What’s on my bedside table this summer…
Basking in the sun with a good book…what’s not to like?
I usually have 6-8 books on the go.
They live next to my bed in an unsteady pile.
I love dipping into them as the mood takes me.
Some I am re-reading, like old friends, some are new discoveries.
The pile is a menu of sorts, which I browse before bed.
Usually there’s a novel, some fascinating take on how to thrive, and some poetry.
Perhaps some nature literature too…and whatever else seems interesting.
What are you reading this summer?
The Shepherd's Life was one of those ‘whatever else seems interesting’ books that I picked up while browsing.
I didn’t know what to expect, and I loved it.
It is the story of a man, and his relationship with the land.
He just happens to be a sheep farmer and an Oxford graduate who couldn’t write by hand until his late teens.
This unique coupling has resulted in a fascinating, honest account of life.
He describes the deep love of home that working with the land brings him and his family. They have farmed in the same area for 600 years.
Literally weathering all seasons creates a deep love and respect of the natural world.
This connection generates a solid sense of self and purpose.
And it got me thinking…what brings us a sense solid sense of connection?
The Poetry Pharmacy Series are two of my favourite poetry books. I give them as gifts.
They do just what they say on the tin.
They provide a place to browse for inspiration or solace, whatever you are feeling.
For me, the magic seems to lie in the connection I feel when that poem describes so beautifully that feeling of mine.
It cures me of the loneliness that comes with thinking ‘I am the only one who ever felt this way.’
Instead I have a light bulb moment - that the author must have felt this way too…
And then I realise - I am not so alone after all.
When did you last have a light bulb moment?
Explore more:
I’ll be sharing more thoughts on others in the pile in future emails/blogs, watch this space!
Thrive Workshop
I am launching my first open access Thrive Workshop!
Have you booked your spot yet? What are you waiting for? Time’s a wastin…!
It’s a great opportunity to develop tools to sustain your wellbeing despite everything going on.
Join me LIVE as this one ain't being recorded!
I’ll leave you with a lovely poem from the Poetry Pharmacy Returns
“Is it so small a thing
To have enjoy’d the sun,
To have lived light in the spring,
To have loved, to have thought, to have done…?”
I’d love to hear your summer reading plans! Send me an email! I’m on theworkingwellexperience@gmail.com
