It’s no secret that I love Brene Brown and her work on vulnerability and shame. Her books -- and TedTalks, and Netflix show, etc. -- have helped me realize I’m not alone in a lot of what I feel and struggle with. One of her “catchphrases,” if you will, has turned into a life hack for me. When I notice my thoughts are headed in a direction that I don’t like, I stop, pause, and ask myself, “what is … [Read more...]
Writing Tips: The Best and Worst Writing Advice I’ve Ever Received
My English professor sorted through a stack of books on his desk in his poorly-lit office, searching for an anthology that had a story he wanted me to read. We were meeting to discuss my creative writing, but as my time at college was coming to a close, he asked the question I both looked forward to but also dreaded. “Have you thought about what you want to do after college?” I sat … [Read more...]
What I’m Reading: Add These to Your TBR List!
Introducing my semi-regular series all about what I’m reading. I’m a voracious reader. At any given time lately I’m reading at least three different books. What I pick up depends on my mood, but I’m often rotating between middle grade/young adult fiction, historical fiction, as well as something nonfiction -- but I’ll pick up anything that friends recommend or that catches my eye as well. … [Read more...]
How ‘The Read-Aloud Handbook’ Changed The Way We Read to Our Kids
I’ve always been a big reader. I grew up going to the library and bringing piles of books home with me. On vacations, I’d bring more books than there were days of the week; in the pre-Kindle and tablet days, I was worried I’d run out of things to read! So, when I had kids, I knew books would be a big part of their lives. Affiliate links included. From the moment they’ve been born, … [Read more...]
The Courage to be Vulnerable: Book Review of ‘Daring Greatly’ by Brene Brown
I’m going to get vulnerable here… and this is new for me. I feel like I’ve always been concerned with how other people perceived me. I always worried that I was too awkward and too weird. Or maybe too quiet. Or that I never knew what to say. In turn, I never felt “good enough.” It’s something I’ve been working on for awhile, basically ever since I’ve had kids, because I saw (and see on a daily … [Read more...]
