Author Archives: emandtheshelf

Em’s Extras: Coronavirus Edition

Thoughts from an Eternal (and very anxious) Optimist. Yesterday I did one of my infamous self-interventions (many of my friends know about this and find it funny, but I promise you they are real). Basically, a self-intervention is when I called myself to a meeting to have a talk out loud. These meetings usually takeContinue reading “Em’s Extras: Coronavirus Edition”

Mexico’s Extraordinary Day

Through my window, I can see the first signs of spring. I instantly think of jacarandas and how the Mexican streets transform into a Monet painting every spring. Believe me, you don’t know deep, rich purple until you have seen the streets of Mexico City decorated by jacarandas.  Today, March 9th, 2020, will be oneContinue reading “Mexico’s Extraordinary Day”

Em’s Extras February 28th, 2020

I want to dedicate this post entirely to praise a book that reminded me this week, why people write books and why we read them. Educated by Tara Westover will blow your mind. It is not only beautifully written, but it is also told in a tone and in a rhythm so particular that itContinue reading “Em’s Extras February 28th, 2020”

Em’s Extras February 21st, 2020

I have been hooked recently with these emotional and insightful conversations between Oprah and her guest speakers. The interviews touch upon realizations, living a fulfilling life, mental health, self-love, making a difference, amongst other inspiring topics. These conversations are part of Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour. Below my favorites so far, but to be fair everyoneContinue reading “Em’s Extras February 21st, 2020”

Is today a museum day?

I love me some good metaphors. Metaphors in books, music, and everyday lingo always inspire me. Hence, I will use one to describe the past few weeks: Obstacle race with museum days as aid stations.Museum days is a term I started using after reading The Big Five for Life. I know I talk a lotContinue reading “Is today a museum day?”

Em’s Extras February 14th, 2020

Today, I am sharing some of my favorites quotes about self-love, friendship, and romance. “You are the something in my nothing box.” Em and the Shelf “What a beautiful place to be with friends.” Dobby, Harry Potter, and the Deathly Hallows “Without love, we are birds with broken wings.” Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie “AllContinue reading “Em’s Extras February 14th, 2020”

Thank you, January

I share the feeling with what seems to be the whole world. January indeed felt like it had 57 days. However, for me, this was actually a good thing! If you read my post about winter in Copenhagen, you already know that after the holidays, I was cruising a writing flow. January felt eternal, butContinue reading “Thank you, January”

About opinions and giving your best…(Part II)

Dear readers, FYI. (For your inspiration) This week I just wanted to share part of the definition of Feminism by American activist Bettina Aptheker. (Below is an excerpt). “Feminism means that women shall have at least as much to say as men about everything in the arrangement of human affairs, including especially the meaning, purpose,Continue reading “About opinions and giving your best…(Part II)”

Em’s Extras January 24th, 2020

This week Em’s Extras is actually Em’s extra. I was feeling a little blue since I had nothing extra-interesting to share with you this week. (Yes, it was one of those weeks!) But then, this morning, one of my best friends sent me this video. The Secret to Superhuman Performance: personally, I am most identifiedContinue reading “Em’s Extras January 24th, 2020”