Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki and Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport started my physical and digital minimalism journey back in April, when I turned 30.

I realised these books satisfied a deeper need to focus on my mental health. I suffer from anxiety, and often find myself worrying about "what next?" rather than focusing (and usually enjoying) "what is."

Two books helped me a lot with this: - "Gratitude" by Oliver Sacks. "Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and adventure." - Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

These were standouts on my journey, but I also read a few other self-help books and autobiographies. My favourites were: - I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I grew up with Hannah Montana and iCarly and remember the kinds of kids that went to my school that wanted to be child actresses like her. They were stuck up and self absorbed, and it blew my mind that not only did Jennette not want that fame, she was also struggling so much privately. Made me self-reflect on how I judged people (I can only hope I have grown up to be more open minded) and also on my own childhood traumas. - Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. The first half (on nursing homes) was a bit repetitive and bland, but when the author discussed his own personal journey with the final wishes and ultimately death of his father, it sparked this conversation with my own parents, although I do hope they have many years left. - HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose made me enjoy work again.