Show Don't Tell
Spring has sprung. We welcomed April with a glorious, super quick trip to Florence for a friend's wedding. Then back home to our babies, one under the weather, both home from school for their spring break. Finally last week the kiddos returned to school and I attempted to return to my own routine, all while contending with some post-Italy blues.
Fortunately the vibes are lifting here, the flowers are in bloom and I'm looking forward to a full spring & summer - all while trying to stay present and stay grateful, even when I feel down.
One comfort and joy is, as always, reading. See below for the last few books I read, including a life update!
Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck
I've been following Martha Beck's teachings for several years. Her articles, books, etc, have helped me out of some dark places. I'm such an enthusiast of her tools that I decided to take her coaching course last year. While I don't love the term "life coach," I wanted to further my own personal work and also be able to spread Beck's guidance to others. After graduating from Beck's coaching program and working with multiple people already, I'm looking forward to taking on more "life coach" clients in the coming months. More to come!
Beck's latest book, Beyond Anxiety, reminded me of many ideas I'd already learned. While this book felt somewhat redundant for me, I was still grateful for the reminders from Beck on how to decrease anxiety. And I love that as the world and culture evolve, Beck's teachings evolve.
Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman
I picked up Separation Anxiety at Indigo bookstore at my childhood mall, The Mall at Short Hills. We were in NJ for my niece's Bat Mitzvah and did a quick stop for Forty Carrots froyo for the kids and a new shirt for Hubs, after a wardrobe malfunction - lol. I just had to duck into Indigo on a hunt for Separation Anxiety, after recently reading Annabel Monaghan's substack recommending the novel. I'll read anything Monaghan endorses. That being said.. while Separation Anxiety was deftly written, the storyline was a bit too depressing for my taste. I read the book en route to Italy, and even my plane Klonopin didn't combat my jitters from the novel's content. The book follows a middle-aged mom contending with an aloof teenage son, a broken marriage, a best friend dying, etc. It's a lot. The novel is ultimately hopeful and has charming parts, but I wouldn't suggest it for a vacation.
Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
I'm not usually a short story gal, but anything Curtis Sittenfeld writes is up my alley. Sittenfeld's writing is fantastic. I was wooed by her first novel Prep, and I've been a fangirl ever since. The stories in Show Don't Tell are realistic and engrossing. I didn't want them to end.
AES