When I began writing poetry as a preteen, I invested my allowance in a rhyming dictionary. I rhymed the words “love” and “above” more often than I’d care to admit (with an occasional “dove” in there, too — WHY). I put my whole heart into poems I can only laugh about today; I’m amused and heart-warmed by the complexity I was trying to express with my ten-year-old vocabulary.

As I grew and my language developed further, I began reading the poetry my teachers fed to me in high school. Enchanted by the depths of Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson, I wanted more. But reading poetry outside of a structured academic space proved complicated for me — how do you read, enjoy, analyze, and remember the pieces you most love? Do you read 10 poems in rapid succession? One at a time? Do you have to sit in a velvet housecoat, surrounded by mahogany bookshelves and a crackling fire, to be considered ‘someone who reads poetry’? How do you even start?

“There is no proper way to start,” says Pádraig Ó Tuama, host of Poetry Unbound, a poetry podcast from The On Being Project. “Poetry is a vast ocean. In fact, it’s multiple vast oceans. And each ocean has thousands of beaches leading into it. Nobody will know everything about all the poetry. So if you’re interested, start where you are.”

“Poetry is a vast ocean. In fact, it’s multiple vast oceans. And each ocean has thousands of beaches leading into it. Nobody will know everything about all the poetry. So if you’re interested, start where you are.”

Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poet & Host of Poetry Unbound

How to choose what poetry to read

Poetry is a personal experience — for both the writer and the reader, so there really is an accessible place to start for anyone. I’ve found that poetry anthologies are an excellent place to start because they offer a range of voices within the frames of time periods, places, or topics. Ó Tuama recommends “The Ecco Anthology of International Poetry” edited by Ilya Kaminsky, and also navigating local bookstores and publishers, like Bloodaxe Books, that feature poetry arranged by topic. (If you’re in Los Angeles, I love The Last Bookstore downtown, and Stories in Echo Park).

“Poetry anthologies are an excellent place to start because they offer a range of voices within the frames of time periods, places, or topics.”

To continuously feed yourself new poetry, you can find local literary magazines, subscribe to Poetry Magazine, or sign up for daily poetry emails here or here. For thoughtful and immersive audio poetry, you can also follow the Poetry Unbound podcast, guided by Pádraig Ó Tuama. He recommends starting with the poems featured on that podcast, and also shared some of his other favorite poets: Marie Howe; Eavan Boland; Raymond Antrobus; Ilya Kaminsky (especially “Deaf Republic”); Joy Harjo; and Lorna Goodison.

Once you find a favorite poet, Ó Tuama suggests following the trail of their influences: “A quick online search might help you find out who the poetic influences on your favorite poet are. Reading Raymond Antrobus’ book of poetry ‘The Perseverance’ led me to read more of Caroline Bird’s work, a poet he thanks and admires enormously. Reading Seamus Heaney might lead you to Patrick Kavanagh. Reading Tracy K. Smith might lead you to Emily Dickinson.“

How to read a poem

You’ve selected the poem you want to read — congratulations! Now it’s time for the business of reading it. Here’s my process when I have enough time to truly savor what I’m reading (which, admittedly, isn’t as often as I’d like).

1. Examine the title and the shape of the poem

Before I read a poem, I examine the way it takes up space on the page. I find single-page poems with neat stanzas appealing — although a concrete poem (a poem formatted in a specific shape) is always playful and attention-grabbing. Perhaps meandering and novelesque text immerses you, or maybe you prefer short poems that could fit neatly on a box of TicTacs.

Next, read the title of the poem — how does it make you feel? How does the title fit the shape of the poem? If the title is sad, let the shape of the poem inform the nuance of the emotion — if it’s short and sparse, maybe it’s coming from a place of desolation or desperation. Long chaotic forms might mean it’s coming from a place of confusion or anger.

Now, set your expectations to the side, and begin reading.

2. Read the poem as you normally read anything

“What is it that the poem knows about me that I don’t yet know about me? Maybe it provides a bit of comfort for a part of my life that’s comfortless. Or maybe it provides challenge where I need it.”

Pádraig Ó Tuama

Reading poetry doesn’t require a highfalutin approach; you can read as you’d read anything else. On the first pass through, absorb whatever it is that arises upon first impression. Notice where in the poem you react — maybe your stomach churns at a particular phrase, or you hold your breath at a certain line. Explore the feelings that come up as you read.

“I listen to myself, and wonder what the poem is drawing out of me,” says Ó Tuama. “What is it that the poem knows about me that I don’t yet know about me? Maybe it provides a bit of comfort for a part of my life that’s comfortless. Or maybe it provides challenge where I need it.”

3. Re-read for meaning

If the poem captivates you or rouses your emotions, you can uncover even more information on a second read-through. Half of the time, I dive right into a re-read. Otherwise, I add a bookmark to remind me to read it again later and move on to the next poem.

If you didn’t feel a connection to the piece, it’s okay to skip over re-reading the poem (although I do recommend giving it another chance). You might come back years later to a particular poem, only to find that it connects to your heart in ways it didn’t before.

The second read-through is where I look up definitions and pronunciations of words I don’t know and examine any footnotes. If there’s historical context or the poem is referencing a specific event I’m not familiar with, I’ll look that up, too. Having this knowledge adds weight to the poem, and makes each reading feel like a reverence. (Rita Dove’s “Parsley” is a devastation, and opened up a part of history I had never learned.)

“You might come back years later to a particular poem, only to find that it connects to your heart in ways it didn’t before.”

I look for little clues I may have missed — word choices that bolster the metaphor, repetitions that indicate a deeper theme, or unusual line breaks that alter the meaning of a phrase. Here is where I also consider the speaker of the poem. Is it the poet themselves? Is it an omniscient being, or a single narrow perspective? Who is the audience of this poem (basically, who is this poem intended to reach)? This will further illuminate its meaning, and the underlying intention of the piece.

Look, too, for where the poem offers a moment of surprise. Ó Tuama explains it like this: “Sometimes a poem has a ‘turn,’ a place where it pivots on itself. This might be expected, or it might be shocking. Nicole Sealey has a gorgeous love poem in her book. It’s a beautiful love poem, and the final line says, ‘how I’ll miss you when you’re dead.’ It’s shocking, it’s powerful, and makes you re-read the entire poem.”

4. Re-read for sound (out loud, if you can)

Next, try reading the poem out loud or search for readings of the poem online (sometimes you can find readings by the author themselves, like one of my favorites from the late Mary Oliver). This is where the music of a poem emerges, and you can feel the shape of each word and line as you move through it.

“Often contemporary poetry is called ‘Lyric Poetry.’ The word ‘lyric’ comes from the word ‘Lyre’ referring to how ancient Greeks used to recite poetry while strumming on the lyre, a musical instrument like a small harp,” explains Ó Tuama. “These days people don’t strum little harps while reciting poetry, but poetry is still called ‘Lyric’ — meaning it has music in it. You can hear the music too: in the sounds of the words, perhaps the vowel sounds, or the rhythm, or rhyme, or the spaces in between words. So I try to listen to the internal music of the poem.”

Rhyme is the easiest to spot, although slant rhymes and internal rhymes can be more difficult to catch on the first read-through. Recurring sounds add emotional impact — sharp, quick vowel sounds like “eye,” “aye,” and “eee” can add energy, while longer sounds like “ooo,” “eh,” and “uh” can slow the pace and add depth.

“Sound is no accident in poetry, so consider how word choice, rhythm, and cadence make the poem feel.“

Alliteration is another easy device to identify, where there’s repetition in the first letter of each word (think “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”). This method is one of my favorites, and it reminds me to pay close attention to why and how those exact letters are being used. Sound is no accident in poetry, so consider how word choice, rhythm, and cadence make the poem feel.

Pay attention to punctuation, too. When a line breaks in the middle of a sentence, I like to take a minuscule pause (shorter than the length of an inhale). If that feels awkward, you can read the poem like a normal sentence and allow periods and commas to inform your breath. Allow yourself the chance to read it a few ways and at varied paces so that you can settle into the natural flow of the poem. If it’s a poem you want to ruminate on, record yourself reading it and listen back a few times.

5. Add context to paint a full picture

Finally, return to the beginning. How does the title play with the rest of the poem? Does the shape of the poem have anything to do with its meaning? Dig into the author’s history; look at the publication date and consider the world around the poem when it was first released. Consider where the poem lives: Was it released as part of the author’s poetry book, or was it published in a literary magazine? If you’re reading it as part of a collection (such as Best American Poetry), why do you think this particular poem was selected? Who selected it?

“Why did this poem need to be written? What is its intelligence? What is it yearning for? Treating the poem with this kind of curiosity, I find it draws on parts of my own story.”

Pádraig Ó Tuama

“I’m always interested in what the hunger of the poem is,” Ó Tuama says. “Why did this poem need to be written? What is its intelligence? What is it yearning for? Treating the poem with this kind of curiosity, I find it draws on parts of my own story.”

You can also take a look at the form of the poem to infer a little more meaning. The sonnet, for example, is a traditional form for love poems. Writers can use form as a nod to adjacent themes or as a way to highlight the contrast between the theme and form. I am enchanted by the villanelle form, and Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art” is a villanelle I’ve enjoyed returning to since I first read it a decade ago.

There’s always more to learn from a poem you love; just when you think you’ve gleaned everything from its meaning, it can strike you with a new insight. Bookmark or note the poems that inspire you, and revisit them when you’re feeling lonely, homesick, or untethered. Which poems are those, you ask? You’ll know which ones speak directly to your heart when you read them.💛

Each of us will be captivated by something unique when we embark on the journey of reading poetry. If you want a few poets to help you get started, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite poets here, and have even explored how to write poetry as a form of self-care. But most importantly, I want to know what poems and poets enchant you most in the comments below. ✨

Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her cat, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.

The post The Beginner’s Guide To Reading Poetry appeared first on The Good Trade.

And yet, when you search “women living alone” the main results have headlines like, “How To Stay Safe As A Woman Living Alone,” with tips on securely locking your windows and doors, or articles focusing on older women adjusting to living alone after years of doing the opposite. These may be valid and necessary, but they only tell half of the story. Look closer and you’ll find the safe spaces women create for themselves to house their most intimate joys and solitude.

I was taken by Poorna Bell’s recent essay “In the restful houses of women who live alone” published in her newsletter “As I Was Saying.” In it, Bell describes her home and the homes of cool aunties and women whose sanctuaries offer respite. I admire their restedness, the endless Sunday vibes, and the ease that comes with not having to tend to everyone before yourself. I have seen and experienced for myself that women who live alone are usually living in a space that reflects their inner commitment to less, to unexpired ease. Realistically though, how easy is it for women to choose this lifestyle? And is it the right choice for everyone?

Why are women happier living alone?

While some women are of course happily married or coupled, it’s important to observe the other side of the story with genuine curiosity. Paul Dolan, author of “Happy Ever After: A Radical New Approach to Living Well” and a professor of Behavioral Science at the London School of Economics, has discussed what many may have suspected or lived firsthand.

“If you are a man, you should probably get married; if you are a woman, don’t bother.” Dolan explains this in reference to a study of American Time Use which compared levels of pleasure and unhappiness in unmarried, married, divorced, separated, and widowed individuals. The study found that unmarried, childless women were the happiest population of all.

“A committed relationship or marriage can translate to financial support and less loneliness, but it also raises questions.”

A committed relationship or marriage can translate to financial support and less loneliness, but it also raises questions about other forms of personal or emotional security, such as uncompromised living arrangements, sleeping (every night) in the middle of the bed, and investing ample time in personal wellness.

Dr. Kimber Shelton, a Texas-based psychologist, names the latter as one of the main reasons that women are happier and healthier living alone. She explains that “research continues to show that in comparison to men, women in heterosexual relationships who work outside of the home continue to take on most of the household responsibilities and childcare labor. Working, coming home to cook, clean, attend to children, and meet their partner’s needs leaves little room for consideration of self.”

Occupying the caregiver role may result in becoming responsible for the health and wellness of a partner, too. Making doctors appointments and providing your partner with meals are just some examples. For Dr. Shelton, this helps to explain why “men in heterosexual relationships tend to live longer and are happier than single men. Meanwhile, married women in heterosexual relationships on average die earlier and express less happiness than single women.”

“If happiness is tied to having more time and space for self-noticing and self-nurturing, then there are many reasons why women may wish to delay or forfeit marriage.”

If happiness is tied to having more time and space for self-noticing and self-nurturing, then there are many reasons why women may wish to delay or forfeit marriage and, instead, tend to themselves. “Single women can focus on their needs and wants. If they prioritize their health and wellness, there is the space and opportunity to have these needs met,” adds Dr. Shelton.

Solo living reclaims what society has poorly championed: Happiness in extended solitude. It is the opposite of the tired, familiar narratives, like the pity for solo-living women and the rush to get married. Women who are happy in their self-choosing deviate from the (outdated) norms and may even be called selfish. If it is selfish, it’s a necessary selfishness; a version that is more akin to self-preservation.

Should all women live alone at least once?

Living alone as a woman may bring fulfillment, if one has the resources and desire to do so. A recent study published by Tannistha Samanta in the Journal of Aging Studies explores the lives of upper-middle-class Indian women aged 50–65 who are living solo. While living alone as a woman is not statistically or traditionally a common arrangement for Indian women, Samanta found a possibility to disrupt that norm in COVID-19’s call for social distancing. The study demonstrates the self-actualization and appreciation of solitude that can be found in women who live alone — and aims to encourage its normalization beyond the pandemic.

“Living alone as a woman may bring fulfillment, if one has the resources and desire to do so.”

Bella DePaulo, social scientist and author, writes about living in joyful defiance of the stereotypes of singlehood. DePaulo’s book, “Single at Heart,” explores the misconceptions about single life and the deep fulfillment that can come with choosing singledom. In one essay, “The Stereotype-Defying Strengths of People Who Love Living Alone,” DePaulo makes a case for three special skills that enrich living alone for the single at heart: Having solo pursuits as favorite activities, being connected to others, and having restorative rather than intimidating solitude. 

Accessing joy in independence can be honed, but it may be overwhelming for those who haven’t experienced the happiness of solitude. Loneliness may arise for some women, particularly if their lives have been filled with constant company and cycles of cohabitation. Dr. Shelton reminds us that being lonely and alone are not the same thing. In fact, there are several methods to cherish alone time. “Single women living alone do well when they create a life that nurtures their interests and hobbies. This might include trying new recipes, visiting museums, traveling, going on hikes, watching movies, reading books, and exercising.”

“Living alone doesn’t mean being alone — and finding a balance between sociality and solitude is key.”

Beyond this, Dr. Shelton prompts ideas about redefining what it means for single women to be in community with other women, building friendships, or enhancing family ties. Single women can also explore noncommittal sexual partners or open relationships, if they’re interested.

Living alone doesn’t mean being alone — and finding a balance between sociality and solitude is key. If you’re interested in cultivating this balance, or you already feel at peace in solitude, then living alone could be a good option for you.

How can you live alone while married or in a relationship?

The experience of living alone may seem like a far-off dream to those who are in a happy, cohabitating relationship, even if it is of interest. But, there are ways to experience the joys of living alone either in small doses or as a practice.

“Trust and communication in long-term relationships is more important than the living arrangements.”

– Dr. Kimber Shelton, PhD

For cohabitating couples, living alone may look like moving into a new space with different boundaries or dividing an existing home space to create separate quarters. This can carry with it a new sense of self-identity where one’s living space is removed from other external identities such as wife, mother, cook, etc. Women might also consider traveling alone, perhaps for an extended trip, as a way of attending to their own needs, thoughts, and desires.

It is important to note that choosing to live (or travel) alone while married or in a relationship sometimes causes guilt. According to Dr. Shelton, combatting guilt is possible but open communication is a must. “Trust and communication in long-term relationships is more important than the living arrangements. If all parties agree to the separate living arrangements and trust the commitment to the relationship, having separate living spaces should maintain or enhance the relationship as the arrangements were mutually desired.” In other words, a healthy agreement is one where trust is present and both parties’ desires are honored.

Strategies for choosing to live alone

Choosing to live alone can be a big emotional undertaking since it runs counter to many of our societal expectations and learned behaviors. Exploring and addressing feelings, including guilt, is crucial as you explore solo living. With Dr. Shelton, we’ve put together a list of some practical tools to navigate this.

Notice, without judgment, if there is any lingering guilt. Firstly, notice the source of any guilt. Does the guilt stem from narratives of what you are “supposed to do” or the life you are “supposed to have?” Or, is it from not living the life that someone else wants you to live? Figure out the reasons you feel guilty and if it is coming from a narrative that does not fit you or your lifestyle, then work to create a narrative that matches your desire.

Be clear. If you are not interested in a long-term relationship or marriage, let dates or potential partners know this upfront so they can make informed decisions about exploring a relationship with you. If you are part of a relationship now, have an open conversation with your partner about your interest or desire to live alone.

Lean into your support system. Spend time with people who affirm your choice to live alone. Do things with other single people who are comfortable with their choice to be single. Build connections with others where relationship status is not a central focus. Try seeking out relationships based on your interests, and this should follow.

If you want to unpack more, pursue therapy. Professional support can help to overcome stigma, shame, or guilt for our relationship status and choices. Building a relationship with a therapist can help you learn more about yourself, your limits, and how you function in your interpersonal relationships.

Are you interested in living alone? Do you live alone already? We’d love to hear your stories of joyful solitude in the comments.

Amara Amaryah is a Jamaican essayist, author, and wellness and travel writer born in London. Her life writings are interested in voice — often voicelessness — and reclamations of identity through definitions of home. Her freelance journalism explores health, joy, self-knowing, and more. Amara now travels and lives slowly in her favorite places around the world. She writes the “Life Is In Love With Me” newsletter.

The post Are Women Who Choose To Live Alone Happier? appeared first on The Good Trade.

Our editors have personally used and benefited from online talk therapy. These are our top choices for inclusive, effective, and affordable care, with options that take insurance.

With everything happening in the world, many of us find ourselves more stressed than ever and in need of support — we’ll be the first to admit we often feel this way. That’s why we’re huge fans of online therapy and virtual counseling to get the help we need, especially when face-to-face sessions aren’t always possible.

Why should you try online therapy?

Going through life struggles is tough — especially if you’re dealing with it alone. A therapist provides the much needed one-on-one support that can help you navigate tough times, with someone by your side. Online therapy especially is a wonderful option for getting support at your convenience. It’s not only more affordable, but it’s also an accessible service that provides high-quality support with trained therapists, anytime and anywhere. Rather than being limited to therapists in your area, you’ll have access to a wider range of therapists from various experiences and backgrounds who can better understand your emotional, physical, and psychological needs. Many even have chat therapy options if you find yourself needing to talk to someone right away.

What should you look for in an online therapy platform?

There was a real boom in telehealth and virtual therapy services during the pandemic, and thanks to their accessibility and affordability, they’ve only continued to grow. But unlike in-person sessions, there is a security risk to consider when sharing sensitive information online. Security and privacy should be top concerns for any provider you choose, so be sure to discuss safe technology practices and data privacy protocols with your therapist (the American Psychological Association provides helpful guidance for online providers).

“Virtual therapy is an accessible, convenient, and adaptable option.”

The therapy provider you select should also mention the licenses and qualifications their therapists possess and whether they accept insurance (or offer lower-cost services). Once you meet with your therapist, setting therapy goals, discussing techniques, and — most importantly — feeling comfortable and confident with them is essential to your growth. Most of the services we’ve listed below also allow you to swap therapists if your first match doesn’t feel quite right, making it easier to find the perfect fit.

Beyond just talk therapy, many online services offer different modalities tailored to your needs. You’ll find options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is great for addressing anxiety and unhelpful thought patterns; dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), often used for emotional regulation and borderline personality disorder; and couples therapy, perfect for working on relationship dynamics together. Some platforms also offer exposure therapy for phobias and OCD, mindfulness-based approaches for stress and trauma, or even medication management in partnership with psychiatrists.

Virtual therapy is an accessible, convenient, and adaptable option. Remember: There is no shame in therapy, whether you simply need someone to talk to or want to explore treatment and medication for mental health. From anxiety to OCD to marital challenges, these therapy websites and apps can connect you to a trusted counselor from the comfort of your home — or your car (because sometimes, that’s the only quiet place we’ve got, right?).

How much does online therapy cost?

So, how much online therapy costs? The short answer: It really depends! Many popular platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Calmerry typically average about $60 to $100+ per week, often billed monthly. More specialized services like ReGain (for couples), Teen Counseling, and OurRitual (self-guided therapy) can vary depending on the type of support you need. If you’re looking for more affordable options, Open Path Collective offers sessions for as low as $30 – $60, while Inclusive Therapists and Alma help you find sliding scale or insurance-friendly therapists. And if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out, Mindless Labs offers free mental health resources you can access anytime. Some platforms, like Headspace Care and Online-Therapy.com, even combine therapy with tools like guided meditations and worksheets. So whether you’re ready to invest in weekly sessions or just want to explore free resources first, there’s an option for every budget and every journey.

Our criteria:

After researching, vetting customer reviews, and trying many online therapy options personally, we’ve put together the best options for accessible virtual care. You deserve to have a nonjudgmental therapist that’s a good fit for your wellbeing, and we hope you find that here. We regularly update this list with new platforms that meet the criteria below.

• INCLUSIVE | This list compiles therapy providers offering both individual and couples therapy for people of all ages, as well as an inclusive range of therapists from various backgrounds and life experiences (including BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ communities).
• AFFORDABLE | These online therapy services offer low-cost therapy with flexible plans and/or accept insurance.
• ACCESSIBLE | You’ll be able to stay in touch with your therapist via flexible options like text, messaging, phone calls, and video calls.

Also, if you’re in the United States and looking to have your counseling sessions covered, here’s a great guide on finding online therapy that works with your insurance. (And for those in the UK, My Therapist Online is a great option!)

Whether you’re interested in phone, text, or video options, we hope these resources will guide you in finding the support you need. 💛

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to finding a therapist. And if you’re looking for therapy options for you and your partner, we love these online couples therapy platforms and this guide on sex therapy.

Table of contents

• Best For Individuals, Couples, & Psychiatric Needs: Talkspace ($69+)
• Best For Individuals, Couples, Psychiatric Needs, or LGBTQIA+ communities: Calmerry ($57+)
• Best For Individuals, Couples, Teens, LGBTQIA+ Communities: BetterHelp ($65+)
• Best For Free Self-Guided Wellness Tools: Mindless Labs (free)
• Best For Relationship Therapy: ReGain ($65+)
• Best For On-Demand Therapy: Online-Therapy.com
• Best For Talk Therapy & Medication Management: Alma (cost varies)
• Best For Self-Guided Relationship Therapy: OurRitual ($32+)
• Best For Low-Cost Sessions, Family, Or Group Sessions: Open Path Collective $30)
• Best For BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, & Disabled Communities: Inclusive Therapists (cost varies)
• Best For Teens: Teen Counseling ($70+)
• Best For Employers & Organizations: Headspace Care ($149+)

1. Talkspace

Accepts insurance

HIPAA compliant

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Multiple languages

Text message availability

Best For | Individuals, couples, & psychiatric needs
Features | Employee assistance programs available, resource library, psychiatry options, teen therapy, veteran therapy
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Accepts Insurance | Yes, accepts select insurances
Price Range | $69 – $109 per week (video chat, workshops & messaging therapy)

With over a million users, Talkspace is one of the most accessible virtual therapy programs around. The subscription-based service accepts select insurance and works with several employee assistance programs and schools. Start messaging with your suggested therapist right away through its encrypted platform or schedule a live counseling session via video. Talkspace also offers free mental health tests and resources, discounted subscriptions, and specialty services for veterans and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out their privacy policy to learn about how they are protecting your data and information.

Talkspace Review | “I like that my Talkspace therapist is always checking up on me through text. She refers back to the issues we talked about” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)

2. Calmerry

Budget friendly

HIPAA compliant

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Text message availability

Best For | Individuals, couples, psychiatric needs, or LGBTQIA+ communities
Features | Full licensed therapists, evidence-based approach, convenient daily support available
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Accepts Insurance | No, offers lower cost therapy
Price Range | $57 – $90 per week (online, text & video chat therapy)

Calmerry is an e-counseling platform on a mission to provide accessible and affordable counseling for all. Starting from only $57 a week, Calmerry offers the best of online therapy from professionally licensed therapists, alongside daily support, a flexible schedule, worksheets, and video sessions. With all these offerings and their effective counselor-matching process, Calmerry is one of the most affordable options on this list with great wraparound support. Both HIPAA compliant and DMCA protected with a secure SSL Encrypted integration throughout, you can feel comfortable and confident about your privacy during your sessions. For the latest on Calmerry’s privacy policy, click here.

Calmerry Review | “My counselor often checked in on me and helped guide me through some tough times while helping me work towards being more confident. There were also times where I did not feel like talking about my experiences and she helped have conversations, which was helpful.” – Christopher W. (Read all reviews.)

3. BetterHelp

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Multiple languages

Subscriptions available

Text message availability

Best For | Individuals, couples, teens, LGBTQIA+ communities
Features | Bilingual options, 20K+ licensed therapists, financial assistance available, monthly subscription service
HIPAA Compliant | No
Accepts Insurance | No (financial aid is available)
Price Range | $65 – $100 per week (in-app, chat, phone & video therapy )

For tailored, flexible online counseling — including unlimited access — check out BetterHelp. Start with a personalized survey to find the best-trained counselors for your unique circumstances, then message them anytime, anywhere. You can even schedule a live therapy session over phone, tablet, or computer, giving you a range of communication options. We’ve used BetterHelp, to help support us through anxiety, depression, and family issues — we especially recommend it as a bridge service into working directly with a psychiatrist or therapist IRL. (Signing up for therapy is hard! BetterHelp is a great first step to get a therapist on your side). Read up on their privacy policy here.

Betterhelp Review | “Marissa has helped me so much ever since I joined BetterHelp! She’s patient and understanding, and she’s great at taking what I tell her and then reiterating in a more simple, straightforward and objective way. She understands and takes into account all my thoughts and concerns, no matter how frequently they reoccur, and her help has helped me progress a lot over the time we’ve worked together.” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)

4. Mindless Labs

Budget friendly

HIPAA compliant

Integrates with other apps and devices

Licensed therapists

Best For | Free self-guided wellness tools
Features | Free service, courses from conventional and alternative practitioners, ready-to-use tools, journalling option, subscription-free
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Accepts Insurance | No (free service)
Price Range | Free

If you’re looking for an approachable, no-pressure way to support your mental health, Mindless Labs is here to make things easier (and a lot less intimidating). Instead of traditional therapy sessions, Mindless Labs offers bite-sized, interactive mental health tools you can use right from your phone. Think guided self-reflection exercises, mood trackers, and calming practices — all designed to help you build better habits and navigate everyday stress in a simple, accessible way. Their app is totally free, so there’s no barrier to getting started, and you can explore resources at your own pace without worrying about appointments or high costs. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or just want to check in with yourself more often, Mindless Labs empowers you to take small, meaningful steps toward a healthier mind, whenever and wherever you need it. Read Mindless Labs privacy policy here.

Mindless Labs Review | “I’ve tried a lot of wellness apps, but Mindless Labs stands out. It’s beautifully designed, super easy to use, and most importantly it’s free. The guided prompts, breathing exercises, and mental health tools are legit and don’t feel clinical or overwhelming. It’s like having a therapist in your pocket, but without the pressure. The team behind this app clearly gets what it feels like to struggle and actually wants to help. If you’ve ever felt anxious, stuck in your head, or just need a reset, then download the app because it might be the most helpful thing you didn’t know you needed.” – MarzMedia (Read all reviews.)

5. ReGain

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Subscriptions available

Text message availability

Best For | Relationship therapy
Features | Options for individuals or couples, all therapists have a Master’s Degree or a Doctoral Degree
HIPAA Compliant | No (encrypted chatroom & database, alias use available)
Accepts Insurance | No, offers lower cost therapy 
Price Range | $65 – $90 per week (phone, text, & video therapy)

If you’re looking to regain companionship or affection, or need to address some tough relationship issues, ReGain is our suggested platform for online relational therapy. You can choose to participate as an individual or as a couple, and after taking a questionnaire to identify your shared goals, you’ll be paired with a licensed counselor. Done primarily through video sessions (and via messages anytime), it’s a flexible, virtual option that will help you tackle challenges straight on. View their privacy policy here.

ReGain Review | “We are so thankful for therapist Darryl, he is very empathetic, takes his time in listening to our concerns and needs. He’s been very good with helping us set goals, I would highly recommend him to anyone for couples or personal therapy.” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)

6. Online-Therapy.com

Budget friendly

HIPAA compliant

Intimacy counseling

Subscriptions available

Text message availability

Best For | On-demand therapy
Features | Qualified therapists, online therapy toolbox, CBT approach, financial assistance available
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Accepts Insurance | No, offers lower cost therapy; itemized receipts available
Price Range | $50 – $120 per week (unlimited messaging & therapy program)

For therapy on your terms, we recommend checking out Online-Therapy.com. No matter where you are in the world or what device you use, Online-Therapy.com offers resourceful and accessible care to help support you during your time of need on your schedule. Each subscription gives you access to their online therapy toolbox, which includes guided videos, worksheets, journaling, diary entries, and even yoga recommendations. You’ll also have unlimited communications with your therapist from Monday to Friday to help you with your process (and a one-on-one live session with certain subscriptions). If you’re seeking a service you can work through at your own pace, Online-Therapy.com is the solution for you. View their comprehensive privacy policy here.

Online-Therapy.com Review | “I love the format. I feel like the worksheets gave my therapist and I opportunities to become familiar and established context and understanding before we ever had our first session.” – Jahshh (Read all reviews.)

7. Alma

Accepts insurance

HIPAA compliant

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Multiple languages

Best For | Talk therapy & medication management
Features | All identities and diverse backgrounds welcomed, free 15-minute consultation calls
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Accepts Insurance | Yes, accepts select insurances
Price Range | Set by therapist (virtual & in-person care available)

For online therapy that covers a wide variety of needs — including talk therapy and medication management — Alma may be a great option for you. Whether you’re seeking individual, couples, family, or teen therapy, Alma gives you access to a diverse network of highly qualified therapists. Many of Alma’s therapists offer free 15-minute consultation calls so you can find out if your therapist is a fit before committing. Alma also accepts a number of insurance plans and communication is done through their HIPAA-compliant messaging channels. Read up on Alma’s privacy policy here.

Alma Review | “For me, the best part of @withalma_ has been the quality + diversity of their therapist network. bc we moved to Florida, i needed to find a new virtual therapist who specializes in ADHD. 9 folks recommended: – 5 were women of color 💜 – 2 of them were LQBTQ 🌈” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)

8. OurRitual

Budget friendly

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Science backed

Subscriptions available

Best For | Self-guided relationship therapy
Features | Weekly expert sessions, digital exercises, convenient sessions
HIPAA Compliant | No (encrypted platform)
Accepts Insurance | No
Price Range | $32 – $52 per week (video & in-app care available)

OurRitual is a modern alternative to traditional couples therapy, offering a flexible blend of expert-led sessions and personalized, science-backed digital exercises. You’ll begin by sharing details about your relationship to then be matched with licensed professionals — who are available 24/7 — and will guide you and your partner in achieving your relationship goals through tailored pathways. These pathways focus on key areas like conflict resolution, communication, and emotional intimacy, and are supported by additional videos and exercises to reinforce progress. With plans available for various needs — including long-distance, military, LGBTQ, and parents — OurRitual adapts to your lifestyle with short, convenient sessions. View OurRitual’s updated privacy policy here.

OurRitual Review | “We needed some help getting important messages across but we really didn’t want to feel judged for our lifestyle. Finding something as private as this has been a true blessing.” – Maria (Read all reviews.)

9. Open Path Collective

Budget friendly

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Multiple languages

Best For | Low-cost sessions, family, or group sessions
Features | Sliding scale, bilingual options, wellness courses available
HIPAA Compliant | No (not a healthcare company)
Accepts Insurance | No, offers lower cost therapy
Price Range | One-time $65 membership fee; starts at $30 per session (virtual & in-person care available)

Open Path Collective, a nonprofit, supports clients who lack health insurance or cannot afford typical pricing for therapy sessions. For a lifetime membership fee, you can find affordable therapists in your area who may offer online therapy in addition to IRL counseling. Open Path welcomes all identities, backgrounds, bodies, and orientations. Pro tip: If you’re looking for family, group, or couples therapy, you can usually share one membership fee. For Open Path’s privacy policy, click here.

Open Path Review | “Open Path may have truly saved me in a very desperate time of needed guidance. I needed perspective and a safe place to figure out how to direct the next part of my journey. Open Path allowed me to easily find someone who matched my needs and I feel very grateful for Open Path and my counselor, that I otherwise could not afford. It’s still tough but it’s worth every bit of every cent spent taking care of myself. Thank you to all of you who provide this service on a sliding scale, truly grateful!” – Jasmine (Read all reviews.)

10. Inclusive Therapists

Accepts insurance

Budget friendly

Intimacy counseling

LGBTQ friendly

Licensed therapists

Multiple languages

Best For | BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent & Disabled communities
Features | Bilingual options, centered on marginalized identities, reduced fee virtual teletherapy
HIPAA Compliant | No (account data is encrypted)
Accepts Insurance | Yes, accepts select insurances
Price Range | Varies; sliding scale available (virtual, teletherapy & in-person care available)

Inclusive Therapists is a wonderful directory focused on celebrating all identities and abilities. This online platform centers BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and disabled communities with a specific focus on social justice, liberation, and decolonization. That means every therapist here has been carefully verified to meet the needs of these communities. You can expect culturally responsive and supportive feedback with every counseling session. Check out Inclusive Therapists privacy policy here.

11. Teen Counseling

Licensed therapists

Subscriptions available

Text message availability

Best For | Teens
Features | Therapists who specialize with teens, app-based communication
HIPAA Compliant | No
Accepts Insurance | No, offers lower cost therapy
Price Range | $70 – $100 per week (text, phone, & video therapy)

Teen Counseling offers support to teens ages 13 through 19 looking for professional help. Using an app, teens can communicate with licensed and trained therapists via text, live chat, and video — with flexibility around scheduling. Counseling is confidential but rest assured that the therapist will alert a parent if a serious action is required. If your teen is struggling — with bullying, self-esteem, an eating disorder, or anything else — there is help available. Read Teen Counseling’s full privacy policy here.

Teen Counseling Review | “Abigail is engaging, caring, and has a good approach with my son. She delves deep without being off-putting. I have certainly noticed a positive difference in him – something I hadn’t seen after a couple of years with his previous psychologist.” – Anonymous (Read all reviews.)

Bonus: Headspace Care

Accepts insurance

Budget friendly

HIPAA compliant

Licensed therapists

Subscriptions available

Best For | Employers & organizations
Features | Psychiatry, therapy, coaching, work/life services, mindfulness
HIPAA Compliant | Yes
Accepts Insurance | Yes
Price Range | Starts at $149 per month; No cost through employer, university, or organization (text-based coaching, video therapy, psychiatry services, mindfulness exercises)

Meditation app Headspace and former mental health coaching app Ginger have come together to create Headspace Care — a comprehensive mental healthcare platform with on-demand coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and mindfulness resources like guided meditations, sleep aids, and focus tools. Tailored to meet diverse needs, Headspace Care supports both employees and organizations by providing accessible, high-quality mental health support. By offering evidence-based care through a diverse network of experts, Headspace Care allows businesses to foster a resilient and healthy work environment. If your interested in Headspace Care, be sure to check if you’re covered for services under your employer! See Headspace’s full privacy policy here.

Headspace Care Review | “Being the benefit professional that I am, I wanted to test-drive Headspace Health myself, and I haven’t stopped using it since. People need resources to get immediate help anywhere, anytime, without the shame that comes with needing help.” – Tracy Clemente (Read all reviews.)

The post 11 Best Websites For Affordable Online Therapy In 2025 appeared first on The Good Trade.

Whatever kind of change you’re experiencing, we’ve rounded up this list of 99 quotes to ring in this season of transition. Maybe you need help taking a big leap, or you’re looking for comfort about a recent decision or a recent loss. The sentiments below will help you navigate the uncertainty, whatever it may be.

And if you’re not going through a transition right now, bookmark this link for the next time you are. Change is the only constant, after all. 🍂

1. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi, source unknown

2. ​​“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ― Henri Bergson, source unknown

3. “There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed.” ― Kate Douglas Wiggin, “New Chronicles of Rebecca”

4. “Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” — Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, “Frankenstein”

5. “You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” ― Toni Morrison, “Song of Solomon“

“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.”

― Henri Bergson, source unknown

6. “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” ― John C. Maxwell, source unknown

7. “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” — Kakuzo Okakura, “The Book of Tea”

8. “All things are difficult before they are easy.” — Thomas Fuller, “Gnomologia”

9. “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” — Eckhart Tolle, source unknown

10. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — John Hughes, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

11. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor E. Frankl, “Man’s Search for Meaning”

12. “No one can tell what goes on in between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just come out the other side. Or you don’t.” — Stephen King, “The Stand”

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

— Viktor E. Frankl, “Man’s Search for Meaning”

13. “Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn’t stop for anybody.” — Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

14. “Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time. What we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.” — Sydney J. Harris, source unknown

15. “The present changes the past. Looking back you do not find what you left behind.” ― Kiran Desai, “The Inheritance of Loss”

16. “If I am an advocate for anything, it is to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river.” — Anthony Bourdain, source unknown

17. “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” ― Andy Warhol, “The Philosophy of Andy Warhol”

18. “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” — Stephen Hawking, source unknown

19. “I have accepted fear as part of life – specifically the fear of change… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.” –- Erica Jong, “What Do Women Want?”

20. “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis, “The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3”

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

— Stephen Hawking, source unknown

21. “Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” — Ann Landers, source unknown

22. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts, “The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety”

23. “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” ― Mandy Hale, source unknown

24. “Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes.” — Hugh Prather, “Notes to Myself: My Struggle to Become a Person”

25. “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future.” — John F. Kennedy, source unknown

26. “Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” — Frank Herbert, “Dune”

27. “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” — Andy Rooney, source unknown

28. “What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.” — Maya Angelou, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now”

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”

— Andy Rooney, source unknown

29. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what’s going to happen next.” — Gilda Radner, source unknown

30. “Moving doesn’t change who you are. It only changes the view outside your window.” — Rachel Hollis, “Girl, Wash Your Face”

31. “Be willing to transition at every stage of your life. If your heart is open and you have an open mind, the blessing will flow.” — T. D. Jakes, source unknown

32. “I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself.” — Aldous Huxley, “Point Counter Point”

33. “It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.” — William Bridges, source unknown

34. “The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” — Steve Maraboli, “Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience”

“It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.”

— William Bridges, source unknown

35. “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” — Charles F. Kettering, source unknown

36. “There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have found in traveling in a stagecoach, it is often a comfort to shift one’s position and be bruised in a new place.” — Washington Irving, “Tales of a Traveller”

37. “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” –- George Bernard Shaw, source unknown

38. “None of us really changes over time. We only become more fully what we are.” ― Anne Rice, “The Vampire Lestat”

39. “All humans change. Development is our life. Transition, in labor, is the most painful time. Without change, there’s no growth.” — Mimi Kennedy, source unknown

40. “Light precedes every transition. Whether at the end of a tunnel, through a crack in the door or the flash of an idea, it is always there, heralding a new beginning.” – Theresa Tsalaky, “The Transition Witness”

41. “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” — Maria Robinson, source unknown

42. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.” -– Dan Millman, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior”

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

— Maria Robinson, source unknown

43. “A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.” — Nikki Giovanni, source unknown 

44. “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.” – Tom Stoppard, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead”

45. “The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die. As well as the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be mind.” — Friedrich Nietzsche, “Daybreak”

46. “No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.” — Madonna, “I’m Going to Tell You a Secret”

47. “True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” — Leo Tolstoy, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”

48. “One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore.” — Andre Gide, “The Counterfeiters”

“True life is lived when tiny changes occur.”

— Leo Tolstoy, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”

49. “Never too old, never too bad, never too late, never too sick to start from scratch once again.” — Bikram Choudhury, source unknown

50. “Realize that if a door is closed, it’s because what was behind it wasn’t meant for you.” — Mandy Hale, “The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass”

51. “You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Carter Crocker, “Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin”

52. “When in doubt, choose change.” –- Lily Leung, source unknown

53. “The changes we dread most may contain our salvation.” — Barbara Kingsolver, “Small Wonder: Essays”

54. “Times of transition are strenuous, but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits. We can make our new normal any way we want.” — Kristin Armstrong, source unknown

“The changes we dread most may contain our salvation.”

— Barbara Kingsolver, “Small Wonder: Essays”

55. “Keep in mind that people change, but the past doesn’t.” ― Becca Fitzpatrick, “Hush, Hush”

56. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” –- Helen Keller, “Let Us Have Faith”

57. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” — Barack Obama, Feb. 2008 speech

58. “In each of us there is another whom we do not know.” ― C.G. Jung, “Civilization in Transition”

59. “She knew this transition was not about becoming someone better, but about finally allowing herself to become who she’d always been.” ― Amy Rubin, source unknown

60. “How strange that the nature of life is change, yet the nature of human beings is to resist change. And how ironic that the difficult times we fear might ruin us are the very ones that can break us open and help us blossom into who we were meant to be.” ― Elizabeth Lesser, “Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow”

“In each of us there is another whom we do not know.”

― C.G. Jung, “Civilization in Transition”

61. “We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” — Oprah Winfrey, source unknown

62. “She understood that the hardest times in life to go through were when you were transitioning from one version of yourself to another.” ― Sarah Addison Allen, “Lost Lake”

63. “Any transition is easier if you believe in yourself and your talent.” — Priyanka Chopra, source unknown

64. “Temporary discomfort is an investment in your future self. Accept a small and uncomfortable transition now, for a lifetime of growth and self-development.” ― Florence Given, “Women Don’t Owe You Pretty”

65. “Step back in perspective, open your heart and welcome transition into a new phase of life.” — Linda Rawson, source unknown

66. “We must live in the radiance of tomorrow, as our ancestors have suggested in their tales. For what is yet to come tomorrow has possibilities, and we must think of it, the simplest glimpse of that possibility of goodness. That will be our strength. That has always been our strength.” ― Ishmael Beah, “Radiance of Tomorrow”

“Step back in perspective, open your heart and welcome transition into a new phase of life.”

— Linda Rawson, source unknown

67. “Change is not a threat. It’s an opportunity. Survival is not the goal. Transformative success is.” — Seth Godin, source unknown

68. “The Earth, time, concepts, love, life, faith, justice, evil — they’re all fluid and in transition. They don’t stay in one form or in one place forever. The whole universe is like some big FedEx box.” ― Haruki Murakami, “Kafka on the Shore”

69. “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.” — Jim Rohn, source unknown

70. “It’s only through facing the truth that you will be able to fulfill your potential and live the life you were meant to live. It’s only by jumping that you will be able to fly.” ― Nancy Levin, “Jump…And Your Life Will Appear: An Inch-by-Inch Guide to Making a Major Change”

71. “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ― Rumi, source unknown

72. “Transformation is often more about unlearning than learning.” — Richard Rohr, “Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life”

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

― Rumi, source unknown

73. “We must all obey the great law of change. It is the most powerful law of nature.” — Edmund Burke, Letter to Sir Hercules Langrishe (1792)

74. “How can you know what you’re capable of if you don’t embrace the unknown?” — Esmeralda Santiago, “Conquistadora”

75. “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” — Anthony Robbins, source unknown

76. “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning. ” — Louis L’Amour, “Lonely on the Mountain”

77. “The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place.” — Barbara De Angelis, source unknown

78. “Beauty is the moment of transition, as if the form were just ready to flow into other forms.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Conduct of Life”

“Beauty is the moment of transition, as if the form were just ready to flow into other forms.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Conduct of Life”

79. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” — Maya Angelou, source unknown 

80. “Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind.” — Fred Rogers, “You Are Special: Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers”

81. “Change is inevitable in life. You can either resist it and potentially get run over by it, or you can choose to cooperate with it, adapt to it, and learn how to benefit from it. When you embrace change you will begin to see it as an opportunity for growth.” — Jack Canfield, source unknown

82. “The future is always all around us, waiting, in moments of transitions, to be born in moments of revelation. No one knows the shape of that future or where it will take us. We know only that it is always born in pain.” — J. Michael Strazynski, “Babylon 5”

83. “The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” — C. JoyBell C., source unknown

“Transition isn’t pretty, but stagnation is hideous.”

― Nikki Rowe, source unknown

84. “Besides, interesting things happen along borders — transitions — not in the middle where everything is the same.” ― Neal Stephenson, “Snow Crash”

85. “Transition isn’t pretty, but stagnation is hideous.” ― Nikki Rowe, source unknown

86. “Everything teaches transition, transference, metamorphosis: therein is human power, in transference, not in creation; & therein is human destiny, not in longevity but in removal. We dive & reappear in new places.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson”

87. “It takes love to hold on when you want to let go. It takes love to let go when you want to hold on.” ― Kate McGahan, source unknown

88. “Given that we all have a finite time on earth, we need to make our metaphoric transition from caterpillar to butterfly sooner rather than later.” ― Kelly Markey, “Don’t Just Fly, SOAR”

“The best part of your story is when it changes.”

― Bella Bloom, source unknown

89. The best part of your story is when it changes.” ― Bella Bloom, source unknown

90. “In transitions, we must learn to be still. Being still is, in part, about learning to be comfortable with ambiguity.” ― Janet Rebhan, “Learn To Be Still: Select Essays on the Spiritual Life”

91. “We resist transition not because we can’t accept the change, but because we can’t accept letting go of that piece of ourselves that we have to give up when and because the situation has changed.” ― William Bridges, “The Way Of Transition”

92. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” — Winston Churchill, source unknown 

93. “It’s strange,’ he said, ‘that you always changed everything and I changed nothing and yet we’ve both ended up in the same place.” ― Rachel Cusk, “Transit”

“In order to design a future of positive change, we must first become experts at changing our minds.”

— Jacque Fresco, source unknown

94. “There is nothing permanent except change.” — Heraclitus, source unknown 

95. “We hardly dare trust that this is a process of transformation – that out of the ashes will rise the phoenix of humanity.” ― Lucy H. Pearce, “Burning Woman”

96. “Change before you have to.” — Jack Welch, source unknown 

97. “One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai, “I Am Malala”

98. “In order to design a future of positive change, we must first become experts at changing our minds.” — Jacque Fresco, source unknown
    
99. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” — Leo Tolstoy, “Pamphlets: Translated from the Russian”

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. Since 2022, she has been reviewing the top sustainable home, wellness, fashion, and beauty products, sharing her honest opinion on the best finds. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Quotes To Help You Through Transition appeared first on The Good Trade.

When I moved to the U.S. for college, I was confronted with the opposite of what I knew: There were many people at my school who wore their religiousness like a badge of honor, referencing the Bible in everyday conversation, signing themselves before meals, or simply being active in a religious group on campus. I found all of this really challenging, but I do think experiencing the other side of the coin eventually helped me become more open-minded about people’s different beliefs.

“As life got more complex in my twenties, spirituality became a beacon of hope and safety for me.”

I had no interest in joining a religion, but as life got more complex in my twenties, spirituality became a beacon of hope and safety for me. At first, it was just crystals and astrology. But gradually, I became more and more interested in the teachings of Gabrielle Bernstein, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Marianne Williamson. I added practices like meditation, journaling, and manifestation to my life.

Today, I’m still not sure what it is I believe in exactly, but I know that the world of spirituality feels welcoming and nourishing to me. Whether, like me, you grew up without any particular belief in a higher power, or whether you grew up religious and moved away from it as an adult, the following books can help you build a spirituality practice that works for you, because at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

Essential teachers

1. A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson
2. No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering, Thich Nhat Hanh
3. The Universe Has Your Back: How to Feel Safe and Trust Your Life No Matter What, Gabrielle Bernstein
4. What I Know for Sure, Oprah Winfrey
5. When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, Pema Chodron
6. Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor E. Frankl
7. Dusk, Night, Dawn, Anne Lamott
8. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, Eckhart Tolle
9. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams, Deepak Chopra
10. A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life, Jack Kornfield
11. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself, Michael A. Singer
12. The Power of Intention, Dr. Wayne Dyer
13. A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, Foundation for Inner Peace
14. The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran
15. Tao Te Ching: A New English Version, Lao Tzu, Stephen Mitchell
16. Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires, Esther and Jerry Hicks
17. You Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay

Making religion work for everyone

18. Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls, Kai Cheng Thom
19. Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human, Cole Arthur Riley
20. God Didn’t Make Us to Hate Us: 40 Devotions to Liberate Your Faith from Fear and Reconnect with Joy, Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail
21. Cherished Belonging, Gregory Boyle
22. Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life–in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There), Sarah Hurwitz
23. Meditations of the Heart, Howard Thurman
24. Rage Prayers, Elizabeth Ashman Riley
25. A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance, Diana Butler Bass
26. A Gift of Love: Sermons from Strength to Love and Other Preachings, Martin Luther King Jr.
27. The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days, Kate Bowler, Jessica Richie
28. Awareness: Conversations with the Masters, Anthony De Mello
29. Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life, C.S. Lewis
30. Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone, James Martin
31. Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned, Brian D. McLaren

Spirituality and womanhood

32. Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype, Clarissa Pinkola Estés
33. Glow-Worthy: Practices for Awakening Your Inner Light and Loving Yourself as You Are — Broken, Beautiful, and Sacred, Katie Silcox
34. The Way of the Rose: The Radical Path of the Divine Feminine Hidden in the Rosary, Perdita Finn, Clark Strand
35. Self Source-ery, Lisa Lister
36. Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust – A Cosmic Approach to Motherhood, Dr. Gertrude Lyons (out May 13th)
37. The Way of the Wild Soul Woman: 5 Earth Archetypes to Unleash Your Full Feminine Power, Mary Reynolds Thompson
38. The Goddess Path: 13 Steps to Becoming Your Most Intuitive, Authentic, and Powerful Self, Kirsty Gallagher

Ancient wisdom for modern times

39. Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, John O’Donohue
40. How to Let Things Go, Shunmyo Masuno
41. Spirits Come from Water: An Introduction to Ancestral Veneration and Reclaiming African Spiritual Practices, Ehime Ora
42. Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, Sharon Salzberg
43. Sacred Ceremony for a Sacred Earth: Indigenous Wisdom for Healing and Transformation, Aniwa Council of Elders
44. The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, Sharon Brous
45. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche
46. Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha, Tara Brach
47. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Don Miguel Ruiz
48. Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self, Anodea Judith
49. Think Like a Monk, Jay Shetty
50. Siddharta, Herman Hesse
51. Child of the Sun: Enroute to Enlightenment in India, Birgitta Visser
52. The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary, Angeles Arrien
53. How Joyous Effort Works: The Energy to Benefit Others, Janet Kathleen Ettele, foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
54. Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Soul’s Pilgrimage through Death and Rebirth, Miles Neale, PsyD
55. Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The Dance of Darkness and Light in Our Search for Awakening, Connie Zweig
56. When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times, Haemin Sumin
57. Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, Rainn Wilson
58. Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, Barbara Brown Taylor
59. Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World, John Philip Newell

Spirituality in nature

60. Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age, Katherine May
61. Aflame: Learning from Silence, Pico Iyer
62. Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred, Victoria Loorz
63. Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe, Laura Lynne Jackson
64. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, Robin Wall Kimmerer
65. Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit, Lyanda Lynn Haupt

Inner guidance

66. Ask Your Spirit, Christine Lang
67. Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, David R. Hawkins
68. Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon, Joe Dispenza
69. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life, Jon Kabat-Zinn
70. Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion, Sam Harris
71. The Awakened Way: Making the Shift to a Divinely Guided Life, Suzanne Giesemann
72. Almost 30: A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love for the Next Decade and Beyond, Lindsey Simcik, Krista Williams
73. Higher Self: Reclaiming the Power of Your Intuition, Mory Fontanez
74. The Disappearance of the Universe, Gary Renard
75. Living in the Light: Follow Your Inner Guidance to Create a New Life and a New World, Shakti Gawain
76. Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul, Melody Beattie
77. Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts, Oliver Burkeman
78. The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins, Anita Phillips
79. Everyday Intuition: What Psychology, Science, and Psychics Can Teach Us About Finding and Trusting Our Inner Voice, Elizabeth Greenwood
80. Ready, Set, Slow: How to Improve Your Energy, Health, and Relationships Through the Power of Slow, Lee Holden
81. Ask Your Guides: Calling in Your Divine Support System for Help with Everything in Life, Sonia Choquette
82. 28 Days in Darkness: A Journey from the Depth of Despair to the Joy of Awakening, Traver Boehm
83. Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life, Selina Maitreya
84. Why We Believe: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times, Alister McGrath
85. Your Soul Had a Dream, Your Life Is It: How to Be Held by Life When It Feels Like Everything Is Falling Apart, Rebecca Campbell
86. How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
87. The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World, Desmond Tutu, Mpho Tutu
88. Works of Love, Søren Kierkegaard
89. Reclaim Your Heart: Personal Insights on Breaking Free from Life’s Shackles, Yasmin Mogahed
90. Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, Bob Goff
91. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?, Rick Warren

Tarot and astrology

92. Modern Tarot: Connecting with Your Higher Self through the Wisdom of the Cards, Michelle Tea
93. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness, Rachel Pollack
94. Tarot for Change: Using the Cards for Self-Care, Acceptance, and Growth, Jessica Dore
95. You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance, Chani Nicolas
96. Saturn Returns: Your Cosmic Coming of Age, Caggie Dunlop
97. It’s All Magic: 365 Reflections on Astrology, Tarot, and Manifestation, Aliza Kelly
98. Astrolographs: How the Zodiac Signs Behave (and Misbehave) in Love, Work, Leisure, and Beyond, in 112 Humorous Charts, Julia Topaz
99. Black Moon Lilith Rising: How to Unlock the Power of the Dark Divine Feminine Through Astrology, Adama Sesay

Iris Goldsztajn (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor based in London, UK. Her work has been featured in British Vogue, Marie Claire, Refinery29, SELF, Bustle and many more. Iris can typically be found on her way to a fitness class or with her nose in a good book.

The post 99 Books For Building Your Own Spirituality appeared first on The Good Trade.

When I don’t allow myself the time to rest, I notice that frustration and “spikiness” building up inside, like I’m a cute little puffer fish that’s been pushed to her limits. Before I know it, I erupt into self-defense and lose touch with my real self.

“I feel reconnected when I’m digging up a handful of soil to pot a new houseplant, letting the afternoon sun warm my face, biting into a strawberry that’s still sun-warmed, climbing into clean bedsheets, or getting lost in fiction, music, or poetry.”

The subsequent breakdown looks like this: I stop taking care of myself, stop nourishing my body, stop tending to my apartment and my pets in the way they deserve, and stop pursuing creative and fulfilling hobbies. It becomes more difficult for me to listen to and accept counterpoints in conflict, especially with my partner, and instead I focus on being right than really listening to the issues at hand.

Yet, I am reconnected when I’m digging up a handful of soil to pot a new houseplant, letting the afternoon sun warm my face, biting into a strawberry that’s still sun-warmed, climbing into clean bedsheets, or getting lost in fiction, music, or poetry. These softer moments, the ones that “don’t matter” in the same way that we perceive actionable conversations and profitable progress to matter, are actually essential to our balance as humans. I argue that these moments are the feminine energy we can call on to balance the move-forward-at-any-cost energy of the masculine.

Lately, I’ve lived too deeply in my masculine and neglected the feminine. Or, to say it without the gendered language, I’ve pushed too far into the yang without allowing myself to properly embrace the yin. And both are foundational to our lives. Regardless of our gender, sexuality, or identity — the yin, or the feminine energy, however you put it, is not just for women. We can all embrace these dual energies to arrive at our truest self.

“I’ve pushed too far into the yang without allowing myself to properly embrace the yin. And both are foundational to our lives.”

What is feminine energy and who is it for?

I view feminine energy as the other side of production: Instead of focusing on output, this energy invites us to consider the inputs that are creating the ebbs and flows in our lives. Feminine energy, like the moon, is steadfast, essential, long-term, guiding, thought-provoking, life-sustaining, and always present, no matter what phase it’s in. When you consider that in relation to the sun, which is equally essential and steadfast yet alternatively short term, illuminating, productive, and life-generating, you have an idea of what I mean when I talk about these two energies: Feminine and masculine, moon and sun. One does not exist without the other, and all the stages of the spectrum in between.

But why focus on the “feminine” when I argue we should look to find a balance that’s unique to each of us?

We all hold a balance of energies, and sometimes the softer, quieter energy goes less noticed than a loud, proactive, productive, and profit-driven energy. It’s the difference between taking a walk in a park and driving down the 405 in LA. One is non-linear movement for enjoyment, the other is progress despite the pain (and the dreaded waste of gas). Again, both valid and important energies, but it’s easy for the traffic to drown out those sweet moments of stillness that aren’t about pursuing results.

Importantly, feminine energy isn’t limited by gender or identity. I believe it’s the essential counterpoint to busyness; it’s about receptivity, creativity, intuition, nurturing, and cyclical living. We all deserve to make space for it; doing so doesn’t have to mean rejecting the more “masculine” energies most of us spend a lot of time with.

Because of the stigmas and oppression that femininity has faced in the patriarchal system, you might feel like embracing feminine energy invites in submissiveness and relinquishes power, making us smaller. I don’t believe that. It’s not about shrinking into a box. Instead, feminine energy has always felt, to me, like something that wants to expand and diffuse through every part of my life, bringing wholeness wherever it goes.

Ultimately, when I get too caught up in binary “feminine vs masculine” rhetoric, I try to remember all the ways these energies present in the world: Sun vs moon, sugar vs salt, creating vs consuming, music vs silence, water vs land. Neither exists in a vacuum; each, as Mary Oliver writes, “has its place in the family of things.” Feminine and masculine are both solitary and complementary — and both are needed.

“Sun vs moon, sugar vs salt, creating vs consuming, music vs silence, water vs land. Neither exists in a vacuum; each, as Mary Oliver writes, ‘has its place in the family of things.’ Feminine and masculine are both solitary and complementary — and both are needed.”

How do we know we’re out of balance?

When we aren’t balanced in the ways that work for us, our lives start to feel chaotic and stressful. To quote my own mother: “If you feel like something is missing, then it probably is.” So, how do you know if — and what — you’re missing out on?

In my experience, the most obvious sign of imbalance is clutter: A cluttered mind, home, news feed, or to-do list can indicate that things are out of balance. That doesn’t mean we’re failing, it just means that there’s a need for more rest, or even more activity. This looks different for all of us; I like to think that each of us has our own “formula” for balance, and that ratio changes over time.

“Balancing our yin and yang, our feminine and masculine, means we aren’t ambivalent about the world’s pain, nor are we so outraged that action is impossible.”

Personally, I notice how anger or other outbursts of emotion beyond my control might be a sign of imbalance. Conversely, ambivalence, or feeling like nothing matters, can also be a signal. Isolation and insignificance are clues too: either being too solitary, or feeling lost in the world’s noise. Balancing our yin and yang, our feminine and masculine, means we aren’t ambivalent about the world’s pain, nor are we so outraged that action is impossible. The balance between the two finds us in a space of radical compassion, where we work to soothe the pains of the world, without neglecting our own individual griefs and needs.

How to invite more feminine energy into your life

I’m not going to tell you to put on a flowy dress, pink lipstick, and dance to Taylor Swift, unless that genuinely feels joyful. When it comes to actually embracing feminine energy, it’s more about engaging with your own softness and presence in life. Reconnecting to feminine energy is an ongoing experiment; it’s not prescriptive or standardized, so I’ll share what works for me in hopes it’ll inspire your own practices.

When I’m feeling disconnected, I love to indulge in sonder by recognizing that while I am full and complex, so is every person around me. I do this during solo dates, while gazing out the window, or simply pausing in conversation to wonder: “Look at that person feeding the birds. I wonder what brought them here today?” Fierce and solitary individualism feels more masculine to me; community, connection, and empathy help me feel my feminine energy more deeply.

Or, I step outside and lose myself in nature, sometimes for a whole weekend in hot springs, but often just by slipping off my sandals and walking through grass, or inhaling jasmine on a short walk. If nature is far away, I listen to nature sounds, buy and care for a new plant, or take a shower with fragrant essential oils; engaging my senses in these ways always helps bring me back to that sacred balance.

Creativity helps, too! I make time for tactile, offline art like watercolor, crochet, writing, singing, or playing an instrument. I don’t do these things for profit or force my skill improvement, simply doing them for pleasure’s sake. And, when I consume art by visiting museums, attending lectures or theater, I always carry a burst of feminine energy with me afterward.

“Some of my favorites rituals are savoring foods fresh from the earth, pulling tarot cards, or spending time in prayer (whatever that looks like for you.)”

And, of course, with the resurgence of witchcraft on social media, I acknowledge how powerful rituals can be in reconnecting ourselves with feminine energy and bringing ourselves into balance. Some of my favorites are savoring foods fresh from the earth like herbs and berries, pulling tarot cards, or spending time in prayer, whatever that looks like for you. Practicing witchcraft, despite the fears and stigmas around it, is a reminder of how women’s intuition and feminine energy are powerful and subversive, even in the face of violent persecution.

Other things I return to when I feel my energies are out of balance:

• Meditative movement (like yoga, stretching, or slow dance)
  
• Boundary setting and conscious rest
  
• Marking transitions (lighting a candle, changing clothes, curating playlists)
  
• Nurturing community by writing letters, participating in gentle activism, and organizing group rituals
  

Why does this balance matter?

For me, nurturing feminine energy is about nurturing nuance. In a world of “hot takes” and certainty, we deserve both objectivity and subjectivity — a balance of facts and feelings — to foster real growth and understanding. Both are needed if we want a more compassionate and honest world.

This is a personal journey. It’s not about checking boxes or following a script; your connection with feminine energy is yours alone. Consider this a gentle invitation to notice what feels unbalanced, whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual, or something else, and explore what might lie on the other end.

Whether you find that connection through ritual, care routines, wild walks, or a single moment of mindful rest, you deserve every part of your wholeness. As we sit now on the cusp of another seasonal change, I’ll sit in the sunshine, light a candle as dusk falls, and remember: Feminine and masculine aren’t just sun and moon — there’s so much magic in every sunset and moonrise, and plenty of space in between to be your truest self.

Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her cat, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.

The post How To Get In Touch With Your Feminine Energy appeared first on The Good Trade.

We had been too old for that, maybe. But we had put it on our summer bucket lists. So we had to do it. That was the last summer I had made a bucket list, wanting to commemorate my final summer before starting high school. I remember it in brief flashes of equally juvenile adventures: Throwing water balloons, face painting, rom-com marathons, and staying up to watch the sunrise.

“Lately, I felt as though my summers have faded into one brief blur of hundred-degree weather and promises to make the most of it that never come to fruition.”

While I still consider myself to be a summer girl, I realized in that moment that none of them have been as vivid as that one. And lately, I felt as though my summers have faded into one brief blur of hundred-degree weather and promises to make the most of it that never come to fruition. In the past few years, I haven’t taken summer as seriously as I did those years I was making bucket lists. As a freelancer, I even found myself working on my vacations — the pictures of me in Europe or beside pools in Long Island were always ruined by my bulky laptop in my tote bag or the sight of me hunched over by the pool with everyone else inside of it.

As I’ve gotten older, summer has become an abstract concept rather than something to savor. Instead of embracing the season and all the things I love about it, I make vague promises to enjoy it, but spend every day pulled away by responsibilities and distractions. This year, I decided I wanted to be intentional about the summer I wanted to have — so I took drastic measures. I made a summer bucket list.

The case for making a summer bucket list

Making a summer bucket list is more than a nod to nostalgia. Thanks to my Capricorn placements, I make lists for everything. And I knew that to take my summer seriously, I wanted to approach it with the same tenacity I approach the rest of my life. Like scheduling fun and rest into your daily calendar, I was determined to schedule time to enjoy my summer.

“Research supports this: The best way to achieve your goals is to write them down, make a plan, and get your support system on board.”

The research supports this: The best way to achieve your goals is to write them down, make a plan, and get your support system on board. Therefore, instead of setting an abstract goal to be more present or promising myself to log off more without making a plan to do so, I decided to turn to the tried-and-true method of creating a bucket list.

I wasn’t the only one who undertook this endeavor this summer. The idea came from my own reminiscing, but was reinforced by multiple Substack articles and social media posts about people I admire undertaking a similar mission. If it was the summer of anklets and flip flops, it was also the summer of bucket lists. Surrounded by an echo chamber of support and enlisting friends to join me on this whimsical mission, I was even more motivated to make a bucket list and tick off as many boxes as possible.

To make the most of summer, I split my bucket list into three sections:

• Easy wins: These were things I could do with minimal effort, but often neglected due to a busy schedule or because they weren’t my priorities. I wanted to make sure that even when I wasn’t embarking on flashy adventures, I was making the most of summer by doing the little things to make it special. These included going to my favorite workout classes with friends, trying new coffee shops and studios, dining al fresco, having a pool day or a picnic in the park, and hosting friends at my apartment for a movie night.
• Adventures: These were things that took a little more planning, a little more effort, and often required friends to come along. Some of these were things I’d done before and wanted to try again, others were brand new experiences. They’re the typical “bucket list” experiences: Things that come with a lot of pictures and memories, but take a little push to plan. And I wanted to lean into them. They included things like taking surf and tennis lessons, attending a pool party or a barbecue, going to karaoke with a big group, going to an outdoor movie, taking a class in something, and more.
• Tourist vibes: My third category was strategic. I knew I would be traveling to Copenhagen and London with friends this summer, as well as taking visitors around my home city of Los Angeles. I wanted to plan for my biggest bucket list items in each of the cities I was travelling to — then also keep that same energy at home and lean into being a tourist in my own city. In the cities I was visiting, I picked out the museums, restaurants, and activities I wanted to try, then I did the same for Los Angeles, making reservations at restaurants I’d been meaning to try, booking architecture tours, exploring new neighborhoods, and going to my favorite museums — even if they were a little out of the way.

Just writing down the things I wanted to do made one thing obvious: Most of them were about connecting with friends and experiencing culture. And a lot of them were pretty achievable. Looking at the list in front of me, I realized what I really missed about summer was the permission to slow down and make time for the things and people I love. I didn’t want to skydive or explore uncharted terrain. I mostly just wanted to hang out with my friends and do things that spark inspiration, instead of hunching over my laptop.

With my intentions set and my bucket list in front of me, I decided that even if I didn’t check off every box, I wanted to take the mentality of intentionality, connection, and inspiration with me in everything I did. And with that in mind, I charged into summer with a plan.

How to actually do the things on your bucket list

Like I said, I have Capricorn placements, so I was very strategic about committing to the items on my bucket list. While I wanted to leave room for spontaneity, I know how quickly you look up from your laptop to find chilly weather and earlier nights at your door. So, the first thing I did after making my bucket list was look at my calendar and slot in each of my activities.

“The first thing I did after making my bucket list was look at my calendar and slot in each of my activities.”

In the spirit of planning for my summer the same way I plan for vacations, I looked at reservations I could book in advance. I checked the social media of my favorite LA restaurants to check for special summer events and pop-ups — a waffle pop-up at my favorite brunch spot, a special seasonal Corn Matcha Latte at a local coffee shop. I checked the dates of the museum exhibits and book readings. And I made sure to text friends to ask about their availability so we could get plans on the books — because one thing about adult friendships is you’ll play tag forever if you don’t make a plan. 

What I found most motivating was momentum. The very next day after making my bucket list, I checked off the first item: Do an architectural tour in Los Angeles. Architectural tours of the Barragan houses are always my favorite parts of visiting Mexico City, so I decided to replicate that experience in Los Angeles, which is famed for its unique and historic architecture. After scribbling at my desk all night making my bucket list, I woke up early the next morning to visit the Neutra VDL House in Silver Lake. I’d passed it all the time, but never taken the time to tour. Though I almost didn’t drag myself out of bed, it was so worth it. The tour itself was invigorating, but even more so was being surrounded by tourists, people who were visiting my city and didn’t take the magic for granted.

Getting summer started early with that burst of inspiration kept me going, even through the stressful seasons. It got me to look up from my laptop and go to a museum on the opposite side of time that ended up being one of my favorite moments of the summer. It got me to say yes to invitations to parties where I didn’t know many people and left with new friends. It got me to wake up earlier to meet friends for workout classes, and go out at night to spend the day with friends and not with my laptop.

I found that interspersing my easy wins with my big adventures gave me something to look forward to every week without tiring me out or making my bucket list feel like an obligation. One day I went to a new coffee shop alone, the next I wrangled together a big group of friends to do karaoke at my local dive bar. Every day felt different. So my summer felt longer than it had in years.

“I found that interspersing my easy wins with my big adventures gave me something to look forward to every week without tiring me out or making my bucket list feel like an obligation.”

After dedicating time to having an intentional summer, I realized that the reason I love the season so much isn’t necessarily just because of the weather (though that is part of it), it’s because it’s the season I spend most time devoted to the people and things I love. Though most of us don’t have the luxury of summer vacation anymore, my bucket list reflected my desire to set aside my responsibilities (not abandon them completely), and get back in touch with the playfulness and lightness that defines who I am at my best.

Now, as fall falls upon us, I am resolving to treat this season with the same intentionality. I’ve decided to lean into the feeling of back-to-school season just like I leaned into the memory of summer vacation. I’m making reading lists, blocking out time for cozy hobbies, and making a fall bucket list that includes things like writing letters, having a hot chocolate night at home with friends, and embracing the dark academia vibes at museums and libraries.

After a summer embracing whimsy, I am determined to keep in touch with my inner child through every season — the girl who was excited for the possibility of every day and not deflated by the monotony of routine, the girl who looked for creativity and inspiration everywhere, the girl who rolled down hills for fun.

Langa Chinyoka is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is a writer and strategist based in Los Angeles.

The post I Made A Summer Bucket List For My Inner Child, Here’s How It Went appeared first on The Good Trade.

Humans have long celebrated and even planned their lives around the phases of the moon. Without modern electricity, a full moon meant you could work or gather longer into the evening thanks to its benevolent glow. Nowadays, it’s much easier to sequester ourselves from the natural world. We huddle around our television screens like the hearth of a fire and let the days slide by in a flurry of to-do lists and chores. A full moon is a chance to slow down, reflect, and remind ourselves that we do not exist separately from the universe; we are a part of it.

“A full moon is a chance to slow down, reflect, and remind ourselves that we do not exist separately from the universe; we are a part of it.”

There are (usually) 12 full moons a year, three of which will occur in autumn. In the guide below, we’ll explore what makes these autumn full moons especially potent, the historical significance of each moon, and how you can channel its unique energy for self-care and celebration. 🌝 

(Even more moon-curious? Learn how your menstrual cycle can align with the moon phases, or how to set intentions during the next supermoon on October 6, 2025.)

What’s the significance of the full moon?

For thousands of years, the moon has swayed human life. Full moons have historically marked time via lunar calendars, which were vital for both agriculture and hunting. It is believed that the first of these calendars was developed some 30,000 years ago, when ancient people would track each full moon by marking it on animal bones.

“Throughout folklore, a full moon has long been linked to fertility, divinity, emotions, and transformation.”

The moon’s gravitational pull also influences tides, leading to the widespread (though scientifically inconclusive) belief that it affects human behavior and health. Throughout folklore, a full moon has long been linked to fertility, divinity, emotions, and transformation.

Across continents and centuries, the story is the same: When the moon is full, people gather. Witches were said to commune and cast spells under the full moon. Ancient Egyptians used full moon rituals to seek spiritual clarity. Celtic practitioners gathered for storytelling, dances, and bonfires. People use the full moon to feast, pray, dance, and connect, all in search of that magical energy that turns the oceans and lights the night.

The full moons of autumn

In autumn, there are three full moons. Thanks to centuries of moon lovers before us, each full moon has a poetic and seasonally indicative name. Many of these names were coined by Indigenous tribes centuries ago, though some are Celtic or European in origin. These names speak to what is ripening, what is needed, and what is sacred in that month.

“The full moons of fall are especially potent because they carry the weight of transition.”

The full moons of fall are especially potent because they carry the weight of transition.

“Unlike the energetic growth of spring or the high vitality of summer, autumn full moons reflect a turning point,” says Janet Rae Orth, a Tucson-based Intuitive Life Coach & Clairvoyant. “They mark the gathering in, endings that feed beginnings, of the conscious shift from outward expansion to inward reflection.”

September: The Corn Moon 

In September, we have the Corn Moon. During this period, crops have ripened and are ready for harvest. This signals a season of abundance and gratitude. As we begin the transition into fall, this moon inspires us to gather all we can of summer’s magic before the Earth grows quiet, whether that’s food, resources, or days spent soaking up the sun.

In 2025, the Full Corn Moon rises on Sunday, September 7. 

October: The Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon is the full moon that’s closest to the Fall Equinox. In 2025, this comes in October. “The Harvest Moon is special in that it rises immediately after sunset for several nights in a row, giving extended hours of moonlight, brighter and more prolonged than any other full moon of the year,” explains Orth. “Historically, this extra light allowed farmers to harvest their crops well into the night, making it the quintessential ‘harvest’ moon.”

In 2025, the Full Harvest Moon rises on Monday, October 6. This special lunation is a time for gathering, celebration, feasting, and preparing for the colder months. It’s also going to be a supermoon this year!

November: The Beaver Moon

In November, the Beaver Moon marks a time of rest and inner reflection. As the winter slowly begins to take hold, there is one final month of essential hunting. Other names for the November moon speak to the early onsets of winter: First Snow Moon, Little Winter Moon, etc.

In 2025, the Full Beaver Moon rises on Wednesday, November 5. This moon signals the final preparations before winter. It reflects our instinct to turn inward, conserve energy, and prepare for the long nights ahead.

Full moon rituals for this fall

Full moons in the spring and summer often signal growth, fertility, and outward expansion. They align with long days, abundant crops, and the joy of movement. But the full moons of autumn invite us inward, calling us to slow down, reflect, and tend to the quiet work of the spirit. 

“The full moons of autumn invite us inward, calling us to slow down, reflect, and tend to the quiet work of the spirit.”

I selected the rituals below specifically for the full moons of autumn. To make the most of your full moon ritual, start with a few moments of meditation before anything. Take a moment to close your eyes, deepen your breath, and tap into what this season means for you, how it’s manifesting for you in this moment, and why you chose the practice you did.

Afterward, take a few moments to journal on your experience and how it made you feel.

Attend a local fair or community gathering

Full moons were often celebrated in community — a far cry from the shrouded, mysterious air we sometimes give them today. During early fall, these communal celebrations are abundant. County fairs, farmers’ markets, and other community festivals are a wonderful way to honor the harvest spirit. Get together with friends or your partner and load up on candied apples, popcorn, and lemonade under the hazy September sun. Allow yourself to be fully present with those around you and prioritize joy. 

Make a summer scrapbook

Use the final breaths of summer to catch up on everything you’ve done this season. Odds are, it’s a lot more than you think! You could make this low-fuss by simply looking back through your photos, perhaps reminiscing with your friends or partner over a glass of wine. If you’re feeling more crafty, print out some of your favorite images, paste them in a journal or scrapbook, and take a moment to write about your experiences and what you’re grateful for. If you set intentions at the beginning of the year, this is a great time to look back and see how far you’ve come in achieving your goals. 

Make moon water

This ancient ritual turned TikTok trend is a moon magic fan-favorite. It’s particularly appealing for autumn, as it allows us to harness the festive spirit of harvest season and carry it with us in the challenging winter months.

To make moon water, fill a clean container with spring water or filtered tap water. Glass mason jars are a great option, but a sterling silver container is more traditional, associated with the moon, and is believed to enhance energy collection. To honor the harvest, you could also add some corresponding plants like sage, chamomile, or sunflowers. At night, place your water in a spot where it’ll be directly exposed to the moonlight. When you wake, make sure to retrieve it early in the morning.

For our purposes here, I suggest transferring your moon water to a small mist bottle. Add some essential oils of frankincense, neroli, or bergamot, and maybe even a few small crystals. You now have a lovely room or body spray to help you reconnect to the abundance of the harvest season whenever you need it. 

Host a Harvest Moon feast

In traditional Harvest Moon fashion, you could get together with friends and loved ones for a special feast. Serve seasonal food and produce like pumpkin soup, fresh berries, apple pie, or a harvest salad. Gather under dusk and share your meal over fond memories of the past year and the bounty of a plentiful Earth. End with a special bonfire, perhaps inviting everyone to write down one thing they’d like to release to the full moon, and toss it into the fire.

Connect with your ancestors

Autumn is a time of deep connection with the spirit world and our ancestors. Samhain (the traditional Pagan celebration that inspires Halloween) is all about honoring those who have come before us. This coincides beautifully with our Beaver Moon.

In practice, this can be a more intensive experience, like creating an altar to honor lost loved ones or working through past family grievances. Both are lofty but noteworthy endeavors. Alternatively, this can also be a much more straightforward, lighthearted practice. Take a day to spend quality time with family, prompting them to share childhood stories and cherished memories. This simple act of communal storytelling can be incredibly healing and bonding.

Shadow work

Shadow work refers to the process of bringing awareness to the parts of ourselves we tend to keep hidden. This “shadow” can include fears, memories, emotions, learned behaviors, and limiting beliefs formed from past experiences. These are the things we may not consciously acknowledge, but can affect our lives in powerful ways. The meaning of shadow work is to recognize these inner elements and work with them compassionately, ultimately helping us to lead more authentic and empowered lives.

Starting shadow work can be intimidating, but journaling on a few reflective questions can help guide the journey. “What emotions or memories am I resisting?” “What beliefs do I hold about myself that I might be afraid to let go of?” “What habits or patterns do I want to break but feel stuck in?” 🌝

Are you planning to celebrate the full moons this fall? Let us know in the comments what rituals and practices you’re looking forward to.

Sierra Vandervort is a writer and yoga teacher based in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not writing about wellness, culture, or travel, you can find her at a concert, reading a good book, or hiking in the beautiful PNW. Say hi on Instagram or Substack!

The post How To Create A Full Moon Ritual This Fall appeared first on The Good Trade.

We follow these 9 websites that are as resourceful as they are empowering and uplifting—covering everything from personal finance to mindful meditation.

Check out our favorite newsletters for women as well!

1. The Cut

Our Go-To For | News & politics
Topics | Style, self, culture, and power
A Feature We Love | 180 Female Execs Launch Time’s Up Advertising

When The Cut was launched years ago, it was an online publication for women with style and self in mind. Today, they’ve grown to be a leading resource for politics, current events, and the honest, challenging conversations we’re having with one another. Content some days will talk about Danity Kane and ‘Vanderpump Rules,’ while others revolve around March for Our Lives, career advice, and breastfeeding at work. Because what it means to be a successful woman can include style, self, and discussion around current events.

2. Salty

Our Go-To For | Body positivity
Topics | LGBTQIA+ lifestyle, sex & body, relationships, parenthood
A Feature We Love | How I Finally Liberated My Black Fat Femme Body

Unapologetic and intersectional, Salty is not here for censorship or the corporate brand of feminism. This volunteer-run, independent website is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women, trans, and nonbinary people on topics others may otherwise shy away from. Their perspectives around #MeToo, sex work, and body positivity are refreshing and insightful, and we’d all benefit from taking some time to dig in and read. With core tenets such as inclusivity, community, fun, and respect, their content celebrates and uplifts authenticity and living the most truthful lives we can. 

3. The Good Trade

Our Go-To For | Ethical & sustainable living
Topics | Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, self, home, culture
A Feature We Love | The 9 Best Meditation & Breathing Apps to Reduce Anxiety

Over the last seven years, The Good Trade has covered content around sustainable living and investing with socially conscious brands, knowing that we often vote for the world we want with our dollars. Today, it has grown to reach millions of readers with engaging content ranging from mindful living to personal finance to seasonal fashion. If you’re interested in fair trade fashion picks, local and sustainable spots to check out, or inspiring curated reads from across the Internet, you’ll especially love The Daily Good, a 30-second read sent each morning full of the team’s personalized recommendations.

4. Blood + Milk

Our Go-To For | Empowering wellness information and stories
Topics | Sex, body, menstruation, mental health, motherhood
A Feature We Love | Sacral Healing + The Importance Womb Healing 

Blood + Milk is more than an online publication or website for leisurely reading. It’s a community resource; a call for awakening; a collective cry for gender rights and the end of oppression for women. The editorial branch of organic tampon brand Cora, Blood + Milk is our favorite site for longer editorials, empowering stories, and inclusive advice about sex, body, menstruation, and more. For the kind of articles you’ll be forwarding to all your friends, add this site to your bookmarks. 

5. Darling Magazine

Our Go-To For | Inspiration
Topics | Culture, relationships, travel, style, creativity
A Feature We Love | The Habits of Highly Successful Women Condensed in One Infographic

Darling Magazine was born as a print mag to redefine the art of being a woman: all images they use are untouched and their content is written to empower readers. But today, Darling has evolved to so much more than just a print magazine—it’s the ideal resource whenever you need inspiration and motivation. And if you’re not sure where to start, they’ve handpicked choices for you when you’re feeling ambitious, overwhelmed, or adventurous. With powerful features from the likes of Meghan Markle, Joanna Gaines, and Rupi Kaur, Darling is media that makes us feel loved, not less.

6. Autostraddle

Our Go-To For | LGBTQ+ lifestyle
Topics | Arts & pop culture, sex & dating, community, identities
A Feature We Love | How Queer and Trans Women Are Healing Each Other After Hurricane Harvey

A past winner of the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Blog, Autostraddle has transformed the lives of lesbian, bisexual, and queer women (as well as non-binary people) for nearly 10 years. They offer a fresh voice and empowered perspective to make all women feel like they’re valuable, equal, and noticed, so it’s no wonder that they’re the number one lesbian lifestyle website worldwide. And what we love most are the values they apply to all of their content: never critical or teasing of women’s physical appearances, quality over quantity with a point, and diversity and inclusion with both imagery and written content. The Autostraddle team is also more than just online: they host worldwide meet-ups, sell merch, and arranged getaways, because their ultimate goal is to create a community wherever they reach.

7. Career Contessa

Our Go-To For | Career advice
Topics | Career tips, interviews, jobs, coaching & webinars
A Feature We Love | Empathy At Work—And Why It (Really) Matters

Whether you’re beginning your career, navigating a transition at work, or negotiating your next raise, Career Contessa has the resources you need to make the most of it. We love that they have resources for women in a wide array of industries, and their library of downloads, courses, and podcasts is unlike any other. Kickstart the career of your dreams with their guided 28-day plans for finding a new job, making more money, or learning new skills—or just browse their archives for plenty of valuable career content.

8. Create & Cultivate

Our Go-To For | Entrepreneurship
Topics | Career advice, women leaders, digital & tech
A Feature We Love | 3 Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets On Building A Smart Brand

Create & Cultivate’s mission is to support women looking to create & cultivate the career of their dreams, and they follow through. The ladies behind Create & Cultivate are chock full of sage advice and resources for both budding and established entrepreneurs, from year-one tips to starting a business to handling an especially slow day at work. And they’ve taken their content on the road too, with their beautifully-branded conferences and pop-ups so you can engage with them online or IRL.

9. them

Our Go-To For | LGBTQ+ culture & essays
Topics | Pop culture, style, politics, news
A Feature We Love | Inqueery: Indigenous Identity and the Significance of the Term “Two-Spirit”

For our weekly dose of pop culture, style, politics, and news, you can find us reading them, a proclaimed next-generation community platform chronicling and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to sharing excellent and informative content (we love both the written articles and videos) them also sends out a newsletter for anyone who “wants the best of what’s queer” delivered right to your inbox.

The post 9 Lifestyle Websites For Women That We’re Obsessed With appeared first on The Good Trade.

These 99+ newsletters below span the gamut from current affairs to careers & money to Substacks from some of the industry’s best writers. While we don’t recommend signing up for all of them right now (otherwise, say goodbye to Inbox Zero!), we suggest picking a few that speak to you and taking them for a test run. Oh, and don’t forget to confirm your subscription if it requires a double opt-in!

Also: If means allow, consider upgrading to a few paid subscriptions to support independent writers and their content. Most are only about $5/month (less than a coffee these days, or your monthly Netflix bill), and your subscription means writers get to work for themselves and publish the content that matters most to them. Better yet, a paid subscription is a great zero-waste gift option for holidays and birthday ideas. 😉 No matter which newsletter you pick, we’re confident you’ll become better informed, more inspired, and more in tune with the world around you.

Which newsletters do you already subscribe to and love? Let us know in the comments!

Best Lifestyle & Roundup Newsletters

• The Daily Good. Our 30-second daily newsletter is filled with original essays, soothing playlists, nourishing recipes, non-toxic product reviews, and more.
  
  
• The Weekend Edit: A weekly roundup of our 10 most-read links, plus handpicked recommendations from one of our editors.
  

• Good Digs. Tips for sustainable design, decor, DIYS, and more! Delivered in a digest every other Thursday.

  
  

• 5 Smart Reads. Curated by author Hitha Palepu and her team, this daily digest is for “the news you should know, the books to read, and the things that will make your life better.”

  
  

• Gloria. Similar to Britney Spears’ “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” this weekly newsletter is for women approaching midlife — not yet old, yet not still young.

  
  

• Downtime. Dubbed a “newsletter for downtime,” we love kicking off our weekend with these curated smart reads and trusted product recommendations.

  
  

• Oldster Magazine. Curated by bestselling writer, editor, and teacher Sari Botton, this Substack newsletter is our favorite lifestyle reads. Subscribe for essays about “the experience of getting older, and what that means at different junctures.”

  
  

• The GIST. Whether you root for the Yankees or sit courtside at Lakers’ games, The GIST is your 101 on the sports world, sent four times a week.

  
  

• Bake with lovevivv 🙂. A newsletter with baking recipes and inspo — our favorite!

  
  

• Letters from Esther. Esther Perel, the renowned intimacy expert, shares her up-to-date monthly insights on relationships, love, and emotional intelligence.

  
  

• The Stripe. Grace Atwood’s blog has been an Internet staple for “stylish bookworms” for over a decade, and her newsletter rounds up the best internet reads, fashion finds, and home decor inspo.

  
  

• Nisha’s Internet Tote Bag. A Sunday newsletter of reads, recipes, and curated recommendations by Vox’s Managing Editor Nisha Chittal.

  
  

• Add To Cart. A newsletter by Eater for perusing and bookmarking the coolest (often food-adjacent) brands. Bookmark now, buy later.

  
  

• Suitcase Mag Newsletter. For your regular dose of armchair travel.

  
  

• What To Read If. For your next book recommendation, curated by writer Elizabeth Held.

  
  

• Recovering. We love this Substack from author Holly Whitaker for all things self-care and going sober.

  
  

• The Pause. The On Being Project’s weekly newsletter (delivered every Saturday).

  
  

• Satanic Baby Girl. Yoga practitioner Jessamyn Stanley writes thought provoking pieces on the intersectionality of yoga and pleasure, and how to face your fears.

  
  

• Amplifying Our Voices. NYLON’s weekly digest is all about celebrating underrepresented voices in the fashion, beauty, entertainment, and tech sphere.

  
  

• Cooks Without Borders. Award-winning writer and cook Leslie Brenner showcases recipes and stories from around the world. 

  
  

• Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. From stories about health and spirituality, to culture and news, Sunday Paper publishes content to inspire your heart and mind. 

  
  

• Slow Brew Sunday. This newsletter will have you creating your own Sunday ritual through intentions, productivity tips, and advice for sustainable self growth. 

  
  

• Conscious City Guide. Learn about community retreats and transformative events happening near you!

  
  

 Best Newsletters For Creatives

• Longreads. This weekly roundup shares five of the best long-form pieces on the Internet, curated by its stellar team of editors. Set aside 15 minutes; you won’t regret it.

  
  

• Memoir Monday. For curated essay and long-form writing recommendations, hot off the press every Monday AM.

  
  

• Maybe Baby. One of the GOATs of Substack newsletters, in our opinion. A top culture newsletter by Haley Nahman.

  
  

• Grief Bacon. Self-described as “A bunch of long, weird essays” (mostly about love).

  
  

• Not a Writers Club. We love this newsletter for “people who sometimes have a difficult time writing.” (It’s us, we feel seen.)

  
  

• Fog Chaser. This one’s not your typical email newsletter. Once a month, composer Matt Evans sends out what he calls “a moment of calm”, which includes an original instrumental composition and an accompanying visual.

  
  

• Britchida. A newsletter for algorithm-free art that spends time “exploring trauma/healing, queerness, connection and rest.”

  
  

• Before And After The Book Deal. One of the most helpful resources for newbie authors — subscribe for alllll the tips on how to get published (and paid for it).

  
  

• Poem of the Day. A daily poem curated by Poetry Foundation.

  
  

• Subtle Maneuvers. From the author of Daily Rituals: How Artists Work. A fortnightly Substack newsletter on “routines, rituals, and wriggling through a creative life.”

  
  

• Agents & Books. Another one for aspiring authors! Kate McKean is teaching us everything we need to know about finding a writing agent.

  
  

• The Marginalian. Formerly known as Brain Pickings, this Sunday and mid-week newsletter helps us reflect on the search for meaning and beauty in the world around us.

  
  

• Wu Fei’s Music Daily. For original, daily music compositions.

  
  

• Brass Ring Daily. Subscribe for “a daily dose of encouragement for your work, life, and creativity.”

  
  

• DrawTogether. Learn to draw with #1 New York Times bestselling artist Wendy MacNaughton!

  
  

• The Fairest Newsletter. A free writing newsletter by author Meredith Talusan “as a way to try to make things more fair to those who cannot afford to go to [writing] fancy schools.”

  
  

• Lit Hub Daily. A daily email recapping the best of the literary internet.

  
  

• The Mood Board. Brianna Schubert’s newsletter is a space for readers (and herself!) to explore creativity, slow down and take notice of the beauty around us.

  
  

• Listings Project. This is a weekly newsletter that includes job listings and housing opportunities — from one artist to another.

  
  

•  ilovecreatives. Delivered every Wednesday to your inbox, this newsletter’s got you covered on the latest gigs, events, workshops and more.

  
  

•  Inbox Collective. Need support with growing your own newsletter list? This weekly newsletter will teach you how to get your readers engaged and your revenue up!

  
  

• Blavity. This newsletter provides an engaging platform where BIPOC folks and multicultural communities come together to share the latest on creative news, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture. 

  
  

• Sub Club. A newsletter for submission opportunities for creative and professional writers delivered to your inbox weekly.  

  
  

• The Parallelogram. This Webby-winning newsletter is all about revealing the inner workings of how celebrities help businesses thrive (or fail). 

  
  

Best For Daily News & Current Affairs

• Morning Brew. This daily read sent to 4M+ subscribers promises to make you smarter in just five minutes by covering news with wit and brevity.

• The NYT’s The Morning. A newsletter for New York Times news, of course.

  
  

• The GoodNewsletter. A free daily email filled with optimistic, positive worldwide news? Sign us up.

  
  

• The Skimm. Tailored by and for women, this daily email breaks down everything you need to know in the world of current affairs. Check out the link for previous editions.

  
  

• The Know Newsletter. This 5-minute newsletter is helping us feel informed but not overwhelmed. And we love the “cheer me up” section!

  
  

• 1440. This everyday read covers science, politics, and culture from an impartial view, with an audience of 2M+ readers and growing.

  
  

• The Newsette. Daily updates on beauty, business, and everything in between — with a cheeky twist.

  
  

• The 19th. Reporting on the intersection of gender, policy, and politics, this independent nonprofit newsroom shares news that actually represents you.

  
  

• ProPublica. Best known for its journalist deep dives and exposes, ProPublica has a number of newsletters to check out on current events, from weekly recaps to daily digests.

  
  

• Zette. Tired of paying separately for every single news subscription? This credit based service gives you access to paywalled pieces from publishers like Forbes and Oxford Magazine through a single subscription.

  
  

• Vote Save America. Keep up with political news locally and nationally with Crooked Media’s email list, perfect for election season. (Plus, we appreciate Crooked Media’s bias towards action!)

• The Browser. A round-up of some of the most truly interesting and thought-provoking material being published each day.

• The Daily Upside. For a positive outlook on news surrounding business, finance, and economics, this newsletter will have you feeling empowered.

• TheFutureParty. Get the latest scoop on business, entertainment, media & culture all in this 5-minute newsletter!

• The Donut. Get quick, nonpartisan news updates that are actually fun to read with this personalized newsletter. 

Best For Sustainability & Climate Change News

• Grist. One of the few newsrooms out there focused on the intersection of climate and justice; opt-in to The Beacon for positive and hopeful climate news or The Daily for everyday reportage and coverage.

  
  

• The Unpublishable. Jessica DeFino’s tagline says it all: “What the beauty industry won’t tell you, from a reporter on a mission to reform it.” 👀 Start with one of our favorite recent editions, Where Are All The Eyebrows?

  
  

• HEATED. Launched by Emily Atkin, her insights as a climate journalist are invaluable as we look towards the earth’s future — plus, we love her take on demanding accountability.

  
  

• Sustainable Baddie. From thoughtful content creators we love (including Jazmine Rogers AKA @thatcurlytop), this newsletter is “a place for fun and optimistic content surrounding imperfect sustainable fashion and living.”

  
  

• Unwrinkling Roundup. A newsletter by fashion and sustainability journalist Whitney Bauck reporting on climate and the environment.

  
  

• The Climate Crisis. From The New Yorker and American environmentalist Bill McKibben.

  
  

• Patagonia. While most brand newsletters focus on sales and products, we love Patagonia’s emails for environmental action alerts and climate-related news (in addition to sales + product launches, ofc).

  
  

• Long Live. For all things secondhand-fashion, this twice weekly newsletter from Erika Veurink has got you covered.

  
  

• The Farm Share Newsletter. For tips on what to do with all your CSA produce!

  
  

• Zero Waste Chef. From cookbook author Anne-Marie Bonneau, a newsletter for zero waste tips and kitchen hacks.

  
  

Best Newsletters For Parents

• phone notes. Kayti Christian’s Substack is one of our favorites for notes on motherhood, IVF, and infertility.

• Dear Somebody. This weekly newsletter by Meera Lee Patel chronicles five things worth remembering and explores the art of motherhood.

  
  

• The New Fatherhood. We love love love this weekly newsletter by Kevin Maguire about modern fatherhood. Subscribe for “honest conversations between a community of dads who are trying to be a little bit better.”

  
  

• Apparently. A Substack by mom blog writer Ilana Wiles. It’s about parenting — and also everything else.

  
  

• The Examined Family. If you’ve ever wondered how exactly we’re supposed to raise little humans in this broken world, this newsletter is for you.

  
  

• Now We’re Talking. “A newsletter about the lived experience of being a mom, in all of its wonderful, but impossible, and yet often absurd glory.”

  
  

• The Future of Education. An excellent newsletter for school-age parents about top trends in innovation in learning.

  
  

Best Newsletters For Career & Money Advice (Plus, Job Postings)

• The Assist. Want to become a better professional? This is our go-to for career advice that’s actually enjoyable.

  
  

• Money With Katie. 401(K)s, IRAs, and tax bills, oh my! A personal finance newsletter that you’ll actually want to read, can easily understand, and will laugh at over and over again.

  
  

• Career Contessa. Go from entry level to managerial with this weekly email, chock full of resources, timely reads, and expert advice.

  
  

• The Bloom. Your next favorite newsletter for career tips, jobs, exclusive interviews, and connections — specific to the social impact space.

  
  

• The Financial Diet. Named one of the top online destinations for women to talk about all things personal finance, this weekly email shares DIY tips, self-improvement challenges, and access to exclusive events and resources.

  
  

• The Penny Hoarder. More tips to help save that money, bb!

  
  

• The Nerdletter. From The Hell Yeah Group’s Paco de Leon, this weekly newsletter has thoughtful insights and practical reads on all things money.

  
  

• Embrace Change NYC. Cynthia Pong — a former lawyer, award-winning career coach, and LinkedIn Top Voice — specializes in career support specifically for BIWOC. Find no-nonsense, cheeky, and insightful tips with this weekly email.

  
  

• Robinhood Snacks. New to the finance or investing world? See this daily read that breaks it down into bite-sized…well, snacks.

  
  

• Wellfound. If you work in the startup space, don’t sleep on this weekly email covering new trends, the future of work, and tech jobs.

  
  

• The Wall Street Journal. It’s not just for your econ professor or dad to read anymore. Stay in the know about the economy and global markets with WSJ’s many newsletters tailored to your interests.

  
  

• The Browngirl Green’s Green Jobs Board newsletter is excellent for climate oriented jobs.

  
  

• Ask A Manager. New and seasoned managers will appreciate Alison Green’s thoughtful responses on effectively leading and supporting teams. Choose from daily digests or weekly updates.

  
  

• Jack’s Flight Club. The best newsletter for saving $$ on travel.

  
  

• Feed Me by Emily Sundberg. Sundberg’s daily newsletter is worth paying for — though she releases free versions of the letter frequently. You’ll get a daily selfie coupled with her personal (and often spicy!) take on the latest trends in business and media. A smart and fun “girls club” to be a part of.

  
  

• Girlboss. For a healthy dose of pop culture, career inspo, and work advice, this curated newsletter will perk up your day. 

  
  

 Newsletters Making Us Smarter 

• NPR Life Kit. Named after the eponymous podcast, this weekly newsletter helps you get your life together. (Not into this topic? NPR has over a dozen newsletters to sign up with.)

  
  

• NYT’s How to Do Everything. The New York Times’ Magazine’s column on all the things you wish you were taught in school, like how to talk to dogs or remember someone’s name.

  
  

• National Geographic. Get inspired by Nat Geo’s plethora of daily and weekly newsletters, with engaging and uniquely covered verticals like “Health,” “Animals,” and “Environment.”

  
  

• A Thing or Two. Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur, two e-commerce experts and longtime friends, share the 10 new products they’re most excited about each week. (Think everything from chic candlesticks to new 3D-printed collectibles.)

  
  

• The Spy Museum. James Bond fans, historians, and aspiring techies alike will love this weekly email “briefing,” with news, book releases, and stories about spies and secrets.

  
  

• Atlas Obscura. Explorers, local and international, will be obsessed with Atlas Obscura’s newsletters — with stories on the world’s most intriguing food and drink to hidden places to travel to on every continent.

  
  

• Culture Study. With tens of thousands of paid subscribers, we love journalist Anne Helen Peteresen’s Substack for our weekly think piece on all things culture (from politics and feminism to celebrity takes and consumerism).

  
  

• The Economist’s 1843. Named after The Economist’s publication date in September 1843, this weekly email explores events old and new, from Queen Elizabeth’s legacy to American barbecue.

  
  

• Atavist. This digital magazine focuses on one long-form story every month, from a troubling humanities magnet program in LA to FBI informants involved in murder and fraud. Incredibly researched and written.

  
  

• Love Notes. Whether you’re a parent or a partner, the Gottman Institute is the go-to for research-backed data on relationships. Enjoy the latest from the pros themselves on the art of love.

  
  

• Alienhood. This newsletter by writer Jesus Rodriguez is “an exploration of democracy through the eyes of an undocumented immigrant.”

  
  

Newsletters From Our Favorite Authors

• The Audacity by Roxane Gay

  
  

• Story Club by George Saunders

  
  

• sweater weather by Brandon Taylor

  
  

• Werk-In-Progress by Saeed Jones

  
  

• Cup of Stars by Carmen Maria Machado

  
  

• Lorain by Morgan Jerkins

  
  

• Men Yell at Me by Lyz Lenz

  
  

• Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

  
  

• Badreads by Lauren Hough

  
  

• Somebody’s Notes by Ashley C Ford

  
  

• Out Of The Blue by Mari Andrew

  
  

• Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith

  
  

• The AF WKLY Newsletter by Ann Friedman

  
  

• Heartbeat (fiction) edited by Georgia Clark and Hannah Orenstein

  
  

Henah Velez (she/her) is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade as well as the Executive Producer and Operations Lead of Money with Katie at Morning Brew, a personal finance brand for women. She’s also the co-founder of Departure, a quiet travel newsletter for women. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Inspiring Newsletters To Sign Up For This Year appeared first on The Good Trade.