Six books to help you in challenging times
Based on my own recent experiences in facing challenging times, I have compiled a list of 6 books that helped me the most to build resilience, for encouragement, advice, perspective and inspiration. I hope they help you too.
1. The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday – How to Turn Adversity into Your Advantage.
This book has helped me more than any other during my darkest days. I have read some of the chapters dozens of times, covering topics such as steadying your nerves, controlling your emotions and practising persistence. The book's underlying premise is a meditation from Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, the last of the rulers known as the Five Good Emperors, a period of relative peace, calmness and stability for the Roman Empire: "While it is true that someone can impede our actions, they can't impede our intentions and our attitudes, which have the power of being conditional and adaptable. (….) The obstacle on the path becomes the way. " Marcus Aurelius was a stoic philosopher who wrote his 'Meditations' as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement while on campaign between 170 and 180 AD. Stoicism is the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience. Stoics focus only on the things they can control, let go of all else and turn every new obstacle into an opportunity to become better and stronger. One of my favourite lines in Holiday's book is "Don't forget, there are always people out there looking to get you. The question is – are you going to let them?"
2. The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life – Boyd Varty
"I don't know where we are going, but I know exactly how to get there." Such is the life of an African lion tracker, who focuses all energy into finding the next track when following a lion. Then the next track. Then the next track. Boyd Varty based this book on his experiences growing up at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa, where he learnt tracking from the Shangann tribe. As the reader joins a lion tracking journey in the African wilderness and learns the value of observing and following your instincts, there are parallels with following the next track to eventually find your life's calling. "There is nothing more healing than finding your gifts and sharing them."
3. Seven Women and their Secrets to Greatness – Eric Metaxas
Inspiration from seven historical women, including Rosa Parks, Mother Theresa, Corrie Ten Bloom, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Saint Maria of Paris and Joan of Arc. Though the lives of these diverse women spanned over several centuries, all of them faced insurmountable adversity and challenges. Each woman was strong, faithful, determined and chose to stand up for what she believed in. In doing so, each woman made a positive contribution and impact on the world.
4. Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor E Frankl
One of the books that has influenced me the most and one the most impactful books ever written, this book is Viktor Frankl's first-hand account about how he managed to find meaning as a numbered prisoner in the Nazi concentration camps of World War II, in the worst imaginable conditions of starvation, beatings and the daily threat of death. Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. This book gives hope and perspective to anyone suffering.
5. Mind Fuel – Simple Ways to Build Resilience Everyday – Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls, British adventurer, well known for his television series Man vs Wild and other survival series, has written several books. This book comprises 365 short one page topics on facing life's challenges and building resilience, drawing from the great outdoors and Bear's own extensive portfolio of survival challenges and other extreme adventures. Eight themes are covered – wisdom, battles, motivation, courage, relationships, self-care, spirituality and determination. This is an ideal book to dip into daily to read and reflect on a 1-2 page topic.
6. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - Charlie Mackesy
A children's picture book with so much heart, it brings a tear to my eye whenever I read it. A universal reminder that you are not alone and to keep going when life is hard. This book has been created into an animated feature film, which won an Academy award for best animated short film in 2023. Charlie Mackesy also provides daily encouragement for millions on Instagram with excerpts from his book and film. "What's the bravest thing you've ever said" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse.
