For today’s entry in the Marketing for Romance Writers 52-week blog challenge, we’re contemplating how books can influence daily life. Today, I’ll focus on self-help books that inspired me.

I haven’t yet read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, nor have I watched her Netflix series. But a few days ago I read a manga version of her book while on the treadmill, because multitasking.

I’ve been a proponent of minimalism/voluntary simplicity for a long time. In fact, it tickles me to see younger folks claim this movement as if they’ve invented something new. Is anyone old enough to remember Elaine St. James’ popular Simplify Your Life series from the 1990s? And, you know, Thoreau. And the Spartans. But anyway…

Perhaps Ms. Kondo does wield a bit of magic. To paraphrase The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up (which is really cute, by the way), sentimental items keep our focus on the past. “Who you are now is more important than memories of your past.” So—

My past self enjoyed sewing, but I haven’t made any clothing in years. Today I donated my sewing machine, a pile of patterns, and two bins of cloth and notions. It felt great! My past self also read many excellent self-help books, but I’ve digested their wisdom and am not likely to read them again. So, in grand Konmari style, I thanked each for its service before donating them, along with two brimming bags of books, to my local library.

A few favorites, besides the books mentioned above:

Helen Gurley Brown’s Having It All, 1982. This girly, gushy tome by the longtime editor of Cosmo magazine gave my 20-year-old self a much-needed whack on the head. Though some of her advice is dated, it boils down to this: The good life comes to those who work damn hard at it, so figure out what you’re good at and do that. I thank Ms. Brown for a much-needed push out of my whiny, passive mindset.

I discarded a whole stack of books on the French lifestyle. In my former life, I taught French classes, visited France often (from my home in Germany), and tried to cultivate Frenchy panache and je ne sais quoi. Current me lives in the U.S., has absorbed some savoir vivre, and bids these books au revoir.

During my forties, I devoured books of advice for women navigating midlife. Lots of wisdom there, but I’m ready to pass those on to the next generation entering this phase of life. I thank those authors for instilling me with confidence, courage, and humor.

I am hanging onto my books on belly dancing, though, because I’m still shimmying.

Are you a fan of self-help books? A book hoarder? What book echoes have shaped your present self?

Speaking of books (ahem), Through the Red Door will soon have a little sister! Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press, Runaway Love Story, Book Two in the Book Nirvana Series.

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