One of my latest wellness reads was, Buy Yourself The F*cking Lillies (and other rituals to fix your life) by Tara Schuster. This book was both heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time. Tara was an “anxious, self-medicating mess” despite being a successful TV Executive. After drunk dialing her therapist, she decided to go on the ultimate healing journey. This included re-parenting herself after a not so ideal upbringing.

You certainly do not need to have had a terrible childhood to find this book useful. There were many helpful bits of information scattered throughout each chapter. I found myself dog-earing multiple pages.

For those who find themselves chronically anxious or stressed, settling in life, hating their body, treating their body poorly, treating other people poorly, in unfulfilling relationships, and other related scenarios — this book is worth the read. 

Quotes from Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies

Here are a few of my favorite pieces of advice:

Gratitude:

“Do you have any thank-you cards you’ve been meaning to write? Maybe it’s for something that happened a long time ago? Maybe there is a professor you’ve always meant to tell how important they were in your life? Maybe it’s simply for a great dinner party two months ago? Don’t overthink the timing. It’s never too late to be grateful.” (pg. 58)

Small things:

“Small things that make you happy ARE a part of taking care of yourself. If you can’t put your money where your mouth is and say “I am worth the lilies” or “I am worth six-dollar beef jerky” or “I am worth the almond butter that make me actually look forward to the morning,” then why are you working so hard at your job anyway? Seven-dollar lilies won’t ruin you and they won’t make you poor; they will make you stronger.” (pg. 94-95)

Criticism: 

“Finding a physical balm to soothe an emotional sting is one of the healthiest, most resilience-building practices you can bring into your life. Every single time you meet hurt with loving action, you train your body and your mind to think more highly of yourself.” (pg. 135)

Body Image: 

“I’ve heard every single body part ripped to shreds. Sure you could get surgery to change yourself, but I have a solution that’s cheaper and not nearly as invasive: Find a ritual that celebrates that thing you think needs work. Find a practice, a special piece of clothing, a favorite piece of jewelry, something that tricks you into liking your body. (pg.153)

I think now more than ever, we can all use a little extra TLC. Read this book if you want to Marie Kondo your life and create rituals that promote self-care and well-being.