Life has fallen apart over 3 years, physically, emotionally, socially. Want to use reading as a way to slowly rebuild. Looking for book recs for emotional discipline, confidence, perspective and self care for 2026.

This might come off as sulking and maybe it is, but I really want to make a change this year and I figured this is as good a place as any to ask.

The past 3 years have been rough in every possible way. Lost the love of my life (still in love, still miss her every single day, genuinely don't know if I'll ever fully get over it). Gained a massive amount of weight through binge eating, morbidly obese now. Lost almost all my friendships because I got so wrapped up in my own pain I stopped showing up for people. Can barely hold a conversation anymore, my social skills have just… rotted. I speak really slowly these days, like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, no exaggeration. Recovering from a major knee surgery with another one lined up. My dad is an alcoholic. My confidence is gone to the point where I second guess every single thought I have. Most nights end with me crying and being angry at myself. It's been dark.

But I used to love reading as a kid. It was my thing when I had no friends and the world felt too big. I want that back, and I'm hoping it can be the thing that slowly pulls me out of this.

I'm looking for books that can help with emotional discipline, getting calmer, shifting perspective, rebuilding confidence, and eventually learning to take care of myself and reconnect with people. Not looking for a quick fix, genuinely want to target maybe 10 to 15 books across 2026 and take it slow and seriously.

Would really appreciate your suggestions. Any genre is fine, fiction or non fiction, as long as it hits.