Hi everyone, I'm currently feeling a little lost. Last year I llost my niece and mom within a couple of weeks of reach other. Pressures from my job are increasing, and last month I had a nasty leg break. I have a 3 year old toddler who is great and I don't feel I am a good enough parent to. Any book recommendations that might help me navigate some of this? Thanks!
P.s. I am getting appropriate professional help for all of this, but it would be great to have some books that can help me process things when I'm alone.
by biznis-goose
2 Comments
First, I’m really sorry you’re going through this. It’s so much all at once, and it’s brave of you to ask for support. Books can sometimes offer comfort when it feels like the world is too heavy, and I’m glad you’re already seeking help.
A few books that might offer both guidance and comfort:
1. **”The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion**. It’s raw and deeply reflective, capturing the process of grief in a way that’s both personal and universal. It might help you feel seen in your own grief journey.
2. **”The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown**. This one dives into self-compassion and letting go of the pressure to be perfect, especially as a parent. It’s grounded in research but also feels like a conversation with a compassionate friend.
3. **”When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi**. A memoir from a neurosurgeon who faced terminal cancer and reflected on the meaning of life, suffering, and purpose. It’s incredibly poignant and thought-provoking, especially in the face of loss and hardship.
4. **”Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach**. This book might be a good read to help you process feelings of inadequacy, especially around parenting. It explores the power of self-acceptance and learning to be kinder to yourself during tough times.
5. **”The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk**. If you’re feeling the physical and emotional weight of everything you’ve been through, this book explains how trauma can be stored in the body and offers ways to heal. It’s therapeutic and insightful, though it can be heavy at times.
Remember, there’s no perfect way to navigate grief, stress, or parenting—it’s all messy and unique. But these books might offer some comfort and grounding when you need it most. Do any of these sound like they could be a good fit right now?
I really liked The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion after my dad passed.