Books: A Lifelong Affair with Words
Every book I've embraced, each writer who's resonated with me, has imparted a lesson, a perspective, a fragment of their soul into mine. And as I now pen my own words, I carry them with me.
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My love affair with books ignited in the vibrant worlds of Dr. Seuss and the heartwarming tales by Robert Munsch.
I'd eagerly turn the pages of 'The Berenstain Bears' and chuckle at the whimsical adventures of the 'Mr. Men and Little Miss' series.
These early stories were my playground, shaping my imagination and fostering a deep-rooted love for storytelling.
As I ventured into my later years, the thrilling paths of 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books beckoned, offering a wealth of possibilities with every decision.
It wasn't long before the dark allure of Stephen King, the intricate narratives of Michael Crichton, and the enigmatic puzzles of Dan Brown captivated my mind. Their tales were no longer just escapades but intricate labyrinths that challenged my perceptions and broadened my horizons.
Upon entering my twenties, my palette matured further. I found solace in the profound insights of non-fiction. Works by authors such as Malcolm Gladwell, Yuval Noah Harari, Eckhart Tolle and Brené Brown began to shape my worldview, offering both knowledge and introspection. Each chapter, each book, became not just an exploration of the world but an exploration of self.
Every book I've ever devoured, every author who's touched my soul, has imparted a lesson, a perspective, a fragment of their soul into mine. And as I now pen my own words, I carry with me the symphony of voices that have guided, challenged, and inspired me throughout my life.
My Timeless Favorites
Over the years, certain books have left an indelible mark on my soul. Here are a few that I hold dear:
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Mr. Happy by Roger Hargreaves
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
The Cave of Time by Edward Packard
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Shining by Stephen King
The Sphere by Michael Crichton
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Drive by Daniel H. Pink
How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
Awakening the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious by Carl Jung
Catalysts to My Creations
Books have always been a source of wisdom and introspection for me, offering lessons that have both gently coaxed and vigorously pushed me towards self-discovery and creation. Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' whispered to me about fate and the universal language, while 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz reshaped the lenses through which I perceive and believe.
Joining these transformative texts, other books have also woven their lessons into the fabric of my being, igniting explorations into my thoughts and emotions and inspiring the birth of my journals and workbooks.
'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White taught me about friendship and sacrifice, revealing that true connections transcend physical boundaries and that true friends leave everlasting imprints on our hearts.
'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry shared the wisdom of viewing life through a lens of wonder and innocence, reminding me that the most essential things are invisible and can only be felt with the heart.
'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl bestowed upon me the power of perspective and the indomitable strength of hope, illustrating that even amidst atrocities, our ability to choose our response is what defines us.
'Daring Greatly' by Brené Brown instilled in me the courage to embrace vulnerability, to dare to show up, and to understand that imperfections and risks are inherent to meaningful connections and innovations.
'Drive' by Daniel H. Pink emphasized the significance of autonomy, mastery, and purpose in nurturing intrinsic motivation, illuminating that true drive springs from a place of desire to learn, grow, and contribute to something larger than ourselves.
'The Road Less Traveled' by M. Scott Peck unfolded the beauty and necessity of embracing life's difficulties, asserting that it is through facing and solving problems that we experience personal and spiritual growth.
'The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious' by Carl Jung delved into the profound realms of the psyche, introducing me to the universal symbols that dwell within us all and how they shape our realities and personal narratives.
My Workbooks
Each of these books, with their unique lessons and perspectives, etched profound marks upon my soul, propelling me to delve deeper into my own psyche and, subsequently, craft my own mediums of expression and introspection through journals and workbooks.
In the gentle rustling of their pages, I found whispers of wisdom, shouts of awakening, and an endless source of inspiration that has fueled my journey and creations.
The 365-Day Journal Series
Among my proudest creations is the 365-Day Journal Series.
Every day, for a whole year, this series provides prompts rooted in shadow work, encouraging deep introspection. By shedding light on the darkest corners of our psyche, we not only understand ourselves better but also pave the way for growth and self-love.
The Trigger Warning Collection
Through my own struggles and discoveries, I crafted the Trigger Warning series.
It's more than just a collection; it's a roadmap for others to navigate their emotions, confront their traumas, and seek healing, just as I did with the help of the literary giants before me.
Trigger Warning: A Guided Shadow Work Journal & Workbook for Reparenting Your Emotional Triggers
Trigger Warning III: A Guided Shadow Work Journal for Letting Go of Emotional Pain
The Gratitude Chronicles
Gratitude has been my anchor. Amidst life's tempests, counting my blessings, no matter how small, kept me grounded.
The 'My Daily Gratitude Series' is a culmination of this practice, a beacon for others to find their own silver linings.
Towards the Horizon
Throughout my life, I've been deeply influenced by the works of countless authors, each leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Their masterpieces have not only entertained and enlightened but have also kindled a burning aspiration within me: to pen my own book.
I dream of crafting a novel that encapsulates my journey, experiences, and musings, weaving them into a tapestry of words that might ignite the imagination and passion of future readers, much like how I was once profoundly moved.
Every chapter I envision, every narrative I hope to share, is not just a mere story but a testament to the legacy of the literary greats who've paved the way. As I navigate this path of storytelling, I'm fueled by their tales, their struggles, and their triumphs.
But the journey of an author is not walked alone. It's a collaborative dance between the writer and the readers, the dreamers and the believers.
By choosing to become a paid subscriber, you're not just gaining access to exclusive content; you're investing in a dream. Your support is the wind beneath the wings of my aspirations, allowing me to continue my literary pursuits, and inch closer to bringing my vision to fruition.
Together, we're building a community, a shared space of dreams and stories, where every tale has the potential to shine a light on someone's path, guiding them towards new horizons.
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If a paid subscription isn't within your means currently, know that your presence, engagement, and even word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Every comment, share, or recommendation helps in building this community and realizing the dream. Every voice adds to the chorus, every story enriches the tapestry, and every individual brings in a unique shade of experience and insight.
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Closing Thoughts
From the recesses of my heart, I invite you to be part of this endeavor. Let us weave together a legacy of understanding, healing, and transformation. Every page you read, every exercise you undertake, and every story you share contributes to this grand tapestry.
With profound gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead,
—Ryan Puusaari
P.S. While the list above features some of my most treasured books and authors, the realm of healing, growth, and personal development is vast and diverse.
Notable authors not mentioned here include:
Gabor Maté known for his profound insights into trauma and addiction.
Deepak Chopra with his spiritual and holistic approach to well-being.
Ram Dass and his teachings on consciousness and spirituality.
Thich Nhat Hanh with his gentle guidance on mindfulness and peace.
Each of these authors, along with countless others, have provided invaluable perspectives on the journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. Their contributions continue to inspire and guide many on their paths to inner transformation.
P.S.S. I can't finish without shouting out to these luminaries in the world of personal growth and development:
Wayne Dyer - Prolific author on self-development and spiritual growth.
Louise Hay - Pioneer in positive affirmations and self-healing.
Elizabeth Gilbert - Author of Eat, Pray, Love, exploring self-discovery.
Byron Katie - Developed The Work, a method of self-inquiry.
Steven Covey - Wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Esther Hicks (Abraham Hicks) - Teachings on the law of attraction.
Jack Canfield - Co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Norman Vincent Peale - Author of The Power of Positive Thinking.
James Redfield - Wrote The Celestine Prophecy exploring spiritual awakening.
Julia Cameron - Author of The Artist's Way, a guide to creativity.
Their teachings, writings, and insights have paved the way for so many, including myself, on our journeys of self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.
About the Author
A visionary artisan dedicated to unlocking the transformative magic within us all, Ryan is more than a beacon of hope or a catalyst for change; he is an architect of endless possibilities, etching his indelible mark across the canvas of human potential.