One thing that’s always helped me during periods of uncertainty has been taking time out of my day to get lost in a feel-good story.
During the past few weeks sometimes that’s meant reading–and I’ve included a great list of books that I hope will lift your spirits below. Other times, this has involved writing and working on my next love story. And sometimes this has meant “scripting”—which is the practice of writing the story of your own life.
With more time at home than ever, it might be something you’d like to incorporate and practice right now.
I’ll give you an example:
Yesterday, I was looking through old emails and came across all the rejection letters I received for Waiting at Hayden’s (literally hundreds!). Had I not been scripting and telling the story of Waiting at Hayden’s’ success on a separate sheet of paper, I guarantee I would have given up. I wrote over and over that the story touched so many people and gave them hope, and yesterday I got an email from a woman who told me that she couldn’t have asked for a more perfect read during this difficult time. I was so happy the story had found her and brought joy.
Writing letters to people right now can also be a great way to express gratitude and get some feel-good words down on paper. A few years ago, my dad sent off notes to fifty people who had positively impacted his life. (I shared that story here because I thought it was so cool.)
Of course, if none of these books or ideas help, may I suggest a feel-good gin and tonic and a virtual happy hour with friends? I’ve been able to attend several happy hours now in one night. Used to be a dream. Be careful what you wish for, I guess. 😉
Sending lots of love and light to all my readers!
Feel-Good Reading List:
The Authenticity Project:: A notebook left in a coffee shop encouraging people to share their real stories unites an unlikely cast of characters.
The Power: From the author of The Secret, comes a story that teaches us the power of love.
Love and Other Words: A heartfelt story of first loves who reconnect later in life after initially bonding over their mutual love of books and words.
Don’t Let Me Go: Residents in an apartment complex come together to help a little girl thrive.
The Beach House: Any book that can transport me to the sunny beaches of South Carolina makes me feel-good! Currently working my way through all of Mary Alice Monroe’s books.
Waiting at Hayden’s: I wrote this story with the intention that it would uplift people and make them feel good. Hope it brings you joy!
Leave a Reply