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…

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.

Free 2-week writing course to get your words flowing — Last summer I found bestselling author Beth Kempton while searching the internet for help with writing. Beth is a talented and prolific writer who leads seasonal courses to inspire a regular writing habit. Her sessions include poems and excerpts from books she loves, a themed lesson, and a writing exercise…

Because ignorance won’t help us become a more perfect Union — It’s not too late to learn American history. If history put you to sleep in high school, or if you were more interested in another subject or in dating/graduating/anything else, you’re not alone. History textbooks are dense and dull. The most common strategy is to memorize, regurgitate, and forget. But…

Do you feel lost? Try this. Slow your breathing. Connect with a feeling of safety and well-being in your body, a sense of calm and ease. It may help to picture people, animals, places, or memories that bring a sense of peace, tranquility, and rest. Notice how and where you…

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. It…

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…