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10 Books to Read on Valentine’s Day for Inspiration and Motivation

Books

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. It’s a time to celebrate all kinds of love – for yourself, friends, family, and community. No matter if you’re flying solo or with a partner, feeling great or a bit meh, this list has a book for you. These reads will boost you up, push you to go after your dreams, and make you appreciate the people around you.

So, let’s dive into these books that’ll lift your spirits and get you motivated!

1. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

This classic self-help book offers four simple but powerful principles to transform your life and relationships.

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the four agreements are: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. By following these agreements, you can free yourself from limiting beliefs, negative emotions, and unnecessary suffering. You can also create more harmony, joy, and love in your life.

2. The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin

What makes you happy? That’s the question that sparked Gretchen Rubin’s year-long experiment to find out what matters in life.

In this engaging and inspiring memoir, she shares her discoveries and challenges as she tackles various aspects of happiness, such as vitality, work, leisure, friendship, money, marriage, parenthood, and spirituality. Along the way, she offers practical tips and insights that you can apply to your happiness project.

3. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

If you’ve ever wanted to express your creativity but felt blocked, scared, or unworthy, this book is for you. Elizabeth Gilbert, the bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love, invites you to embrace your curiosity, courage, and passion, and unleash your inner artist.

She argues that creativity is not a rare gift, but a birthright that everyone can access. She also shares her own stories and wisdom on how to overcome the obstacles and fears that hold you back from living a creative life.

4. The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman

How do you show and receive love?

According to Gary Chapman, there are five main ways that people communicate love: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

Each person has a primary love language that speaks to them the most, and understanding your own and your partner’s can make a huge difference in your relationship. This book will help you discover your love language, and learn how to speak it fluently and effectively.

5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This enchanting fable follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd who dreams of finding a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids.

Along the way, he meets various characters who teach him about the language of the world, the power of destiny, and the importance of following your heart. This book is a timeless tale of adventure, courage, and perseverance, that will inspire you to pursue your legend.

6. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

If you’re looking for a way to escape the stress and anxiety of the past and the future and live more fully in the present, this book is for you.

Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher and author, reveals the source of most human suffering: the ego and the mind. He shows you how to transcend the ego and the mind and access the power of now, the state of awareness and peace that is always available in the present moment. He also offers practical exercises and techniques to help you practice mindfulness and meditation in your daily life.

7. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

Do you struggle with shame, perfectionism, or self-doubt? Do you feel like you’re not good enough, or that you have to fit in and please others? If so, this book is for you.

Brené Brown, a research professor and expert on vulnerability, courage, and authenticity, shares her findings and insights on how to live a wholehearted life. She defines wholeheartedness as the ability to embrace your imperfections, cultivate compassion, and connect with your true self. She also offers ten guideposts to help you practice wholeheartedness in your life.

8. The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis

What is love? That’s the question that C.S. Lewis, the renowned author of The Chronicles of Narnia, explores in this profound and eloquent book.

He distinguishes four types of love: affection, friendship, eros, and charity. He examines the nature, joys, and challenges of each love, and how they relate to each other and God. He also warns of the dangers of misusing or distorting love and the need for grace and humility in loving others.

9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

This bestselling book is not just a guide to success, but a guide to personal transformation. Stephen R. Covey, a leadership expert and author, presents seven habits that can help you achieve your goals and fulfill your potential.

These habits are: being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand, then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. By applying these habits, you can develop a more effective and balanced life.

10. The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm

This classic book is not a manual on how to find or keep love, but a philosophical and psychological inquiry into the nature and practice of love.

Erich Fromm, a psychoanalyst and social philosopher, argues that love is not a feeling, but an art that requires knowledge, effort, and discipline. He also explores the different forms and expressions of love, such as brotherly love, self-love, and the love of God. He challenges the common misconceptions and illusions about love and offers a deeper and more meaningful understanding of this essential human phenomenon.

FAQs

Why should I read books on Valentine’s Day?

Reading books on Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful way to celebrate love in all its forms, including self-love, friendship, family, and community. Reading books can also inspire and motivate you to live your best life, pursue your dreams, and appreciate the people around you. Reading books can also be a fun and relaxing activity that you can enjoy by yourself or with someone else.

How can I choose the best books for me?

The best books for you are the ones that resonate with you, that spark your curiosity, that challenge your thinking, that touch your emotions, and that enrich your life. You can choose the books that suit your interests, preferences, goals, and needs. You can also explore new genres, topics, authors, and perspectives that you may not be familiar with. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, librarians, or online sources.

How can I make the most of my reading experience?

There are many ways to make the most of your reading experience, such as:

🔹Set a time and place for reading that is comfortable, quiet, and distraction-free.
🔹Choose a book that you are genuinely interested in and excited about.
🔹Read at your own pace and style, and don’t feel pressured to finish or like a book.
🔹Engage with the book by asking questions, making connections, taking notes, or highlighting passages.
🔹Reflect on what you learned, felt, or gained from the book, and how you can apply it to your life.
🔹Share your thoughts and opinions about the book with others, or join a book club or discussion group.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate love in all its forms, and reading books is a wonderful way to do that. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or entertainment, these 10 books will offer you something valuable and meaningful. So grab a book, curl up on the couch, and enjoy a cozy and fulfilling Valentine’s Day. Happy reading! 

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