She could‘ve really benefitted from my hard-earned wisdom. — I knew a lot when I was young, so I probably wouldn’t have listened. But these things would have made a world of difference if I’d figured them out early in life. Expand your world Visit new places, and read good books. Seek out classics, biographies, and captivating adventures. Learn about different places…

I write about being human, and I dream of living by the sea with an endless supply of books, podcasts, and coffee. — Hi! I’m Jen. I’m in a season of transition after the loss of my father, the emptying of my nest, and a big career change. At the end of a cherished decade as a physical therapist specializing in yoga and meditation, I decided to start a new chapter. I dreamed of becoming a writer. I listened…

You’re not broken, but you might be lost. — Inner critics are rarely at a loss for words. It can feel like you’re drowning in a sea of judgment, expectations, and confusion. Untethered, it might seem like you’re floating aimlessly with no idea how to move forward. …

Choose what you want to read based on emotion & mood, a world map, or character & plot. — Whichbook is the holy grail for booklovers. Goodreads and Amazon are well-known for their book descriptions, reviews, and recommendations. They help you evaluate a book or find your next read. Sometimes though, conflicting reviews and spoilers are not helpful. What if you could start with what you want? Whichbook gives you the steering wheel from the beginning.

The Song of Achilles and The Great Gatsby back-to-back — I was a freshman in high school when I first read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby. When Baz Luhrmann reimagined Gatsby in 2013, the film became my memory of the story. Full of glitz and glamour, sensational music, and a talented cast, there was much to love. …

Deciding what matters is just the beginning. — There’s no guarantee that everything will be ok. Life is a mixture of beauty and pain. Many of the things you fear most won’t happen. Instead, you’ll face difficult circumstances you never imagined. The unexpected shows up. Illness Broken relationships Accidents Violence Addiction Loss of loved ones Being human is…

Create space so that you can respond with intention — Mindfulness and meditation practices increase awareness. In time, you realize that you aren’t your emotions. They don’t define you and they don’t have control over your words or actions. With practice, you can give your emotions space without letting them drive. Try this little shift the next time a strong…