It's...almost spring?!
Hi friends,
It’s been eye opening to focus on hope for this newsletter, because it’s made me scan my environment (and basically, the entire internet) for all things hopeful. A great side effect of this is that it’s has boosted my own mood and outlook. As I wrote in The Unlikely Village of Eden, looking on the bright side is something I try to do, with mixed success.
I also want to note that this newsletter won’t be all rainbows—although rainbows are amazing. All levels of hope are understood, accepted, and supported in this space! I am a therapist, after all, so don’t feel like you have to be some hyper-positive person who eats hope for breakfast in order to belong here. Just be who you are, and that’s certainly good enough.
I promised to make this short, so here it goes. See below for three things that give me hope right now:
Growing herbs
Not those kind of herbs! I’m talking about the culinary stuff. Are you feeling down on yourself? Need to feel successful at something, anything? Herbs are a good bet. You just need sunshine—shade is not your friend here—and once you get started, you won’t have to do that much. Which is my favorite kind of project. Put some soil in a big pot, and gently add in some basil or mint or chive starts (note: chives may or may not actually be an herb). Water occasionally, and watch nature do its best work. We know intuitively that plants feel good to be around, and there is also a growing body of research that supports how plants boost mood, reduce stress levels, and recharge us (Das, 2022).
The Everwood Farmstead Foundation
A visionary couple created this artist retreat and foundation to support creators and spark community. I was fortunate enough to visit this gorgeous farm this past August for a one-week artist residency. I would highly recommend it to any artist who would like a quiet space to reflect and work at their own pace. Start looking in the fall for applications for summer 2024, and in the meantime, check out their events and overall greatness at https://www.everwoodfarmsteadfoundation.org/
Wajahat Ali: Three lessons on hope in challenging times TED Talk
https://www.ted.com/talks/wajahat_ali_3_lessons_on_hope_in_challenging_times?language=en
I would be grateful if you took the extra but easy step of forwarding this to someone who might enjoy a little pop of hope in their inbox. The Unlikely Village of Eden will make it into the hands of readers because of people like you who are willing to share the news with those you love (or like!). This is that kind of grassroots party.
I appreciate your support very much!
Emma
Ps. Follow me at @emmanadlerwrites as I learn to use the internet! It will be like following your grandmother, but with (possibly) cuter outfits. I don’t know, and I’m sure she looks great.
Pps. Link to the article about the benefits of plants by Lala Tanmoy Das
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/06/06/how-houseplants-can-boost-your-mood/
Ppps. Also, please come celebrate the book launch of The Unlikely Village of Eden with me on Friday, April 28th at Magers & Quinn in Uptown, Minneapolis. FREE, register here! https://www.magersandquinn.com/event/Emma-Nadler-presents-The-Unlikely-Village-of-Eden/183