But I was finding myself really embarrassed about it.

If my friends stopped by for a visit, I would panic and hide all of my books under my bed or in my drawers.

If I walked into a bookstore, I would go straight for the self-help section.

It was such a guilty pleasure to cast my eyes over the potential answers to my problems and inspirational words that were waiting for me to read them.

However I was constantly aware of the people around me... ‘do they think I look like some self-diagnosed looney?’

 I was an addict and self-help was my drug.

From ‘Chicken Soup for The Soul’, sassy books like ‘Text Book Romance’ by Zoe Foster-Blake to higher-end options like ‘The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success’.

My addiction to self-help books got so real at one stage I stopped reading fictional books altogether.

I love to read but how could Gone Girl feed my soul and help me to be a better person?

I’d walk around the house reciting lines from ‘The Power of Now’, slowly becoming intolerable to my family members that had to live with me.

I know what you’re thinking, most of the books are regurgitating clichés and maybe I’m just super gullible. I get it.

This is a multi-billion dollar industry we’re talking about which relies on people not feeling okay about their lives.

I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t own more than one book by Oprah who has a net worth of $2.8 billion USD, so my book purchases probably just paid for her cup coaster.

You’re welcome Oprah.

But these books really did help me at times when I needed a pick-me-up.

When I was going through a bad breakup, I found the book, ‘It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken’.

I remember reading the lines “even with all the mayonnaise in the world, you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken s–t”.

I wanted to tweet it, I wanted to sing it from the rooftops but, most importantly, it made me feel okay about my failed relationship and that I deserved amazing chicken salad.

The book helped me get out of my stink and made me feel less alone.

Slowly but surely, I’ve gotten over my self-help book shame; sometimes I even recommend a book or two.

Although, I’m still sometimes met with an awkward smile and a response as if I said ‘join my cult, we’ve got jackets’.

If a self-help book is a real turn off for you, start by reading a book by someone who’s figured out how to do life good.

I read ‘Girl Boss’ by Sophia Amoruso back to back in days and Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat Pray Love’ inspired me to go on an overseas trip by myself.

But just remember, you can't just sit on your enlightened butt all day!

At some point you have to get your nose out of the book and actually do something.

Take all the possible ideas, inspirations and strategies and put them to action. As the old African proverb goes, “When you pray, move your feet”.