Life offers you a thousand chances. All you have to do is take one.” Follow Frances (Diane Lane) as she impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany after the end of her marriage. If you can’t travel to Italy, why not escape for a few hours with this beautiful film.

By Katherine Woodward Thomas

After years of dating again, I was striking out. A girlfriend suggested this book to get me in the right mindset. I was skeptical but found that the exercises helped me see some of the patterns I was repeating from past relationships and expecting different results. After my friend read it and worked through the journaling, she found the one. What can it hurt? Let’s just say I was very pleased with the results. 

By Dr. Jennifer Freed

If you are interested in astrology and birth charts, this resource is for you! Dr. Jennifer Freed, a psychological astrologer, shares how to navigate your birth chart and tap into your talents and determine your life’s purpose. Interested in a preview? Check out the Goop podcast episode here

By Jenniffer Weigel

Excuse me, waiter, this isn’t what I ordered. Don’t you wish you could send back your relationship like a meal gone wrong and have the manager comp a free dessert? Jenniffer Weigel shares her personal journey moving forward after her marriage ended. I also loved her book, “I’m Spiritual, Damnit.” Her upbeat personality, witty sense of humor lend incredibly well to an Audible listen. Check out her website for additional resources.

By Dr. Brené Brown

Calling all perfectionists! Did your divorce challenge your perfect track record? It sure shook up my world and the sense of failure was overwhelming. As you may guess, I love Dr. Brené Brown and other than her famous Ted Talk, this was my first read. Embrace who you are and say sayonara to the old you.

By Mel Robbins

Do you have 30 minutes and want to focus on your career, relationships, emotional eating, etc? Mel Robbins can help you Start Here. I love how short, practical, and approachable these inspiration snippets are to implement. I have re-listened to each episode at least once. Best part; if you have an Audible subscription, the series is complimentary. Don’t know where to start…Start Here.

By Samantha Irby

A hilarious collection of short stories that will have you in tears. I have found that reading inspirational/self-exploration books needs to be in rotation with entertainment and binge-worthy books for my sanity. I discovered this gem through my book club and almost peed my pants after reading the first story. I made SO many mixed tapes in my day. If you need a break, take a journey with Irby and also check out her other title “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life” for some hilarious stories on dating.

By Julia Cameron

Interested in discovering and recovering your creative self? The Artist’s Way is the gold standard in creative discover. Julia Cameron takes you through 12 weeks of exercises to show you what is holding you back and how to move forward. If you feel stuck in any way, I recommend this book. Artist’s dates and morning pages have become a grounding ritual in my life.

Sometimes you just need a chick flick, a glass of wine, and maybe some gummy worms to fill up an evening. Well that’s my guilty pleasure, what’s yours? Cameron Diaz is one of my favorite actresses and this movie just wants to make you check in with your girlfriends.

By Lori Gottlieb

Interested in hearing a therapist’s take on therapy? This book is a cross between a realistic view of therapy and a really good novel. It’s a fast read with such interesting stories that can help remind you that literally everyone has issues. I like to think of therapy as a workout for your brain.

By Sark

My artistic hero and inspiration gifted this to me in my early 20’s. Honestly, I wasn’t into reading then, but I revisited it in my 30’s and loved the playfulness of the pages filled with feminine energy. Embrace your womanhood with this book and enjoy the simple gifts each page shares.

Don’t even laugh but this movie changed my life. Stay tuned for a blog article coming soon. On a lonely Friday night, early in my divorce, I thought this would be uplifting and fun. I mean, have you seen Katy Perry’s outfits? She’s amazing! Instead, I was shown what true vulnerability and strength look like as Perry navigates through the news of her separation with Russell Brand. Spoiler alert; her outfits are fantastic! Check out my blog article on the profound impact the movie had on me and my mindset. 

By Chris Prentiss

Divorce had my nerve endings feeling frazzled and raw. My monkey brain ran wild and I often ran in the other direction from silence. Intuitively, I knew that stillness and silence held the answer to my own personal happiness. I consider this resource as a guidebook that can be revisited over and over again.

By Jessica Simpson

In this vulnerable memoir, Jessica Simpson is an open book. She recounts her early, very public divorce with Nick Lachey to toxic relationships (yes, I’ve had my “John Mayer” type too) to true love knocking at her door. Once she seemingly ‘has it all,’ she discovers the band-aid of alcohol and stimulants do not heal unaddressed trauma. I love how she owns her story, and let’s face it; she has a wicked sense of humor.

By Marci Alboher

In some situations divorce is more than the end of a marriage; it’s accompanied by the end of a lifestyle, career, or role. A stay at home mom may now need to look for a job. A newly single 30 year old may need to move in with her parents across the country (I’ll raise my hand to this). Divorce + starting over is scary. I have often struggled with finding just one passion. Marci Alboher introduces the ‘slash’ career. Why not mom/accountant/blogger? What is your slash and how can you embrace it?

By Kim McMillen with Alison McMillen

This book is tiny but mighty. Written by the McMillen sister’s mother, who died suddenly at the age of 52, it explores the messages she started to share with herself after she turned 40. I have found it to be an excellent journal and meditation companion. “When I loved myself enough, I quit settling for too little.” Whether it’s a gift for a friend or yourself, it’s filled with “inspiring words to help you find happiness and joy.”

By Kelly LeVeque

I love learning about nutrition and health, but I also want a simple plan to follow. Kelly LeVeque wants to help you free yourself of food drama and shares simple rules to live by to live in balance. Be sure to check out her Instagram: @Bewellbykelly for daily tips. You’ll be hooked on her Fab4 smoothies! 

By Esther Perel

At the beginning of most relationships, chemistry is on fire, and the sex is insatiable. Over time sex can become an item on the to-do list. Esther Perel wants to change that. In Mating In Captivity, she shares how to unlock your erotic intelligence and keep sexual desire thriving throughout a long-term relationship.

By Laura Lynne Jackson

When my Aunt passed in 2021, I was looking for a way to continue my connection when I stumbled across Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson. If you are open to the possibility of the universe and loved ones sending you signs, this is a must-read or listen. 

By Cheryl Strayed

As a modern-day Dear Abby, Cheryl Strayed shares a collection of responses to letters from her advice-giving column, Dear Sugars. I listened to the book on Audible and fell in love with Strayed’s insightful guidance, empathy, and storytelling abilities. Her advice is transformational. Pay close attention to Chapter 7: Planet Divorce. 

By Sonya Renee Taylor

Self-love will change your life. So, how about radical self-love? Sonya Renee Taylor wants you to take back your power. Stop apologizing for your body. Her New York Times bestseller transformed my body image. I can’t recommend this book enough. 

By Katherine Woodward Thomas

Divorce doesn’t always have to = drama. Often a divorce comes when two couples outgrow each other—Katherine Woodward Thomas shares five steps to living happily ever after divorce. As Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin have shown us, it’s possible!  

By Nedra Glover Tawwab

As I grow older, setting boundaries for myself and others is the pathway to being present and happy. Your divorce may have pushed your limits; it’s a perfect time to reclaim yourself and find peace. 

A classic. The scene where Angela Bassett throws her ex’s clothes out and lights them on fire will forever be the definition of badass to me. Follow four friends through marriage, breakups, divorce, and love. The power of friendship is everything.  

By Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

Let’s face it, sex education has never been female-focused, and Dr. Emily Nagoski is ready to revolutionize the way we think about our sex life. I highly recommend this book as a resource for all women. It’s time to unlearn the teachings of our past. 

Fashion + Drama + Campy Humor + Great Paired With a Cocktail = Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce. A binge worthy Bravo drama available on Netflix. Pour a beverage and enjoy! 

By Innes de la Fressange & Sophie Gachet

When you go through a divorce or breakup, it’s often a perfect time to update your look. Wondering the MOMA in NYC, I found this treasure and read it from cover to cover. Instead of focusing on fast fashion, I learned to be classically chic. Are you ready to embrace your inner Parisian?