What is a book that changed you?
Some books stay with us for a moment and some stay for a lifetime.
Have you ever read a book that profoundly impacted your life?
I'm fascinated by how certain books, regardless of genre, can leave a lasting impression on us.
As an avid reader who alternates between fiction and self-development, I often recommend books to my clients that might help their particular situations.
A Book That Changed Me
The book that has had the biggest impact on me in recent years is Loveable by Kelly Flanagan.
I have no idea how I came to own this book. I don’t remember its origin story. But I remember its impact. Loveable is about embracing what is truest about you, so you can truly embrace your life. It’s about discovering your worth.
I remember reading this book and feeling a gentle truth wash over me. The truth of who I am, the truth of the small child inside of me who has been chasing success and achievement and never feeling good enough. It felt like a warm embrace telling me that I didn’t need to strive, that I am Loveable exactly as I am.
The Message
The book's structure resonates deeply:
The Backstory: The Wound, the Search, and the Healing
Act One: Worthiness (You Are Enough)
Act Two: Belonging (You Are Not Alone)
Act Three: Purpose (You Matter)
Simply repeat these truths to yourself to yourself and see if your life doesn’t change…
I am enough. I am not alone. I matter. I am worthy. I belong. My life has purpose.
Revisiting a Life-Changing Book
When I moved a few years ago, I decided to only bring things I truly loved into my new home. Loveable was one of the few books that made the cut from my extensive collection on self-improvement. It's been a source of comfort during challenging times, offering a soft landing when I've felt enveloped in shame or 'not enoughness.'
A few weeks ago, I signed up for the Content Summit on Substack to learn more about the platform. To my surprise, one of the speakers was Kelly Flanagan - the author of Loveable! This unexpected connection prompted me to pull out the book and start reading it again for the third time.
I'm definitely in a different position now than during my first two reads. This time, I'm truly receiving the words as truth rather than just a possibility I wished could be true. Through Substack, I've even been able to connect with Kelly, becoming a paid subscriber to his Humaning publication. The insights I'm gaining continue to enrich both my personal journey and the work I do with my clients.
It's remarkable how a single book can evolve with us, offering new perspectives and deeper truths as we grow.
Favorite Quotes
I pulled out three favorite quotes from Loveable to share. I hope they resonate with you in some way. (This was hard to pick. My book is full of underlines, dog ears and stars!)
There is a worthy yet wounded little one in all of us.
Somewhere along the way, someone whose opinion mattered to us failed to reflect the worthiness within us.
You realize your searching will always be in vain because you have been searching for a you that was never really missing. This is the moment in which you embrace what is truest about you: you’ve been loveable all along.
What is that book for you?
I know I’m not alone in my experience with a book that will stay with me for a lifetime. Something that truly transformed the way I see myself, even if it took a period of years for that transformation to truly sink in.
What is that book for you? The one that has had a transformational impact on you?
Share your book story with me in the comments!
How I’m Sharing the Enough Journey
I love self-development and exploration for what I learn and who I become along the way. But more than anything I love to pass along the insights and lessons along to others so that others can benefit.
I used to think “if I ever figure this binge eating thing out, I’m going to help other people do the same”. And that has become my purpose - to help others understand and navigate their own challenges.
I’m currently doing this in three ways:
Writing a Book - come along as I write the book I wish I had when I was in the throws of my binge eating disorder
Creating and Delivering Workshops - join me for the next workshop coming up on Sunday
1:1 and Group Coaching - if you want to know more about working with me individually or inside Cultivate, reach out to find out more. (DM me on Substack or email hello@janepilger.com)
“From Strength to Strength” by Arthur C. Brooks prepared me for my Elderhood.
“The Not So Big Life” by Sarah Susanka.
This book showed up online in one of my feeds. I requested it from the library and loved reading it. Shortly after, I received an email from my doctor’s office advertising a workshop led by this author. I decided this was a nudge to sign up. I learned so much and discovered the author lived in my neighborhood. I continued to work with her via online group coaching. My meditation practice and practicing noticing, being aware has grown immensely. I feel so grateful that I received this nudge and for her sharing her experiences through her book and her coaching.