The Books That Changed How I See Life
Sometimes the right book finds you at exactly the right moment. In this post, I share three life-changing reads that helped me discover peace, purpose, and the beauty of living simply. From timeless wisdom to spiritual awakening, these books inspired the heart behind Simply Living, a life of mindfulness, love, and intention.
11/9/20254 min read
These are the books that inspired Simply Living’s philosophy of intentional living. The Four Agreements, A Course in Miracles and Mysticism, and The Universe Has Your Back transformed my outlook on life, purpose, and peace. They helped me in moments I felt lost and unsure of this life and where I fit in it. I enjoy re-reading them when I find myself back in a place of uncertainty. I have given a brief overview of each and their link if you would like to read them as well!
There comes a time when we start asking deeper questions: What truly matters? How do I live with peace, joy, and meaning?
For me, that turning point came through books that opened my eyes to a simpler, more mindful way of being.
Through their words, I learned that life’s purpose isn’t about doing more, it’s about being more present, more kind, and more connected.
The Journey Toward Intentional Living
Below, I’m sharing three books that completely transformed the way I see myself and the world. Each one offers its own kind of magic, but together they shape the heart of what I now call Simply Living, a life guided by awareness, love, and trust.
The Four Agreements
by Don Miguel Ruiz
In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz distills ancient Toltec wisdom into four simple principles that can transform the way we live:
Be impeccable with your word
Don’t take anything personally
Don’t make assumptions
Always do your best
These timeless truths remind us that peace begins within. When we speak with integrity, stop reacting from ego, and live with intention, we find freedom from unnecessary suffering.
This book reminded me that mindful living isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness. When we choose honesty, compassion, and kindness, simplicity naturally follows.
I even wrote them as a daily reminder on my fridge!
A Course in Miracles and Mysticism by David Hoffmeister
This book takes the core teachings of A Course in Miracles and brings them to life through modern understanding. David Hoffmeister reveals that true transformation begins with a shift in perception from fear to love.
We learn that every experience, no matter how small, is a lesson in awakening. Life becomes a classroom where forgiveness, acceptance, and surrender are our greatest teachers.
What resonated deeply for me was the idea that miracles aren’t supernatural events, they are moments when we remember who we are beyond fear and separation. That simple awareness changes everything.
I will say, I needed to read this book in sections, only reading a little at a time because it has so much to digest. Every time I read it, I receive a new piece of valuable information! It provides a great way to align and live in harmony with the Divine.
The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein
In The Universe Has Your Back, Gabrielle Bernstein reminds us that when we align with love, the Universe aligns with us.
Through spiritual practices, stories, and affirmations, she teaches how to turn fear into faith, and how to live in flow instead of control.
She provides meditations to follow and links to listen to her in real time that flows with the book. She gives you the tools to create new habits as well as examples from her own life experiences.
This book became a companion during seasons of uncertainty. It reminded me that every challenge carries a hidden blessing, and that the Universe is always guiding us toward growth. Learning to trust that flow allowed me to live more softly and with deeper gratitude.
A Beautiful New Way to See Life
Each of these books offered a piece of truth that, when combined, reshaped how I live and how I see the world:
The Four Agreements taught me how to live with authenticity and presence.
A Course in Miracles and Mysticism revealed that love and forgiveness are the path to peace.
The Universe Has Your Back showed me how to surrender and trust life’s unfolding.
Together, they form the essence of Simply Living, an intentional, heart-centered approach to life where peace is found in simplicity, and purpose is found in love. When we let go of fear and control, we can find balance and joy.
When we learn to see through the eyes of trust, release judgment, and live from our truest selves, life becomes lighter, clearer, and infinitely more beautiful. That, to me, is what it means to live simply and to live fully.
If you’re on your own journey toward clarity and peace, I invite you to start with one of these books.
Let their wisdom sink in. Let them guide you back to yourself.
Because when we begin living intentionally — with awareness, joy, and love — the entire world feels new again.
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