I believe that self-empowerment is the most important gift we can give ourselves. Each time we look outside for validation we give away pieces of our self. When we begin to honour all parts of ourselves, take responsibility for our actions, thoughts and words, trust our inner wisdom, we become more harmonious with the world.  In those times when we seem lost, we must remember that who we are is inside, waiting for the right conditions to support our growth.

Over the years, I have been guided to that which would provide guidance, hope and inspiration in times when I perceived myself to be lacking. My hope is that this list might serve you in those times.

I'm a huge fan of Amazon (even though they're not a "mom & pop").  Their great prices and prompt service keep me coming back for more.  Here is their link for your convenience:  http://www.amazon.com/

Books:

• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause  - John R. Lee, MD. If you or someone you know is headed into or are already in menopause territory, this book is a must read. Information about hormone replacement therapy and other women's health issues.
• Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom  - Christiane Northrup, MD. Excellent information and resources on women's health issues from "virgin to crone".
• Succulent Wild Woman - Sark. Inspiring, motivating, playful. When you get into a mental rut, this is the book to "shake it all up".
• The Purpose of Your Life  - Carol Adrienne. Encourages developing a relationship with one's higher wisdom and intuitive ability.
• Women Who Run With the Wolves  - Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD. I read this in my early 20's and was greatly influenced and inspired by the concept of archetypal imagery.  Using stories, folktales and myths, Dr. Estes guides us to that  place in our soul that rekindles our true nature as defined by the Wild Woman archetype, "healthy, instinctual and visionary".
• Goddesses in Everywoman  - Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD. Another incredible book discussing archetypal imagery and its use in self-empowerment and self-knowledge.
• Anatomy of the Spirit  - Carolyne Myss, PhD. A ground-breaking book discussing energy medicine.  Based on her research of fifteen years, Dr. Myss presents a compelling look at illness, its connection with emotional and psychological beliefs and attitudes and how the body is affected.  This model of spiritual and physical power is supported by the Hindu chakras, the Christian sacraments and the Kabbalah's Tree of Life.
• Hope and Help for Your Nerves  - Dr. Claire Weekes. An incredible "little book" that helped many overcome anxiety attacks.  Dr. Weekes writes as though she were sitting beside you and explains how to break the cycle of fear.
• Walking Between Worlds, The Science of Compassion - Gregg Braden.  With his background as an earth scientist and aerospace engineer, Braden provocatively discusses research which confirms the role of emotion in immune system response as well as the Essene mysteries and ancient sciences in connection with compassion. 
• A Course in Miracles - Foundation for Inner Peace.  "Written" in 1977 by Helen Schucman and William Thetford, Professors of Medical Psychology at Columbia University's Collage of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.  The book seeks to distinguish between knowledge and perception for when this distinction becomes clear, the way we perceive ourselves and the world becomes quite different.

Inspirational Thoughts:

"It never occurs to me that there are things I can't do." - Whoopi Goldberg

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear; our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela

"If one life shines, the life next to it will catch the light." - Anonymous

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

"Such a price the gods exact for song, to become what we sing." - Goethe

"If you are coming to help me, you are wasting your time.  But if you are coming because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." - Australian Aboriginal Woman

"Everyone thinks of changing the world.  No one thinks of changing himself." - Leo Tolstoy

"May today there by peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing that you are a child of God. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance and to bask in the sun. It is there for each and every one of you." - Source unknown.