What We’re Reading in January: Start the Year with Courage and Mindfulness

At Wellspring Psychological Services, we believe in empowering individuals to live fully, authentically, and with purpose. Guided by values of self-awareness, personal growth, and emotional well-being, our goal is to provide tools and insights that support lasting mental and emotional health. To help you on this journey, we recommend two transformative reads: The Courage to Be Disliked, which explores freedom through self-acceptance and social connection, and The Untethered Soul, which teaches inner liberation by observing and releasing limiting thoughts and patterns.

Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga (2013), The Courage to Be Disliked: A thoughtful and approachable book grounded in Adlerian psychology.

Written as a dialogue, the book explores themes many of us encounter in therapy and daily life—people-pleasing, anxiety about others’ opinions, perfectionism, and the belief that our past defines our future. One of its central messages is that true freedom comes from learning to live according to our values rather than seeking constant approval from others.

The Courage to Be Disliked does not minimize hardship or emotional pain; rather, it offers a compassionate reminder that we have the ability to choose how we move forward. We believe this book can be a valuable complement to therapeutic work and a helpful resource for those interested in personal growth, self-reflection, and building healthier relationships.

Michael A. Singer’s (2007), The Untethered Soul: The journey beyond yourself.

The Untethered Soul guides readers on a journey of inner liberation by exploring the nature of consciousness and self-awareness. The book encourages noticing thoughts and emotions without becoming attached to them, allowing life to flow with less inner resistance. Key ideas include:

• The Observer Within: You are not your thoughts or feelings; you are the conscious observer of them.

• Letting Go: Release habitual patterns and attachments that limit freedom and happiness.

• Living in the Present: True peace comes from embracing the moment rather than clinging to past regrets or future worries.

• Openness to Life: By surrendering control, you allow energy, joy, and love to flow naturally.

Ideal for anyone seeking greater clarity, peace, and emotional freedom, The Untethered Soul offers practical insights to transform the inner dialogue and experience life fully.