Hey Jess - was trying to find your Substack email but couldn’t. Please could you send it to me or feel free to email me at sonaltpatel2007@gmail.com. I wanted to ask you a question but not on this thread - thanks! Have a lovely day! Sonal ☺️
Your curations are excellent, Jess! This quote resonated with me:
‘sometimes even the ‘work’ of relationships doesn’t feel like work at all – actually, it’s just maintenance. A series of daily decisions we make in order not to take the people we love for granted.’
That quote is a lovely reminder of something I try to keep front of mind as much as possible, too! Sometimes we don't realise that we're deciding whether to prioritise people or not through our actions, but it's so important to remember.
I'm so glad you liked "Lessons In Chemistry" (Six! Thirty!!!)! I had no idea that it's already being adapted for TV though - absolutely can't wait for that!! I've also read and really enjoyed "Olive", and I love pretty much anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid, though I haven't read "One True Loves" 😊
Thanks for these helpful reviews, Jess! I'm intrigued by "Stolen Focus," especially because I put a one hour limit on my social apps a few weeks ago as an experiment to see if it would make me more productive. I don't know as I'm more productive, but maybe slightly less distracted. Will definitely check out your other recommendations too.
I want to get back into it already! Are you carrying on with the experiment?
Whenever I set tech/social media boundaries it always goes really well for me, but then I end up eventually getting sucked back in (or in a different way).
I’m still hanging in, but I have cheated a little. After being locked out of Instagram on my phone, I have peeked on my computer. 😀But I’m still spending way less time on the apps and more time watching the birds in my yard.
I am now in the process of purchasing The School for Good Mothers! I'm also intrigued by Stolen Focus. I'm with you on Lessons in Chemistry - such a great read! And the character of Elizabeth Zott is fantastic x
Glad you enjoyed lessons in chemistry! I’ve also read the school for good mothers and agree it was captivating. Currently reading “I’m sorry you feel that way” by Rebecca Wait about a family fallout - not exactly joyful but very well written.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry too! I loved Elizabeth Zott as a character. Stolen Focus sounds right up my street as a marketer too. I really enjoyed Book Lovers from your last book reco I’m now about to start You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry next and am reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin as my non-fiction pick. I would definitely recommend Olive, there are so few childfree narratives in fiction and non-fiction for that matter but this is a good one.
Oooh, let me know if you get round to Stolen Focus! I'm glad you enjoyed Book Lovers, I'd be interested to hear if Emily Henry's other novels are good!
How are you getting on with The Creative Act? I hadn't heard of that one.
...That's definitely one of the reasons that Olive appeals to me!
The Creative Act is a very easy read with little nuggets of wisdom on creativity from Rick Rubin who was a music producer for a lot of famous bands. That book was literally chasing me down. Everywhere I looked there was a quote from it.
I have yet to finish conversations on love but wow is it good. I guess it is one of those books you can keep referring to and keep coming back to at different points in your life. Perhaps you can't relate to it all at once and some of the wisdom could be useful later on. I was a subscriber to the newsletter originally so I probably have read most of them but so far it has all felt as equally fulfilling as the first time I have read them. I'm not really a re-reader but it's definitely one of those rare books I'll keep for some time I think.
Love how you read books again, Jess. I agree it’s meaningful to do that and find joy in doing so too.
This quote from Natasha! 😀
‘I’ve learnt that the action of love is everything. It’s physical touch, it’s picking up the phone, it’s going to see someone, it’s saying what you believe or need to say, and it’s doing those things again and again. Love consistently asks you to be answerable to it in actions.’ (Lemn Sissay)
Made me think LOVE is a verb, not a noun or just an invisible, internal feeling. To bring it out with enthusiasm and external action is a great expression, of love.
Going to make that my meditation for next week. Thank you for this gift!
By the way have you read “8 Rules of Love” by Jay Shetty? Really feel he makes that point Natasha made well too, about
‘you don’t really find love at all; you create it’
We don’t find love with some perfect person, we choose to make it work (create love) with the people we love
Nice! Values - totally agree. I know you like your quotes, so I will share this favourite of mine from Jay in 8 rules of love:
“We may be attracted by their greatness, but we pay more attention to the sweetness.
Knowledge and intelligence isn’t a bad place to start. But it’s not a good place to end.”
I just feel it’s so nice that we learn to love people for their attitude and not their aptitude, their values (like you mentioned!) not their externals.
The real person within :)
By the way are you on instagram? Would love to connect if you are and would like to. Is there a way to send a DM on Substack? I am new here.
Hey Jess - was trying to find your Substack email but couldn’t. Please could you send it to me or feel free to email me at sonaltpatel2007@gmail.com. I wanted to ask you a question but not on this thread - thanks! Have a lovely day! Sonal ☺️
Your curations are excellent, Jess! This quote resonated with me:
‘sometimes even the ‘work’ of relationships doesn’t feel like work at all – actually, it’s just maintenance. A series of daily decisions we make in order not to take the people we love for granted.’
Thank you so much, Rachael. :)
That quote is a lovely reminder of something I try to keep front of mind as much as possible, too! Sometimes we don't realise that we're deciding whether to prioritise people or not through our actions, but it's so important to remember.
Stolen Focus is a favorite for me! Have you read Lost Connections by him? I read and liked One True Loves too!
Yes, I have - that's what made me want to read Stolen Focus! Loved them both!
Ooo, I'll look forward to One True Loves too then!
:)
I'm so glad you liked "Lessons In Chemistry" (Six! Thirty!!!)! I had no idea that it's already being adapted for TV though - absolutely can't wait for that!! I've also read and really enjoyed "Olive", and I love pretty much anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid, though I haven't read "One True Loves" 😊
I've read Olive now too - really enjoyed!
Thanks for these helpful reviews, Jess! I'm intrigued by "Stolen Focus," especially because I put a one hour limit on my social apps a few weeks ago as an experiment to see if it would make me more productive. I don't know as I'm more productive, but maybe slightly less distracted. Will definitely check out your other recommendations too.
No problem, Hilary! I'm glad they were helpful.
I want to get back into it already! Are you carrying on with the experiment?
Whenever I set tech/social media boundaries it always goes really well for me, but then I end up eventually getting sucked back in (or in a different way).
I’m still hanging in, but I have cheated a little. After being locked out of Instagram on my phone, I have peeked on my computer. 😀But I’m still spending way less time on the apps and more time watching the birds in my yard.
sounds lovely!! :)
Great reviews again Jess, thank you :)
I am now in the process of purchasing The School for Good Mothers! I'm also intrigued by Stolen Focus. I'm with you on Lessons in Chemistry - such a great read! And the character of Elizabeth Zott is fantastic x
Thanks so much, Lyndsay!
Ooo, I hope it's a good read for you, I'd love to know how you get on!
Even if I don't watch the TV show, I'd love to see Elizabeth's casting/character! :)
Glad you enjoyed lessons in chemistry! I’ve also read the school for good mothers and agree it was captivating. Currently reading “I’m sorry you feel that way” by Rebecca Wait about a family fallout - not exactly joyful but very well written.
Thank you!
Oooh, that sounds interesting.
I'm mid-Stolen Focus at the moment and looooove his writing style. Adding Lessons in Chemistry to my shelf rn!!
It's great isn't it! Have you read Lost Connections?!
:)
I’m so pleased you enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry too! I loved Elizabeth Zott as a character. Stolen Focus sounds right up my street as a marketer too. I really enjoyed Book Lovers from your last book reco I’m now about to start You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry next and am reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin as my non-fiction pick. I would definitely recommend Olive, there are so few childfree narratives in fiction and non-fiction for that matter but this is a good one.
Oooh, let me know if you get round to Stolen Focus! I'm glad you enjoyed Book Lovers, I'd be interested to hear if Emily Henry's other novels are good!
How are you getting on with The Creative Act? I hadn't heard of that one.
...That's definitely one of the reasons that Olive appeals to me!
The Creative Act is a very easy read with little nuggets of wisdom on creativity from Rick Rubin who was a music producer for a lot of famous bands. That book was literally chasing me down. Everywhere I looked there was a quote from it.
I have yet to finish conversations on love but wow is it good. I guess it is one of those books you can keep referring to and keep coming back to at different points in your life. Perhaps you can't relate to it all at once and some of the wisdom could be useful later on. I was a subscriber to the newsletter originally so I probably have read most of them but so far it has all felt as equally fulfilling as the first time I have read them. I'm not really a re-reader but it's definitely one of those rare books I'll keep for some time I think.
Love hearing your perspective! I'm definitely going to hold onto it and dip in again.
:)
Love how you read books again, Jess. I agree it’s meaningful to do that and find joy in doing so too.
This quote from Natasha! 😀
‘I’ve learnt that the action of love is everything. It’s physical touch, it’s picking up the phone, it’s going to see someone, it’s saying what you believe or need to say, and it’s doing those things again and again. Love consistently asks you to be answerable to it in actions.’ (Lemn Sissay)
Made me think LOVE is a verb, not a noun or just an invisible, internal feeling. To bring it out with enthusiasm and external action is a great expression, of love.
Going to make that my meditation for next week. Thank you for this gift!
By the way have you read “8 Rules of Love” by Jay Shetty? Really feel he makes that point Natasha made well too, about
‘you don’t really find love at all; you create it’
We don’t find love with some perfect person, we choose to make it work (create love) with the people we love
Love takes mutual, intentional effort
It’s not a mechanical, random process
Sonal 🦋
Thanks so much for your lovely comment.
I am actually reading Jay’s book at the moment! Thoroughly enjoying it and I agree love is a verb for me too.
Love all the quotes!
Lovely to have you here Sonal! :)
Ah what are the chances - I love it when moments like this align! 😀 Anything that’s really resonated in Jay’s ‘8 Rules of Love’ so far for you, Jess?
Any thanks for welcoming me to be here with you and your community! 🦋🫶
Oh, so many things. Getting to know and sharing your values!
What about for you?!
:)
Nice! Values - totally agree. I know you like your quotes, so I will share this favourite of mine from Jay in 8 rules of love:
“We may be attracted by their greatness, but we pay more attention to the sweetness.
Knowledge and intelligence isn’t a bad place to start. But it’s not a good place to end.”
I just feel it’s so nice that we learn to love people for their attitude and not their aptitude, their values (like you mentioned!) not their externals.
The real person within :)
By the way are you on instagram? Would love to connect if you are and would like to. Is there a way to send a DM on Substack? I am new here.
So nice to hear your experience with them too! Are you reading anything great at the moment?