Restorative Reading and Writing for Wellness

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m sharing all the details on my personal book apothecary for April 2026.Each month, I choose a one-word theme to guide my intentions and create a book apothecary to help me breathe that word into existence through reading, writing and learning. This month, my chosen one word theme is: RELEASE.If you follow the astrological calendar, then you know we just ended the year of the snake and just entered the year of the horse. Apparently, that means we’ve been shedding what no longer serves us to make room for more of what does. Technically, according to the calendar, I should be done shedding by now, but I’m not. =)I’m feeling called to release old expectations, leave old routines and rituals behind and even throw out at least half of the clothes in my closet. I’m wanting to let go of old grudges, release lingering negativity and reduce inflammation in my body, too. Hence, the word RELEASE.For me, the best way to welcome a new way of thinking, feeling and being into my life is through reading and writing, paying careful attention to the books I surround myself with and the prompts I write from so I can take inspired action in my life.Here’s my current book apothecary ready to help me RELEASE this month. Scroll to see the contents below and press play on the podcast episode talking all about it.Restorative Reading:The three books I’ve chosen focusing on three different aspects of RELEASE I’d like to explore: release in my physical body, release in my emotional mind and release in my object-filled home. Here are the books in my apothecary this month along with the publishers blurb for each of them:Healing with Somatic Yoga: A 6-Week Journey to Release Emotions, Rewire Your Nervous System, and Reclaim Your Body by Brett LarkinAmazonIn 6 weeks, learn a groundbreaking somatic system that blends the three essential models of body-based healing. Whether you crave gentle nervous system regulation, cathartic emotional release, or the healing power of self-touch, this book offers a revolutionary approach to coming home to your body—not just another collection of gentle poses.Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Amazon / BookshopIn the fifth book in the sensational Before the Coffee Gets Cold series translated from Japanese, the mysterious café where customers arrive hoping to travel back in time welcomes four new guests:- The father who could not allow his daughter to get married- A woman who couldn’t give Valentine’s Day chocolates to her loved one- A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents- A wife holding a child with no name . . .They must follow the café’s strict rules, however, and come back to the present before their coffee goes cold. Another moving and heartwarming tale from Toshikazu Kawaguchi, in Before We Forget Kindness our new visitors wish to go back into their past to move on their present, finding closure and comfort so they can embark on a beautiful future.They Left Us Everything: A Memoir by Plum Johnson (Amazon / Bookshop)After almost twenty years of caring for elderly parents—first for their senile father, and then for their cantankerous ninety-three-year-old mother—author Plum Johnson and her three younger brothers experience conflicted feelings of grief and relief when their mother, the surviving parent, dies.Now they must empty and sell the beloved family home, which hasn’t been de-cluttered in more than half a century. Twenty-three rooms bulge with history, antiques, and oxygen tanks. Plum remembers her loving but difficult parents who could not have been more different: the British father, a handsome, disciplined patriarch who nonetheless could not control his opinionated, extroverted Southern-belle wife who loved tennis and gin gimlets. The task consumes her, becoming more rewarding than she ever imagined.Items from childhood trigger memories of her eccentric family growing up in a small town on the shores of Lake Ontario in the 1950’s and 60’s. But unearthing new facts about her parents helps her reconcile those relationships with a more accepting perspective about who they were and what they valued.They Left Us Everything is a funny, touching memoir about the importance of preserving family history to make sense of the past and nurturing family bonds to safeguard the future.These are the three central texts that make up my apothecary this month, but I’m always open to new suggestions and adding along the way. If you have suggestions, let me know in the comments!Plus, if you’d like to get access to my bibliotherapy book calendar embracing this theme with a book recommendation for every day of the month, join my Restorative Reading & Writing Circle here on Substack!Restorative Writing:I’m focused on two kinds of restorative writing this month: expressive and affirmative. My expressive writing practice has truly brought so much release and pain relief in the past and I’m doubling down on that practice this month. I plan to listen to my body and heart and write freely about what needs to go. If you want to learn more about this special kind of writing, listen here. Another important aspect of my writing life will focus on affirmations this month. Here’s a podcast episode talking through why this kind of writing matters. For whatever reason, I have a hard time letting go of the typical way I do things and the usual way I think. I plan to write and embody this affirmation from Cathy Heller on repeat throughout the month:I trust myself to acknowledge what nourishes me and release what no longer does. I imagine I might delve into some listicle writing too: lists of things to organize, donate and toss will certainly be one of them!Curiosities to Explore for Inspired Action:Somatic yoga has been calling my name for a while and this month, I’m truly sinking into it to help me release stress and negativity from my body. Brett Larkin’s book is helping me learn, explore and grow and I’ll press play on one or two or ten of her somatic yoga videos, too. Here they are!I’m hoping to learn more about lymphatic release, too. This topic seems to be EVERYWHERE on social media and I want to go underneath the posts to the science and see how it might benefit my health and wellness. This isn’t a curiosity, but it is something I want to do: CLEAN MY CLOSET! Out with the old, in with the new. Out with the old stories, in with the new ones. Clearing clutter is emotional and cleaning your closet is an experience I hope to tackle. Things to Love:Everything. =) I do not want my focus on RELEASE to seem negative: out with the old and in with the new. Instead, I want to embrace that theme with a loving mindset and use love as the guidepost for moving forward. I recently found this poem and cannot get it out of my mind: The Question by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer:All day, I replay these words:Is this the path of love?I think of them as I rise, asI wake my children, as I wash dishes,as I drive too close behind the slowblue Subaru, Is this the path of love?Think of these words as I stand in lineat the grocery store,think of them as I sit on the couchwith my daughter. Amazing howquickly six words become compass,the new lens through which to see myselfin the world. I notice what the question is not.Not, “Is this right?” Not,“Is this wrong?” It just longs to knowhow the action of existencelinks us to the path to love.And is it this? Is it this? All day,I let myself be led by the question.All day I let myself not be too certainof the answer. Is it this?Is this the path of love? I askas I wait for the next word to come.This poem is stunningly beautiful, isn’t it?! This lens of love will guide me all month long, running parallel along with theme of RELEASE, and I hope it guides you, too. If you want more poems like these, add this book to your book apothecary this month.One more thing: Here’s my aromatherapy tincture I’m creating for Spring release: 2 drops Lemon, 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Peppermint. Heavenly.If YOU would like to build your book apothecary with me on the podcast, click here to apply!Once you’ve listened, I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Leave your thoughts in the comments!Let’s Work Together!I love to connect with others around our shared love of reading and writing.Here are some ways we can work together to create a life you love where restorative reading and writing is at the center of it all:🩷 Join my private Substack community for themed book calendars, bonus posts, book clubs and events each month!📚 Connect 1:1 for personalized coaching to unlock the transformative power of your reading and writing life. Click here for bibliotherapy and click here for expressive writing therapy. Let’s work together!Literate love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my message of the magic of restorative reading and writing far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack your favorite nugget of literate love.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow bookish and notebookish friend so they can join the literate love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn free access to my private community!*As an Amazon and Bookshop Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support to keep this bookish community going! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m chatting with Dawn to help her build a book apothecary for the season ahead. Join me as I talk all things books with a listener and build a book apothecary that will serve, soothe and nudge.Dawn is a retired educator who is looking for more grace, more kindness and more peace in this season of her life. She’s been a longtime member of my private Substack community and posed a special challenge for me: to select books for per book apothecary that she already owns as we #readourshelves together throughout the month of March. Challenge accepted! I’ve got just the stack of books for Dawn and bet there are a few that you’ll love, too!Here are the books mentioned in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page (Amazon / Bookshop)Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Amazon / Bookshop)The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye (Amazon / Bookshop)The Practice by Seth Godin (Amazon / Bookshop)Soul Shift: The Weary Human’s Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy by Rachel Macy Stafford (Amazon / Bookshop)The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron (Amazon / Bookshop)Healing with Somatic Yoga: A 6-Week Journey to Release Emotions, Rewire Your Nervous System, and Reclaim Your Body by Brett Larkin (Amazon)Find Dawn on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dawndevoursbooks/If YOU would like to build your book apothecary with me on the podcast, click here to apply!Once you’ve listened, I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Leave your thoughts in the comments!Let’s Work Together!I love to connect with others around our shared love of reading and writing.Here are some ways we can work together to create a life you love where restorative reading and writing is at the center of it all:🩷 Join my private Substack community for themed book calendars, bonus posts, book clubs and events each month!📚 Connect 1:1 for personalized coaching to unlock the transformative power of your reading and writing life. Click here for bibliotherapy and click here for writing therapy. Let’s work together!Literate love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my message of the magic of restorative reading and writing far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack your favorite nugget of literate love.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow bookish and notebookish friend so they can join the literate love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn free access to my private community! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m revealing the newest addition to my restorative writing framework and inviting you to create a personal correspondence kit. Come listen as I quickly review what restorative writing is and the seven different kinds of writing you might explore. Then, we’ll dive deeper into the newest addition to my framework: connective writing that keeps us tethered to other people, to new possibilities and to belonging. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/03/10/connective-writing-correspondence-kits/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m chatting with Nikki Russell, the illustrator behind the NY Times Best-selling series DORK DIARIES, about her innovative journaling notebook: the planary.Come listen as we explore exactly what a planary is, the way that Nikki approaches her own planary stack, the notebookish bling and tools that make a planary the perfect tool for wellness and much more. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear as you soak up Nikki’s infectious energy and enthusiasm. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/03/03/the-joy-of-blending-notebooks-the-planary-with-nikki-russell/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m launching a new segment of the podcast: Build Your Book Apothecary! Join me as I talk all things books with a listener and build a book apothecary that will serve, soothe and nudge.Come listen as I build a book apothecary with Amy! Amy’s looking to feel more at ease in her life as she figures out how to welcome retirement and a slower pace of living. She loves her family, her home and wants to boost her creativity, too. I’ve got just the stack of books for Amy and bet there are a few that you’ll love, too!You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/24/build-your-book-apothecary-with-amy/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m diving deep into the recent craze of creating a personal curriculum for yourself in the new year and why you should create a book apothecary instead. Come listen as I talk about the science and current popularity behind creating personal curriculums, the alternative wellness, creativity and expansion that a book apothecary provides instead and how to tell which one you need right now.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/17/why-a-personal-curriculum-isnt-a-book-apothecary-why-that-matters/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m sharing my favorite books to soothe the mind after a session of expressive writing on the page. Come listen as I talk about what expressive journaling is and share a specific form of it called JournalSpeak from Nicole Sachs. We’ll explore what it is, how it works and the books I recommend for soothing your nervous system once you lift your pencil from the page. This practice has changed my life and I know it can help yours, too. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/10/books-to-soothe-the-mind-after-journalspeak/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m sharing the science-based research behind the magical potential of reading to help us manifest ANYTHING that we want in our lives from wellness and creativity to personal and professional accomplishments.Come listen as I talk about the inspiration for today’s episode, detail the exact science you need to know about to harness the true power of books and offer a few titles that can help you get started manifesting your best life one book at a time.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/02/03/how-reading-can-help-you-manifest-anything/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m revealing a new category in my restorative writing framework and I’m offering a simple, yet powerful, tool for deciding exactly which kind of journaling you need next.Come listen as I talk about the reason why I created the restorative writing framework and decision three, the two questions you need to ask yourself to get started and the eight different writing prompts you can choose from to find exactly the one you need next.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: ⁠https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/27/get-rid-of-journaling-decision-fatigue-with-this-tool/⁠Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at ⁠www.getliterate.co⁠. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: ⁠https://amzn.to/44wELKN⁠If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: ⁠https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife⁠All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: ⁠http://www.alitlife.com/⁠ ⁠Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit⁠Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m walking you through a simple self-reflection tool to find out EXACTLY what your reading life needs next and the simple strategies to get there.Come listen as I talk about the quick and easy assessment tool to help you decide exactly what your reading life needs and offer nine recommendations to help you get there. We’ll go deep into your reading habits, explore what your reading heart is after and decide if you need to broaden your reading community, too.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/20/heres-exactly-what-your-reading-life-needs-next/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m sharing three ways you can winterize your reading and writing life for wellness.Come listen as I talk about why reading and writing look a bit different in winter than in any other season, three ways you can make your reading and writing life warmer, cozier and more wintery and the science behind why all of this matters anyway.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/13/winterize-your-reading-writing-life-for-wellness/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m exploring the science behind why we should theme our reading lives around intentional one-word themes, curiosities or questions and how we can do it joyfully.Come listen as I share the science behind the practice, offer concrete ideas on how to theme your reading life (and how not to!), how to create a TBR stack and book apothecary that embraces your theme and how to harness the power of the page to create a life you love.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2026/01/06/why-how-you-should-theme-your-reading-life/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m revealing my 2026 notebook stack: all the notebooks I’m using and loving and why. I’ll begin by answering the top 3 questions I receive every time I release my annual notebook stack episodes: Why so many? Why are they so different? How often do you write in them? Plus, I’ll share why I’m shifting my focus a bit this year, too. Then, I’ll walk you through each of my notebooks: what they are for, what they look like and how they feel, how I’ll use it and how often I’ll write in it.Finally, I’ll end with a mic-drop question that could change the way you think about notebooking and journaling forever.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/30/my-2026-notebook-stack/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m inviting you to give yourself permission for a holiday pause, a bit of time to drop into your restorative reading and writing practice against a backdrop of beautiful, instrumental holiday music.Come listen as I give a quick hello, offer a few things you might do during this time and invite you to settle in for some restorative rest. You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/23/your-holiday-permission-to-pause/No Copyright Background MusicChristmas Music Mix   • 🎅 Christmas Music No Copyright Free Cozy Winter Holiday Background Instrumental MusicLove this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m diving deep into epigraphs and why they are an essential element of a restorative reading and writing practice.Come listen as I share my real-time reading life and the book that sparked this episode, what epigraphs are and why they matter for restorative reading and writing and how you can harness their power in your own reading and writing lifeYou’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/16/book-chapter-epigraphs-as-restorative-invitations/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m exploring how restorative writing can help us write our way to, through and beyond the holiday season. Come listen as I share why restorative writing can support you through the holidays with less stress and more joy and provide seven different ways for you to show up on the page based on what your particular holiday season looks and feels like. Remember, the page has your back. =)You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/09/writing-our-way-through-the-holidays-seven-invitations/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m diving into my favorite personality framework as a tool to help you build and grow your reading life: the Four Tendencies Framework created by Gretchen Rubin. Come listen as I share why right now is the perfect time of year to dive into this work, provide a quick overview of the Four Tendencies Framework and list ways you can boost your reading habits based on your particular tendency. I promise you, this episode could be a game-changer for your reading life.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/12/02/how-the-four-tendencies-can-grow-your-reading-habit/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m sharing my current favorite gifts to help others grow a restorative reading and writing practice….and my own, too. =)Come listen as I open with a quick reminder of the elements essential to a restorative practice and link each to a host of gifts you could share this holiday season. Think handmade gifts of time, unexpected notebook delights, aromatherapy that brings the holiday spirit and much, much more.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/25/holiday-gifts-for-restorative-reading-writing/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m exploring my newest notebook obsession: creating a restorative recipe notebook. It’s a notebook full of my own personal recipes and the recipes that have been handed down to me. I recently shared my new project with my Get Lit(erate). community in hopes they’d offer suggestions and they did not disappoint.Come listen as I open the episode with this new idea and talk about why I’ve chosen a new format to do so. We’ll explore the power of recipes as restorative writing, the varied ways you might create your own recipe notebook and hopefully, you’ll share your ideas with me as I piece together my own.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/18/create-a-restorative-recipe-notebook/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m exploring a particular reading practice: book annotation and marginalia. It’s something I’ve typically avoided in the past for various reasons, but am now ready to explore with gusto because of my recent book relay. Come listen as I share the experience that made me change my mind about marginalia, the various ways that you might choose to annotate your book pages, why the practice is so important to the reading experience and much more.You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/11/e204-finding-magic-in-the-margins-of-book-pages/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit alitlife.substack.com/subscribe