5 Inspiring Books to Read this 2022

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you had a wonderful time over the holidays. We're still reeling that it's over now, but we're kicking the year off with this list of excellent books to start 2022 on the right note. 

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, by Haemin Sunim

“We know the world only through the window of our mind. When our mind is noisy, the world is as well. And when our mind is peaceful, the world is, too. Knowing our minds is just as important as trying to change the world.” ―Haemin Sunim

Buddhist monk and author of Love for Imperfect Things wrote this bestselling book on the importance of slowing down. It’s a mindfulness guide to help one achieve inner piece in the midst of the busy-ness of daily life. It offers advice on a variety of topics, from relationships to being more compassionate with ourselves. Beautifully illustrated by Youngcheol Lee. 

How to Stop Overthinking: The 7-Step Plan to Control and Eliminate Negative Thoughts, Declutter Your Mind and Start Thinking Positively in 5 Minutes or Less, by Chase Hill 

“Fear is the number one response to excessive worries and overthinking brains. In order to feel completely in control of our thoughts and actions, it is best to overcome our fears.” ―Chase Hill

Do you struggle with perfectionism? If you find that your fears, anxieties, and overthinking gets in the way, pick up a copy of this book. It’ll help you learn how to live in the moment and make significant steps and changes to change your life. It comes with tops on how to sleep better (a necessity!), even during times when your mind is overflowing with thoughts. Troubleshoot your life by eliminating toxicity and with some internal decluttering. 

The Comfort Book, by Matt Haig

“The most powerful moment in life is when you decide not to be scared anymore.” ―Matt Haig 

2022 is the year to let go of your limiting beliefs. This Matt Haig book is for everyone. It’s hopeful and encouraging, and the Washington Post calls it one of the best feel-good books of last year,. That’s the energy we want to bring into this new year. 

This book is Matt Haig’s collection of notes and stories written over many years that were meant to get him through difficult days. A BBC review said it’s “…a charming tonic, fitting for these troubled times. The Comfort Book is a mix of short, hopeful anecdotes and reflections on life to dip into when in need of consolation, and help in seeing hard situations in a softer light.”

Joy at Work, by Marie Kondo

“No matter what your ideal work life is, the final goal is the same: to be able to work with joy. So when tidying up, what matters most is to choose things that contribute to your happiness and appreciate what you keep.” ―Marie Kondo

Safe to say our desks are all still a mess from pre-holidays? Time to get a move on and declutter. Messy work areas are draining, and disorganization gets in the way of doing our work efficiently. When this happens, it takes the joy away from what we do and affects our well-being. In this book, Marie Kondo and Rice University business professor Scott Sonenshein give us strategies on how to optimize our space for productivity and joy. 

Looking Back Life was Beautiful: A Celebration of Love from the Creators of Drawings for My Grandchildren, by Grandpa Chan and Chan Jae Lee

It’s been difficult for most of us, the separation and isolation from our families and friends these last two years. Grandpa and Grandma Chan wished to stay connected with their grandchildren, so they learned to use Instagram as a way to do so. From being a small family project, their account took off, and is now followed by over 400,000 people from around the world. Grandpa Chan paints in watercolor, and Grandma writes the stories of their life, how they met, how they fell in love. It’s a heartwarming and hopeful read.