January check-in (and new person to follow)
Hi everyone,
Happy we-are-in-February! I hope you are all doing well. If you’re like the rest of *gestures widely* everyone-else, you might be tired or just over it *gestures widely again*. Y’all, gracious, I get it. If that’s you, I wanted to jump on real quick and give you a recommendation on a new person to follow.
In January, I read 9 books. (FYI: Being off of social media completely frees up a lot of time. Who knew…I highly recommend it). One of the books I read is by a friend I’ve mentioned before, Dr. Holly Oxhandler. If you’ve followed me, you’ll recognize that name. She’s written some beautiful posts for us about mental health during the pandemic that is really raw and real. And, guess what?
She started her own Substack and her book is about to come out.
So, I wanted to tell you that so you can go subscribe to her Substack and get her book if you haven’t already. She is a voice we need right now in this phase of the pandemic. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t struggled with mental health (fear, anxiety, depression) these past two years, and she is an expert to help guide us through the hard and the good. If you’re struggling with burn-out or fatigue or parenting or exhaustion with life or caregiving or being in healthcare, I highly recommend her work. As a real-life-friend, she’s also one of the kindest and most empathetic people you’ll meet. And, her story (which is in the book) of her own struggles and overcoming is pretty powerful. I think a lot of us will relate to her story, particularly over the past few years, if you’ve struggled. She’s one of those people that can help you slow - down - and - breathe - in - and - out with a good cup of tea or coffee through her writing. If you read her book, you’ll find out that she wasn’t always like that. So, she understands and writes from a deep well of experience and empathy.
Someone described her writing like a slow exhale and embrace. I think that’s a perfect description.
(She writes about spirituality but not in a pushy way and not all the time. I found her book really accessible for people who consider themselves spiritual and other people who don’t at all. I think her writings are helpful to all of us regardless.)
So, go subscribe to her substack if you need a slow exhale and a friend who “gets it”.
Here’s her substack:
Here’s her book:
- Templeton Press is currently offering a 40% discount + free shipping on their website, bringing the cost per hardcover copy down to $15 (from $25).
- She’s launching a Goodreads giveaway (Jan 31 - Feb 28) to give away 30 copies of the book to fellow helpers who enter the giveaway.
- Those who preorder a copy can access the free Companion Guide, which includes a couple of playlists that pair with the book, a facilitator guide for reading groups, recommended reading list, and more. This would be a great resource for groups to go through together - especially clergy groups or leaders.
Continue to stay safe, friends! I’m headed back to teaching an amazing group of students and reading some more. Until next time…
Emily
**I didn’t turn subscriptions back on since I’m still teaching. I will definitely know beforehand if I do though.