Two times a year, I pull together a handful of articles, books, videos, and podcast episodes that are inspiring me lately so I can share them with you.

Because when life gets turned upside-down and you find yourself trying to make sense of it all, sometimes a deep breath and a fresh dose of inspiration goes a long way.

I don’t know about you, but I love hearing about what others are reading or listening to or watching, even more during these uncertain times.

This must be the strangest Holy Week we’ve ever experienced. Sanctuaries are empty. Services are slimmed down for streaming or recording. Choir members are singing from their living rooms.

Composer, conductor, and educator Alice Parker wrote recently:

“The sobering reality is that just when we need to work together, we can’t be together. Social distancing and quarantines mean that we can’t affirm our human ties by meeting together in groups large and small.

From my point of view, there’s the incalculable loss of being able to SING together—that unique way of affirming each individual voice as we create not only community, but beauty.

So we must learn to think differently. What can I do, right here, today, to preserve this world?" (source)

We are learning so much from one another right now and it’s helping me feel grounded and connected during this unsettling time.

If you’re here today, I hope you find something in this post that inspires and motivates you to keep doing good work.

Take some time this week to recharge and refill your well so you can bring your best self to your work, your ministry, and your students in the weeks to come.

We’re in this together, friends.

Seven Things to Read, Watch, or Listen to This Week

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Read

No. 1 - “I hope you know it’s okay…” by Morgan Harper Nichols

"I hope you know it is okay if ‘routine' looks a little different in this season,” she begins. Morgan Harper Nichols's thoughtful words of encouragement and enlightenment will bring you hope and a sense of calm during this season of unrest.

For more of Morgan Harper Nichols’s writing and artwork, see her book Storyteller: 100 Poem Letters, and her brand-new 2020 release, All Along You Were Blooming.

No. 2 - Save Me the Plums! by Ruth Reichl

A memoir about being the Editor-in-Chief of Gourmet magazine, Reichl’s writing is rich and inviting—the perfect cozy read for a grey, rainy day. Plus, there are recipes! (If you thought ahead and bought flour before this whole pandemic thing happened… which I did not.)

For another wonderful read, look for Reichl’s novel, Delicious! I read it over Christmas break and was enchanted.

Curious what I’m reading right now? Here’s what’s on my nightstand:

• Save Me the Plums! by Ruth Reichl

• Essentialism by Greg McKeown

• Bella Tuscany by Frances Mayes

• Outer Order Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin

See more of my book recommendations on my book list.

Watch

No. 3 - Some Good News with John Krasinski

If you haven’t yet heard about this on Facebook, take a moment to enjoy the first two episodes of John Krasinski’s news show, Some Good News. Krasinski (Jim on The Office) pulls together some of the most heart-warming stories on the internet right now to give us some much-needed good news.

In Episode 1, he interviews Steve Carrell (to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Office) and Coco, a 16-year-old girl who just finished chemo and was welcomed home with an epic parade.

In Episode 2, he invites a 9-year-old Hamilton fan on the show and plans a surprise Zoom concert with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Hamilton cast.

In the words of my husband, Steve, “This just might be the best thing on the internet right now.”

No. 4 - What is This Quarantine? (Parody) from Wicked

Fans of the Broadway musical Wicked will love this creative parody on “What Is This Feeling?” turned “What Is This Quarantine?” Well-written lyrics and an amazing performance!

Want to create your own recordings (or parodies!) of Broadway favorites? Take a look at this budget-friendly collection of 73 songs from 56 shows.

Listen

No. 5 - Patience (Cover) by Norah Jones

Norah Jones is one of my favorite musicians and I love this live-from-home video recording of the song, “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses.

Looking to learn this song yourself? Download the sheet music here.

No. 6 - You’ll Never Walk Alone by Craig Hella Johnson

A beautiful, poignant, live-from-home recording of this classic from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel performed by Craig Hella Johnson.

Looking for sheet music? Purchase an interactive digital download and adjust the key, melodic instrument, and note size.

No. 7 - What to Do When the World Shuts Down by Emily P. Freeman

On being a beginner, changing plans, navigating a new online world, and finding our way through together. A moment to pause, reflect, and decide what to do next with wisdom from Emily P. Freeman on the Next Right Thing podcast.

For more of Emily P. Freeman’s work, take a look at her most recent book, The Next Right Thing.

Now, it’s your turn: What things have you watched, read, or listened to lately that have inspired you in some way? What have you learned from others recently? I’d love to hear!