Restorative Reading and Writing for Wellness

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I’m sharing all the bookish details from my first-ever in-person restorative reading retreat. I’ll share what makes it different from a ‘regular’ reading retreat, the schedule we followed, the bookish surprises that were scattered throughout the day and what’s coming next, too!

Here are some of the details you won’t want to miss:

• Why a one-day retreat is essential

• How a restorative reading retreat is different than a regular retreat

• The three elements that were woven throughout the day

• The bookish schedule we kept

• The best bookish snack bags ever

• The creative touches found throughout the day

• The best bookstore partnership

• The fun and woo-ey way to end

If I know one thing for sure after this retreat, it’s that I want to recreate it over and over and over again at different locations, in different cities and with new booksellers. If you’d love to help me host, let’s start planning!

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/07/29/what-does-a-restorative-reading-retreat-look-like/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

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On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I’m getting specific and sharing three restorative writing notebook prompts specifically for caregivers. 

Caregiving is hard and showing up for your loved one can be hard. But showing up for YOURSELF can be harder. Come listen as I share three very different, but very important, restorative writing prompts to take to your notebook to calm, soothe and provide hope, too. 

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/07/22/three-restorative-journal-prompts-for-caregivers/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

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On today’s episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I’m talking with Wendy Dale about the power of capturing our stories in a private or published memoir. 

Come listen as we talk about why we all should consider writing our memoir, the difference between an autobiography and a memoir that will set you free, the two narrators every memoir must have and why that’s conducive to healing and much, much more. 

As we talk, you’ll hear me processing in real time, excited and in awe over how Wendy systematically opened new possibilities for all of us. I stumbled over my words a few times and that ‘s ok because I was swallowing some truth bombs that made me rethink everything.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/07/15/the-healing-power-of-memoir-with-wendy-dale/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I’m flipping the script on mood reading and inviting you to read into seasonal reading energy instead: both the season of the calendar and the season of life you are in. 

Come listen as I define what mood reading is, share why I think seasonal reading energy is even more powerful and offer three simple steps to get started right away.

Plus, I offer something special at the end, so be sure to listen all the way through. =)

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/07/08/move-over-mood-reading-read-for-seasonal-energy-instead/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). Podcast, I’m exploring the science behind why reading and writing can help us feel better and change our life. From the impact reading and writing has on our physical body to the ways it can boost our mental health, reading and writing just might be the underdog in the wellness space that you’ve been looking for. 

Come listen as I share 5 ways that reading and writing can heal and help make life better:

1. Activate your parasympathetic nervous system

2. Boost your brain power

3. Support sleep habits

4. Regulate and improve emotions

5. Boost specific health markers

Think of this episode as the permission slip you’ve been waiting for to dedicate more of your time to reading and writing no matter the season of life or the season of the calendar we are in. 

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/07/01/five-things-to-know-about-the-healing-power-of-words/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). Podcast, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: using children’s picture books as adult life coaching tools to spark transformation and growth. It’s the most enjoyable form of therapy I know of!

Come listen as I explore why picture books are the perfect tool in your life coaching toolbox, how you can use children’s literature to spark adult growth and ten (or so!) titles that can help you move into your best self yet.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/06/24/childrens-picture-books-for-adult-life-coaching/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, we’re talking about pause piles: a collection of short stories and essays designed to be read in a single sitting to sooth, uplift and inspire. 

Come listen as I explore why we might take powerful pause breaks to read throughout the day, the uniqueness of short stories and essays that make them so soothing, how to create your own pause practice with books and a list of titles that are in my own stack.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/06/17/permission-to-pause-how-short-stories-and-essays-can-soothe/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, we’re talking about building a writing habit, one tiny sentence at a time. 

Tiny writing is exactly what it sounds like: tiny micro-moments of writing that focus on the process of writing something nourishing down in the moment. Small moments, small sentences, even small notebooks can be just the thing you need to kick-off a writing habit and reap all of the benefits.

Come listen as I explore what tiny writing is, convince you why you need to give it a try and share ten ways you could start a tiny writing practice today.

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/06/10/the-joy-of-tiny-writing/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, we’re diving into how to create a summer bookshelf designed to create the best you and the best summer season yet.

Here’s the reality: we have around 90 days to make the most of our summer and if we approach those 90 days with intention, we could literally reinvent ourselves in a single season by surrounding ourselves with the perfect books to spark inspired action in our lives.

Come listen as I share how to create a personalized bookshelf for yourself this summer. We’ll start with a simple inventory, curate a personalized apothecary of titles (with a few surprises!) and end with a little unexpected list-making, too. 

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/06/03/create-a-personalized-summer-bookshelf/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On today’s episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I’m talking with Jennifer Kreatsoulas about how her love of reading, writing and yoga supported a courageous path to healing through an eating disorder.

Come listen as we talk about the three words central to both of our lives, how reading and writing can act as embodied, healing practices and how they both can shift and change over time based on what we need and the season of life we find ourselves in. 

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/05/27/conversations-on-the-courageous-path-to-healing-with-jennifer-kreatsoulas/

Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You’ll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. 

Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

Follow Stephanie:

Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit