Books & Essays I’m Thinking About
This is a living collection of words that have stayed with me.
Some are books I keep returning to. Some are essays, poems, or passages that articulated something I didn’t yet have language for.
Nothing here is meant to be consumed quickly or “worked through.” These are pieces I’ve sat with. Questioned. Let change me.
You might not need all of them. You might only need one sentence from one page, right now.
This is simply a place to wander, to listen, and to find what quietly recognizes you.
“Clear boundaries are about self-respect, not controlling others.”
This book reframed boundaries for me as clarity rather than confrontation. The emphasis on consistency, self-respect, and removing resentment from relationships deeply influenced how I think about limits especially for people who are used to accommodating others at their own expense.
“Small daily practices shape the quality of your life.”
While I don’t subscribe to rigid routines, this book sparked reflection around intentional mornings, self-discipline, and creating space for yourself before the day takes over. I take what’s useful and leave the rest.
“Freedom comes from letting go of the need for approval.”
This book introduced me to the idea that many of our struggles come from living according to others’ expectations. Its perspective on personal responsibility, self-acceptance, and detaching from approval continues to challenge how I think about freedom and self-trust.
“You have power over your mind — not outside events.”
Stoic philosophy reminds me to focus on what’s within my control my responses, my values, my effort rather than external outcomes. I return to this work when I need grounding, perspective, and emotional steadiness.