Divorce is a one-of-a-kind life transition that makes you question everything about life as you know it. However, a lot of people find divorce to also be a time for healing and change. In fact, divorce can serve as a time of awakening for a lot of people, and many individuals find themselves much happier and healthier on the other side of it.
If you aren’t at that stage yet, that’s okay. You may just need some time to focus on healing and self-care. If you’re wondering what to read during this difficult time in your life, look no further than these seven books about healing.
1. The Breakup Bible: The Smart Woman's Guide to Healing from a Breakup or Divorce by Rachel Sussman
Mental health counselor and breakup expert Rachel Sussman offers what every woman needs to get her life back on track post-separation in The Breakup Bible. Sussman used her experience working with women at all stages of the healing process to outline a three-phase life transition plan that is specific to the emotions and heartache of a break-up or divorce.
Over the course of the book, you will follow a step-by-step process to move through your healing and eventually reach a place of understanding and transformation. You’ll also receive advice from women who have been there and gain a fresh perspective on your situation. To say that it’s life-changing is an understatement.
2. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Acclaimed author, professor, and TEDx speaker Brené Brown is an expert at healing and recovery. In this game-changing New York Times bestseller, The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown offers insight on how to overcome fear and self-consciousness so you can work toward self-discovery and personal growth. She uses a combination of research and her own stories to explain what an “imperfect” life really is and shares guideposts to help you embrace your own perfectly imperfect life.
The Gifts of Imperfection has sold over two million copies and is available in over 30 languages. It’s a book recommendation that appears on many reading lists and offers something for everyone. You can unlock these gifts and live a better life, too – you just have to be willing to dig deep and do the work.
3. The Strength In Our Scars by Bianca Sparacino
Bianca Sparacino provides uplifting guidance and encouragement and a path forward in her book, The Strength In Our Scars. The book tackles experiences related to moving on, self-love, and healing through a combination of prose, poetry, and authentic encouragement. The relatability in Sparacino’s words will hook you in, and the advice she shares will keep you reading until the very end.
4. Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After by Katherine Woodward Thomas
Conscious Uncoupling is not just another self-help book about healing written for women; it’s a book that can benefit everyone going through a divorce or break-up. Throughout the pages, Katherine Woodward Thomas provides readers with the valuable tools and skills they need to navigate life’s challenging terrain. The book includes a five-step process to help you gain emotional freedom, end problematic patterns of behavior, and create your own “happily (even) after.”
5. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
If you’re looking for a book that explores meditation and its benefits in a practical way, this is for you. In Wherever You Go, There You Are, scientist, writer, and meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn defines meditation as awareness of yourself in the immediate present. He doesn’t connect the practice to a mystical, spiritual, or religious component; rather, he presents it as a standalone practice to heal yourself. He explains how our thinking affects us and gives recommendations on how to use mindfulness as a form of self-care. It’s a must-read for anyone considering mindfulness as a part of their healing process during a life transition like divorce.
Note: If you’re looking for something a little more introductory, check out Kabat-Zinn’s book Mindfulness for Beginners.
6. Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
If you’ve realized that your marriage was rooted in unhealthy trauma bonds or codependency, you will absolutely want to read Codependent No More. In it, Melody Beattie uses her experiences as a self-help author and recovery expert to help you break cycles and behavior patterns that have led to you losing yourself for the sake of others.
As Beattie explains, the real healing comes when you put yourself first and make an effort to genuinely care for yourself – and it’s up to you to make changes to achieve this. You’ll learn what codependency is and how to spot codependent tendencies in your relationships. Then, you’ll learn how to follow a clear path toward better boundaries and healthier relationships all around. There’s even a workbook to accompany the text. Healthy relationships can be the ultimate form of self-care, so don’t deprive yourself any longer.
7. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
This refreshing how-to guide for self-care appears on many reading lists for good reason. It’s recognized as the “self-help book for people who desperately want to improve their lives but don’t want to get busted doing it.” In other words, it’s the perfect book recommendation for anyone who needs to change things up but doesn’t want to look ridiculous doing so.
The book comprises 27 bite-size chapters that each offer something helpful while also providing a few laughs. It covers everything from limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors to creating love within your life. It’s one of those books for change that’s also relatable and fun, which makes it all the better.
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