Inspiration

Sometimes I get stuck. So stuck. Here are some resources that helped heal me, changed my perspective, and got me out of the pit.

books for emotional growth

Mastering Your Mean Girl by Melissa Ambrosini
This book. This book changed my life. It's an interactive workbook that helps the reader recognize their inner dialogue. And for me, my inner dialogue was mean. SO mean. Sometimes we don't realize the narratives we are constantly playing in our own minds, and because of those narratives, our lives are not as happy, joyous, or abundant as we would like. If you're looking to stop that inner negative chatter, grab a copy of this book!

Instagram: melissaambrosini
Podcast: The Melissa Ambrosini Show

Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz
I will say this: Mastery of Love is not for the faint of heart. The content pushed me to let go of my definition of love, one that stemmed from Disney, co-dependency and past experience, and face myself. After many years of self-work, and reading this book, I began to realize what everyone meant by the adage: "you have to love yourself before you can love someone else." If you're ready to take the next steps to leave a negative relationship, or work towards building a new one, this book is for you.

And this book isn't simply about healing intimate relationships. Ruiz covers self, family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. You name it, he's ready to help you tackle it!

I also highly recommend his other works including The Four Agreements!

Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul
By: Melody Beattie
I don't know what I did before I discovered this book. One of my favorite yoga instructors used to read a passage right before we settled into Savassana, and it seemed like every passage she selected was meant for me in that moment.
Set up by date, each passage gives the reader a short, daily meditation with mantra. Personally, I read the daily meditation in the morning and try to bring myself back into the lesson during the day. I've found it's a great way to start my day and get my mind and my heart aligned.

Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
While I was in grad school, my roommate/good friend gave me this book. Upon reflection, I feel like this book is the reason I got my anxiety under control. Through short vignettes, Hanh reminded me to slow down in a way that felt natural and relatable. We forget how amazing it is that we are on this planet and how even something as simple as walking down the street or chewing our food can become a meditative moment that can bring peace and clarity. We just have to tune in and listen.

Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe
by Yumi Sakugawa
One of my best friends bought me this book during a time of transformation, for her and myself. I have since purchased this book for others in my life. Some young, some old. Some I know well. Some I've just met. If you're looking to break into the idea of connecting with energy, the universe, and yourself, I highly recommend this book. Set up into lessons, this "picture" book is for someone who doesn't necessarily want to read a long diatribe about change and spirituality. It will have you rolling around in the grass, connecting to that piece of you you long to remember.

The Places That Scare You by Pema Chodron
I found this book during an anxious phase. I was in a place where I felt stuck, and literally everything caused horrific fear. I saw this book in a stack a friend had posted on her Instagram, and it felt right. Of course, I got right in the car and went to one of my favorite places, one of the only places I will leave my house to go in a bout of anxiety--Barnes and Noble. True Story.
I had three main takeaways from this book:
1. The places that scare me are actually inside of me.
2. How to be a Bodhicitta Warrior.
3. Everyone is fighting a battle. When someone is a dick, wish them love, and peace, and solace. Think about what this world would look like if we all practiced that simple action.

Books for the artist

Dancing with the Gods: Reflections on Life and Art by Kent Nerburn
If you are an artist--a writer, a sculptor, painter, thespian, ANYTHING--and
you're looking for some inspiration, this book is for you. It doesn't matter if you're
just starting out or if you're a 20 year veteran, this books reminds us all that living
in the shoes of an artist is not easy, but if it calls to your soul, never give up that dream.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Many know Gilbert's novel, Eat, Pray, Love. I've never read it. I never felt called to it. But a good friend/healer recommended Big Magic when I was trying to write a novel about relationships. I kept getting stuck. I couldn't seem to get myself going with an idea that took off. Big Magic changed all that. By telling personal stories involving her life, her writing and her heart, Gilbert weaves in tales of what it means to be a writer and how to get out of your own way. If you're trying to chase your writing passion, this book may be for you. If you've suffered divorce, this book might be for you. If you want to change your life, this book is definitely for you.

the classics

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
When I was in my early twenties, I was consistently attending raves. At the time, Instagram and most social media apps didn't exist, so to get in touch with anyone you didn't know, your only option was email. I remember emailing one of my favorite djs who also happened to be a teacher. He recommended Frankenstein, and my life was instantly changed. If you've read the book, read it again. If you "read it in high school," read it again. If you've never read the book, what the hell are you waiting for? Shelley captures the human condition in a time where religion was slowly slipping away to technology and the self was starting to be rediscovered.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
In high school, I did enough to get by. I was that kid who could listen to a lecture and get a B on the exam without opening a book. (Man, did karma hit me hard in the first years of teaching...) Ms. F, my senior English teacher, politely forced me to read this book. Because she KNEW it would resonate with me. She even promised me a grade for reading the first chapter. Challenge accepted. However, she won. I read the first 3 chapters and ran into school to talk to her about it. I have tears in my eyes writing this passage because she and/or this book are the reasons I became an English teacher.
Huxley captures the dangers of technology and the removal of emotions from society. While published in 1931, it couldn't be more relevant in today's climate. I am blessed to teach AP Literature and share this book with a new generation of thinkers.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
NOPE. Just read it.

Beloved by Toni Morrison
I read Morrison for the first time in grad school. I'd never read anything like her work. It's so raw and poetic, yet soft and comforting. I currently teach this novel in my AP Lit class, and at the end of the year, most kids pick this as their favorite read.

This novel highlights the real effects of slavery and the resulting generational trauma POC suffer. It's an important read for all.

Trigger Warning: rape, sexual assault, and violence.

Fictional Escapes

The Dresden Files Series by Jim Butcher
The Dresden Files reminded me that I am, in fact, a reader. This is not to say I had stopped reading, but between undergrad and grad school, you get caught in forced texts. This book series is about a wizard in modern-day Chicago who is simply looking to save the world. Harry's voice is sarcastic, honest and self-depreciating, and the plot twists will keep you reading until 2am.
Jim Butcher is currently writing the 16th book in the series and is currently on chapter 60. It's been over five years...I. can't. wait.

Podcasts

RadioLab
I love this podcast. It's science-y but accessible by all. You don't need a PhD to understand the concepts being explored. If you're nerdy and like to learn random information about plants, animals, the brain--this will be your jam!
My Favorite Episodes:
Bullshit Jobs-9/3/18
Smarty Plants-2/13/18
Alpha Gal-10/26/16

Reply All
These guys fill my heart. Articulate and creative, Alex and PJ explore weird technological phenomena from internet scams and robocalling to crazy adventures of micro-dosing acid and hunting down random people in online pictures. They breakdown popular Twitter posts and comment on memes. It's a feel-good podcast that will teach you a thing or two about the world wide web.
My Favorite Episodes:
#44 Shine on You Crazy Goldman
#56 Zardulu
#79 Boy in Photo
# 102/103 Long Distance Part I & II
#Every episode of Yes, Yes, No

This American Life by NPR
I remember making fun of talk-radio when I was a kid, vowing to never be "that" kind of adult. Fast-forward? Yeah, you get it. I went through a period of time where music was a trigger for me. Every song sang a tragedy in my heart. I had to look for another respite. Before I realized what a podcast was, I started with NPR in the car, and before I knew it, I was filling my mind, heart, and soul with stories from all over the globe. This American Life focuses on one theme per episode with several "acts" exploring the main idea. Educational and interesting.
My Favorite Episodes:
#666 The Theme That Shall Not Be Named
#610 Grand Gesture

ALSO CHECK OUT NPR'S OTHER PODCASTS: Hidden Brain and Invisibilia!
Both dig deep into the human psyche by exploring patterns, conditioning and emotions through personal stories. It's good stuff.

Hidden Brain Invisibilia
My Favorite Episodes: My Favorite Episodes:
4/15/19 The Sorting Hat 4/12/19 The End of Empathy
10/22/18 Be the Change 4/5/19 A Very Offensive Rom Com
5/21/18 Rewinding and Rewriting 1/16/15 Fearless
4/30/18 The Fox and the Hedgehog

Documentaries

Heal on Netflix
When I stumbled upon this documentary, it was at a time in my life when I needed optimism and the power of positive thinking. This documentary is both of those things. It follows the lives of different people as they battle chronic diseases, showing alternative healing methods intertwined with modern medicine. The documentary reminds us how powerful the mind can be and that there is more to the healing process than simply modern medicinal practices.

Instagram-ers

Here are a few Instagram accounts/people that give me hope, help me break addictions/patterns, and to put it simply, make me think, learn, and smile.

@_queenmojo
@yogaisdeadpodcast with Tejal Patel and Jesal Parikh
@hownottotravellikeabasicbitch with Dr. Kiona
@yassmin_a with Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Lynette Duncan @oracleofyoursoul
@thegoodquote.co
@awakeningpeople
Oenone F @oenone
Jameela Jamil @jameelajamilofficial; @i_weigh
Shalom Blac-shalomblac
Russel Brand @trewrussellbrand
@nayyirah.waheed
Megan Jayne Crabbe @bodyposipanda
the_higher_self__
Phil Good @philgoodlife
@therealjenbretty with Jen Bretty
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie @chimamanda_adichie (watch her Ted Talk-Danger of a Single Story!)
Brene Brown @brenebrown
Elizabeth Gilbert @elizabeth_gilbert_writer
Jamie Windust @jamie_windust
Chaka Bars @chakabars
@rachel.cargle with Rachel Elizabeth Cargle
@native7979 with Veronicanne

Movies. For All.

The Matrix
Anyone who knows me has had me tell them they must watch this movie. Look, you can say what you want about it, but I truly feel it depicts a pretty solid allegorical approach to mirroring society's complacency and/or lack of awareness. IMO, it's important to know who you are and what your intentions are in Capitalist America. Are you really making your own choices or is the media making them for you? I ask myself that question every single day. Plus, Keanu.

The Marvel Universe
I am a straight up sucker for anything where the good are battling against an evil force. I thought Infinity War was hard...sobbing doesn't even begin to cover what happened during End Game.
Faves:
The Avengers
Winter Solider
Thor: Ragnarok
Black Panther

Only You
This one...is going to shock some friends. I watch a lot of rom-coms. And I tell no one. I'm working on it. #Aquariuslife
I believe in synchhronicity and signs and real love that extends beyond the physical. This movie contains all of those things. I highly recommend it.

Star Wars
Insert same thematic ideas about Marvel here.
Good versus evil. Sci-fi space shit. Love stories.
Faves:
The original trilogy
Rogue One
The Last Jedi

Curse of the Golden Flower
It's so visually beautiful. I'm not sure what else to say. Just go watch it.