I’m so excited to share this fresh newsletter format with you—and I hope you love it as much as I do. Respond to this email and LMK!

Each week, you’ll get a Good dose of good:

• 3 Good Things I noticed in my own life

• My Good Find worth passing along

• Your Good Things (straight from your submissions on social)

You’ll also get a glimpse of Life is Good—a photo or moment from my week that made me pause, smile, or say “This is what matters.”

My hope? That it inspires you to start spotting the good in your own life, too. Because here’s the science: writing down 3 good things a day can actually rewire a negative brain toward optimism—with all its perks like more happiness, better motivation, and even a longer life. And really—who doesn’t want that?

The Gift of Normal

I know plenty of people who live for the what’s new and what’s next—but these days, I’m deeply grateful for what’s normal. After seasons of rushing from one thing to the next, there’s something beautiful about the quiet, the mundane, the nothing-is-going-on kind of days.

Do you feel that too?

Right now, normal looks like sleeping in (well, at least until 7:30 am), impromptu throw-together cocktails with friends, and long, meandering summer walks. Somehow, I’ve been handed a season with no looming deadlines or major events—and I’m soaking up every minute. Chasing sunsets, sipping spritzes, and sneaking in cuddles with whichever teen still lets me. That’s my kind of good.

Those Summer Nights

(Can you hear the soundtrack playing?) There’s something magical about these long summer evenings—the kind where the light lingers just a little longer, like it doesn’t want the day to end either.

And then it happens… that moment when the fireflies appear, blinking bits of gold just as the sky blurs from lavender to deep blue. It’s a slow kind of magic. Simple, unhurried, and kind of perfect.

A Good Surprise

I didn’t find out the sex of three of my four babies. My dad, an OB-GYN, insisted: “There are so few good surprises in life—let this be one of them.” (The fourth? Let’s just say that surprise was enough.)

But this week, I got a different kind of good surprise.

At the ALA Conference in Philly, during the very first book signing for All Is Calm..ish, I looked up and saw my childhood friend—who’s like a sister and a total publishing industry powerhouse—standing there, smiling. She wanted to surprise me. I had no idea.

It just reminded again me of the importance of showing up for people not only in challenges but to share in their wins. It makes the moment so much sweeter. Thank you, Sonali. You’re the real deal.

(The book’s not out quite yet—these were advance copies—but you can preorder here.)

This week, I’m sharing one of my favorite summer cocktails.

Last year in Italy—where it was pushing 100 degrees—I fell hard for the Aperol Spritz. It was everywhere, and for good reason. Light, citrusy, just a hint bitter, and incredibly refreshing. Basically, Italian air-conditioning in a glass.

Now it’s my go-to for warm nights, spontaneous happy hours, or any moment that needs a little sparkle (literal and metaphorical).

My favorite mix:

• 3 parts prosecco

• 2 parts Aperol (less if it’s too bitter for you)

• 1 part sparkling water

• Serve over ice with a juicy orange slice

For those skipping alcohol but still craving the vibe, try my “Sunny Spritz Mocktail”:

• 3 parts sparkling water or lemon-lime soda

• 2 parts blood orange juice (or fresh orange juice with a splash of bitters if you have it)

• 1 part fresh lemon juice

• Ice and an orange slice

Salute to good finds and good nights! 🍊✨

Please keep sharing your good things—big and small!☀️ Here are some of yours from this week: 

• Krissy K: Successful surgery for my husband, enrolled in preschool, headed to VT

• Amber B: small town ice cream shops, early morning walks, a good beach read

• Senia R: long car rides with kids, sunshine, pool time

• Amrita H: pedicure, day off and sunshine

• Moe W: sunshine, family time and meditation.

Good to Know!

Wishing you every good thing this week.

Why 3 Good Things?

Wellness isn’t one big thing—it’s three good things, or two good things, or five. It’s noticing the gifts of the life we have.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about “3 Good Things.” It’s the question I often ask my kids and one of my favorite gratitude practices.

Research shows that identifying three good things each day can actually rewire your brain from negativity to optimism in just 30 days. Follow along for my 3GT each week! And send me yours! I want to hear from you.