Books and Podcasts I have on my Shelf that helped me for my personal growth

Travel broadens the way we see the world, and books do the same. They invite us into different ideas, perspectives and experiences, often distilled from years of thought and reflection. Here are a few of the books and writers that have influenced me the most.

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

A friend introduced me to this book while I was travelling, convinced I would enjoy it. They were right. I loved the story of following your own journey and trusting where it might lead. It’s one of those books I still recommend because it reminds me that travel is often as much an inner journey as it is a physical one.

The 4 agreements

by Don Miguel Ruiz.

A timeless classic about the power of our words and the stories we tell ourselves. Its four simple agreements offer practical guidance for living with greater awareness, kindness and inner peace. It’s one of those books whose lessons stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

Journey to the Heart

by Melodie Beattie

A collection of meaningful daily meditations inspired by yoga and mindfulness. I used this book so often to close my yoga classes, and many of its reflections stayed with me long afterwards.

The Artist's Way

by Julia Cameron

This book quietly transformed my relationship with creativity. It reminded me that creativity isn’t reserved for artists—it’s something we nurture by simply making space for it.

On Yoga, The Architecture of Peace

by Michael O'Neill

His journey through yoga is inspiring, and the photographs throughout the book are simply beautiful.

Wherever you go, here you are

by Jon Kabat Zin.

This book was one of my first real introductions to mindfulness. Its simplicity is what makes it so powerful. Whenever life feels rushed, it’s one of the books that gently reminds me to slow down.

Atomic habits

by James Clear

If you’re trying to build better habits but struggle to make them stick, this is one of the best books you can read.

The author explains that lasting change doesn’t come from dramatic transformations but from small, consistent actions repeated over time. He breaks down how habits are formed, why they last, and how tiny improvements can lead to remarkable results.

It’s practical, easy to apply, and one of the books I’ve recommended the most.

The Power of now

by Eckhart Tolle

This was one of the first books that made me truly understand what it means to be present. Eckhart Tolle reminds us that so much of our suffering comes from living in the past or worrying about the future. It’s a book I often think about whenever life starts to feel rushed.

Ego is the enemy

by Ryan Holiday.

What I appreciated most about this book is its reminder that humility, curiosity and self-awareness often take us much further than the need to prove ourselves. It’s a thoughtful read that I still find myself reflecting on.

The Art of Happiness

by Dalai Lama

Written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard Cutler, this book explores happiness not as something we find, but something we cultivate. It offers gentle reflections on compassion, gratitude and the way we respond to life’s challenges. It’s one of those books that encourages you to slow down and look inwards.

Poets and writers who have stayed with me

Rumi

Although I haven’t read his complete works, I often find myself returning to Rumi’s poetry. His words on love, presence and the beauty of the human experience continue to inspire me.

Marcus Aurelius

At some point, anyone curious about meditation, philosophy or personal growth is likely to encounter Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I found its reflections incredibly powerful, and I’m always struck by how relevant they remain centuries after they were first written.