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
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
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
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
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.
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
By Jenniffer Weigel
By Dr. Brené Brown
By Mel Robbins
By Samantha Irby
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.
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
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
By Jessica Simpson
By Marci Alboher
By Kim McMillen with Alison McMillen
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 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?
