Feb 17, 2023

10 Best Self Help Books for 2023



I'm always looking for the best self-help resources and books to help me along my journey, but I've noticed that self-help/self-development can be shaded by some. I, for one, have always held the firm belief that the intention itself can have a transformative effect when we seek out and surround ourselves with inspiring, impactful, and influential people, places, and things. Naturally, learning practical advice that can guide us steadily and gradually toward positive change is also part of growth.

However, as is common knowledge, starting is typically the most difficult part. Deciding how to move forward can consume anyone's energy when stuck. Because we are afraid to act, we obsess over insignificant details and worry that we will make a mistake.

So, what is the solution to this feeling of being glued to everything in your life? In any case, we must act. Taking action is being proactive." It prioritizes moving forward rather than pondering and worrying. Taking action places you in complete control and helps you gain the self-assurance you need to overcome any obstacle.

Once we start working on a task, the momentum to finish it naturally comes to us and propels us to the finish line. Now, something that once seemed so out of reach is doable. When presented in that manner, it appears to be fairly straightforward.

In light of this, I've compiled a list of my favorite self-help books to help you get started on your path to a better future. When you find yourself in a situation in your life where you are feeling a little stuck, these motivational self-help books are ideal to read.

Here are 10 of the best self-help books to read in 2023:

  1. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: You can go after the job you want...and get it! You can take the job you have...and improve it! You can take any situation you're in...and make it work for you!

  2. The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a self-help book by bestselling author Don Miguel Ruiz. The book offers a code of conduct claiming to be based on ancient Toltec wisdom that advocates freedom from self-limiting beliefs that may cause suffering and limitation in a person's life.

  3. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama, The book explores training the human outlook that alters perception. The concepts that the purpose of life is happiness, that happiness is determined more by the state of one's mind than by one's external conditions, circumstances, or events—at least once one's basic survival needs are met and that happiness can be achieved through the systematic training of our hearts and minds.

  4. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The 1981 edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People is broken into the following parts: "Twelve Things This Book Will Do For You", "Fundamental Techniques in Handling People", "Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking", and "Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment". The 1936 edition also contained "Letters That Produced Miraculous Results" and "Seven Rules for Making Your Home Life Happier"

  5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989, is a business and self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey.[1] Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself to what he calls "true north" principles based on a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.

  6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich is a book written by Napoleon Hill and Rosa Lee Beeland released in 1937 and promoted as a personal development and self-improvement book. He claimed to be inspired by a suggestion from business magnate and later philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. However, there is no evidence that the two ever met.

  7. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living is a 1952 self-help book by American minister Norman Vincent Peale.

  8. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, Audie Award Winner, Personal Development, 2014Best-selling author, speaker, and world-traveling success coach Jen Sincero cuts through the din of the self-help genre with her own verbal meat cleaver in You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life.

  9. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate is a 1992 book by Gary Chapman. It outlines five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love, which Chapman calls "love languages".

  10. In the Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, Confronting and solving problems is a painful process that most of us attempt to avoid. Avoiding resolution results in greater pain and an inability to grow both mentally and spiritually.

I hope these books help you on your journey to self-improvement and growth!

Feb 11, 2023

The importance of a hostess gift

Bringing a hostess gift is a thoughtful way to show appreciation and gratitude for someone hosting you in their home. 

A hostess gift is a token of gratitude that you can present to your host at the beginning of your visit. 

It can be a small gesture, such as a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine, or a unique gift that reflects the host's interests. 

Not only will your host appreciate the gesture, it will also show that you put thought into the gift. 

Being a gracious guest and hosting a great gathering starts with the hostess's gift.

Check out the gift ideas I have listed under the Hostess Gift tab

These can be signature gifts from you or thoughtful and practical gifts that the hostess can always use in their home and life. 

I have also added 10 additional to add to your repertoire for 2023.

10 great hostess gift ideas for 2023

  1. A potted plant with a personalized note.
  2. A nice bottle of wine.
  3. A homemade baked good like cookies or a cake.
  4. A set of scented candles with a nice note.
  5. A decorative serving plate with a recipe book.
  6. A monogrammed bathrobe or spa set.
  7. An assortment of gourmet chocolates or candies.
  8. A beautiful framed photo of the two of you together.
  9. A gift basket with a variety of items like wine, cheese, crackers, and a nice bottle of olive oil.
  10. A custom-made cutting board, with a special message engraved.

Feb 10, 2023

The importance of access to and for self-care and personal development resources

If you're anything like me, I'm a single mom who does not make a lot of money and has to be very mindful of my resources and how I spend them. I don't blame anybody for my situation; however, I would like to have resources and connect with other people for self-care and self-development improvement and enhancements.





So I decided to change my point of view and my perspective and shift my mindset to that of winning and Victor instead of victim. So I've been strategizing how can I get the self-care and self-development resources that I need without spending a large amount of money that I honestly just can't afford. I in no way want to take away from anyone that's out there with a business of counseling and coaching, motivational speaking; however, I am deserving of those resources like anyone else and shouldn't have those things out of my reach because I don't make a lot of money. So I wanted to share something that I'm doing to correct that lack of money so that I have access to self-care and personal development opportunities.



Self-care and personal development are essential for us to live our best lives. When we prioritize our own well-being, we are better equipped to handle the demands of our everyday lives. Self-care can look like taking time to do activities that bring us joy, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, engaging in physical activity, and finding ways to relax and unwind. Personal development is about making the most of our talents, skills, and potential. This includes setting goals, investing in our education and career, and building meaningful relationships. When we prioritize self-care and personal development, we can be more productive, happier, and healthier in our daily lives.

Affordable self-care and personal development ideas

Self-care and personal development can be affordable and easy to incorporate into your daily life! Here are a few ideas that you can try that won’t break the bank:

  1. Go for a walk in nature – take in the fresh air and appreciate your surroundings.
  2. Read a book or listen to a podcast – broaden your horizons and learn something new.
  3. Take a yoga class or practice yoga at home – it’s a great way to relax and get your body moving.
  4. Journal – this is a great way to express your feelings and gain clarity.
  5. Spend time with friends and family – nurturing relationships can help us feel connected.
  6. Meditation – take a few minutes to clear your mind and practice mindfulness.
  7. Practice self-care – treat yourself to a bubble bath, listen to your favorite music, or do something you enjoy.
  8. Get creative – try a new craft, paint a picture, or write a story.
  9. Exercise – find an activity that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
  10. Do something for someone else – volunteering or helping a friend can be incredibly rewarding.


Resources for self-care and personal development

Self-care and personal development are important and rewarding parts of life. Here are some great resources to help you take care of yourself and develop your skills:

  1. Mental Health America: This organization offers a variety of resources on mental health topics, including self-care and personal development. They have articles, blog posts, and tools to help you take care of your mental and emotional health.
  2. Personal Development for Smart People: This website created by Steve Pavlina offers a wide range of personal development topics and resources. You'll find blog posts, podcasts, books, and more that can help you learn and grow.
  3. The National Wellness Institute: This organization provides information on the six dimensions of wellness, including physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, social, and intellectual. They offer tips and resources to help you create a balanced lifestyle.
  4. The Self-Care Project: This website provides helpful information and advice on creating a self-care routine. You'll find tips on meditation, journaling, nutrition, and more.
  5. The Center for Mindful Living: This organization offers a variety of resources on mindfulness and self-care. You can find articles, videos, and courses to help you create a mindful lifestyle.

I hope these resources are helpful in your journey toward self-care and personal development!



Apps for self-care and personal development

There are many great apps out there that can help you take care of yourself and develop your personal skills. Here are a few of my favorites that can help you stay organized, set goals, and practice mindfulness:

  • Streaks: A great app for setting and tracking daily goals
  • Mindful: An app for practicing mindfulness and relaxation
  • Forest: An app that helps you stay focused on tasks and break away from distractions
  • Headspace: A comprehensive mindfulness and meditation app
  • Fabulous: An app that helps you set and track personal goals
  • Habitica: A fun and motivating app to help you stay on top of tasks

I hope this list helps you find the right app for your self-care and personal development needs!



Social media platforms for self-care and personal development

There are so many great social media platforms out there that can help with self-care and personal development. Here are a few that come to mind:

  1. Twitter: Twitter is an incredible platform for finding helpful articles, advice, and tips related to self-care and personal development. Be sure to follow people who post content related to these topics, and don't forget to share your own thoughts and experiences with the community!
  2. Instagram: Instagram is a great platform for connecting with others and finding inspiring content related to self-care and personal development. Use the search bar to find accounts that post helpful tips and advice, and be sure to join some of the many active self-care and personal development-related communities.
  3. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with professionals who can provide mentorship and advice related to self-care and personal development. Join relevant groups, follow people in your field, and post comments and questions to get advice from your peers.
  4. YouTube: YouTube is a great platform for finding educational videos related to self-care and personal development. There are many channels devoted to providing helpful advice and tips, so don't be afraid to get lost in the endless array of videos out there!

No matter which platform you choose, remember that self-care and personal development is a journey, so be sure to take things one step at a time and stay motivated throughout your journey.



Facebook groups for self-care and personal development

Hi there! I'm happy to help you find some great Facebook groups for self-care and personal development. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. The Self Care Haven – a supportive community for self-care and self-love.
  2. Personal Development & Self-Improvement – a community for personal growth, self-development, and self-improvement.
  3. Self-Care and Wellness – a place to connect and share tips on self-care, wellness, and happiness.
  4. Self-Care & Personal Growth – a group dedicated to learning, growing, and developing yourself.

I hope these help! Wishing you all the best in your journey of self-care and personal growth.

Five Instagram accounts to follow for self-care and personal development

  1. @thepsychologymama - This account is all about self-care, personal growth, and mental health. The content includes inspiring quotes, tips on how to take care of yourself, and helpful resources.
  2. @theselfcarewarrior - This account is dedicated to providing helpful tips and advice on how to prioritize self-care and practice self-love. They post motivational quotes, uplifting stories, and resources to help you on your journey.
  3. @thehappynow - This account focuses on helping people find their happy place in life and teaching them how to live in the present moment. They post daily reminders to find joy in the little things, as well as helpful articles and resources to help you find your own happiness.
  4. @positivepsychology - This account is about understanding the science of happiness and well-being. They post scientifically-backed content about building resilience, cultivating gratitude, and becoming more mindful.
  5. @theinnerwork - This account is all about personal development and growth. They post inspirational quotes, exercises on how to become more self-aware, and advice on how to reach your fullest potential.


To make this happen with a group

  1. Contact your local library for a room reservation
  2. Contacts your local community centers for room reservation
  3. Check out to see if your apartment has a
  4. community room
  5. Check out your HOA community rooms
  6. Get together on Zoom
  7. Do a private Facebook live
  8. Do a private Instagram live
  9. Get together at each other's homes
  10. FaceTime with one another
  11. Check out and see if your local church that someone attends will allow you to rent out of space.
If there's a cost to any of these spaces that need to be reserved and rented then I'm sure that the space is not a crazy amount of money and everyone that is a part of the group can chip in a couple dollars to cover the rental space.