Help Your Self

What's your favorite self-help book of all-time? Here's what a few of our friends had to say in response to that question.

One Thousand Gifts
By Ann Voskamp Recommended by Christine Dykstra, High School English Teacher, Hilton Head Christian Academy and Profile Writer for Pink. I'm not a big self-help book reader, but a book I've read recently that would fit under a broad definition of the genre is One Thousand Gifts
by Ann Voskamp.
One Thousand Gifts is quite moving, the writing beautiful and intense, as much poetry as prose. The author asks the question, "What does a life of gratitude look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes dark?" She challenges herself and readers to live a grace-filled life, one marked by thankfulness for all God's blessings, including those blessings that often go unnoticed, like "opening jars of preserves" and "laughter at twilight." Dare to live fully right where you are!

The Dream Giver
By Bruce Wilkinson
Recommended by Cindy Petitt, Business Coach and Human Resources Consultant
Author Bruce Wilkinson uses a parable to illustrate why following our dreams often feels so difficult, but teaches us how, if we are willing to take some risks, our world will expand exponentially. His analogies and choice of words make his core concepts crystal clear. For example, the main character's name is "Ordinary" and he lives in the "Land of Familiar." "Border Bullies" try to keep him from exploring his big dream, when leaving "Comfort Zone" he hits the "Wall of Fear," and ultimately wanders into the "Wasteland" for what seems like forever.  It is a very quick read-one to two hours-and well worth the time.

The Road Less Traveled
By M. Scott Peck, M.D.
Recommended by Diane McMahon, Writer, Sales Consultant and Profile Writer for Pink Magazine
The Road Less Traveled came out before the whole "self-help" industry began its avalanche, taking over whole sections of bookstores and before the term "self-help" had even been coined. For me this book opened the door to an expansive spirituality without the restrictions of dogmatic religion. This was new. It put kindness and compassion at the center of a "good" life. And put forward-in a straightforward and inspiring way-that we all have the choice of which road we travel in this life. His "less traveled" road seemed authentic, inspiring and worth trying to aspire to, so much so, I re-read this book every few years.

The Power of Positive Thinking
By Norman Vincent Peale
Recommended by NancyLee Honey Marsh, Travel Agent and Profile Writer for Pink Magazine
Raised in a strong Christian family, Dr. Peale and his writings were a staple in our library. All through my life Dr. Peale's book, The Power of Positive Thinking, has been my favorite book, and by far his most widely read work. One of the most famous preachers, he not only wrote inspiring books, but served 52 years as minister of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. His book offers creative, positive ways to handle any challenge. The Power of Positive Thinking strengthens me when discouraged, raises me up when sad, and celebrates my most joyous moments. It always provides guidance for me in people skills, plus, tips on focusing on goals. No wonder President Regan awarded Dr. Peale with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States for his contributions to the field of Theology. The most thought-provoking, amazing book for all occasions and ages.

What Color is Your Parachute?: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
By Richard N. Bolles
Recommended by Donne Paine, Professional Recruiter and Movie Writer for Pink Magazine
For job hunters and career changes this book gets better each year, changing with the times, providing insightful, resourceful and relevant material. I think it's in its 40th revision. Inventions in the book this year include a brand-new  transferable skills grid, a novel way to discover what fields  you would most like to work in, and a revamped version  of his famed self-inventory instrument, the Flower Exercise. What Color Is Your Parachute? is the world's most popular job-hunting guide, and it has helped millions discover their unique gifts, skills, and interests. This has allowed them to land a job even in hard times, and to create for themselves a new, interesting, and inspiring career and life-basically everything you need to dust off your motivation and find your dream job.