Over the past few years, I've read various books that have significantly impacted my life. Growing up, I was a frequent reader who loved mysteries. Over time, my academic pursuits took priority, and my reading became more academic and less leisure.

After establishing myself in the mental health field, I reached a point where I needed to rediscover my interests. For too long, I neglected activities that brought me joy. One activity I wanted to revisit was reading. Some of the books on my list are from my personal collection, while others I borrowed from my local library.

Books That Have Impacted Me

• "All About Love" by bell hooks

• "Peace at Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh

• "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey

• "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

• "Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir" by Erika Sánchez

• "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

• "My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem

Depending on the day, the length of time I spend reading varies. I've released the pressure to finish books quickly, reminding myself that my reading habits will vary. Sometimes, this means reading just one page and challenging the notion that I'm racing to finish. To remember specific quotes from books, I take photos and store them in an album on my phone. One of my favorite sections is the conclusion of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking". I love it because it reminds me to honor my introverted nature and that it's okay to need time alone. My love of books is a constant source of enjoyment for me and I intentionally make it a priority. It's one of the ways I reconnect with and honor myself. I plan to add more fiction to my reading list, and I'd love to hear about your favorite books.

Larissa is the founder of Evergroundz. She began Evergroundz for individuals to cultivate their inner wisdom through yoga, meditation, and wellness practices, while navigating life experiences with compassion and confidence. You can find her on Instagram @evergroundz.