Today marks the first day of Spring and the eve of my 50th birthday. As much as the world is heavy and dark, there are clear signs of light and life around us. The days are getting longer with sunsets later into the evening and the vibrant green stems of daffodils are starting to emerge from the dirt. Noticing these small signs and looking for them makes my heart a little lighter. I hope you feel this, too. 

Turning 50

“What are you going to do to celebrate 50?” That’s what people keep asking me. I have thought about that deeply and for awhile, because I don’t take this milestone for granted. Many people I have loved were not given the gift of 50. I wanted to truly celebrate what a gift it is. 

What I realized is that I did not want a party. Having so many people in a room that mean a lot to me and have played significant roles in my life and to only be able to talk to them for a few minutes each felt stressful. What I want is more time with the people who mean the most to me. At 50, I know time is the most precious of gifts—and we can never have enough of it. So I began my year of 50 with a girls weekend spending time with my most favorite girls—my three daughters. 

And I plan to fill a whole year of time intentionally well spent—coffees, small dinners, walks on beautiful days with people I love. What could be better than that?

RITUAL

A friend, a few years ahead of me, shared this post with me about turning 50 and celebrating with ritual. I was one step ahead, because this year I decided I would send 50 letters to people who I wanted to encourage and who have encouraged me. I also spent today writing about 50 things I am grateful for and that was easy. 

Please know that you made my list. You, this community, your support for me and my work, your messages and kind words are a gift that I treasure. 

If you are reaching a milestone of any sort, maybe it’s a birthday, an anniversary, a life transition, the years you have stayed sober—it is an occasion worth celebrating, perhaps with a ritual. You and your life are worth celebrating! 

This is one of the best conversations on what it takes to make relationships work and why they fall a part. The most interesting thing is that it is a divorce lawyer who offers his spot-on wisdom! 

EVENTS

And speaking of more time—I would love to spend time with you and see you in person at these two events! 

TODAY Stages Health & Wellness Summit • March 26

On March 26th, join Shop TODAY Stages at City Winery Hudson Valley in Montgomery, New York for a day dedicated to destigmatizing women's health topics and exploring the latest trends in wellness. Hear from doctors and experts leading the way on common concerns for every woman, like menopause, mental health, weight management, breast cancer and much more. Take part in our Brand Bazaar filled with immersive experiences from some of our favorite brands, and connect with a community redefining what it means to thrive at every age. Walk away with useful tips, standout products, and solutions to support your well-being throughout every stage of life.

Parmenter Foundation • Laughter, Love, and Loss: An Evening with Actress/Comedian, Alyssa Limperis • April 2

Are you or someone you love going through grief? If you are in the Boston area, please join us for an intimate evening of comedy, conversation and connection with actress, writer and comedian, Alyssa Limperis. I will be moderating the event!

Wishing you a beautiful 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 month! And send me yours! I want to hear from you.

Love is in the air this week, and it’s worth celebrating!

Years ago, I decided that Valentine’s should not just be for couples. In fact, it’s not the best day for many couples I know—and Ed and I have had some not-so-fun ones in the past. So now, I think of it as a day to GIVE love. I try to intentionally show love to everyone on this day—my kids, my girlfriends, and of course my husband, but especially those who may not be feeling it on this day.

Love and Laughter

When we give love, we know that the trifecta of powerful neurochemicals is released—oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine—all of which boost mood and make us feel more relaxed, connected, and happy. When we laugh or share an intimate moment, we also release endorphins, which help with both emotional and physical pain.

Laughter is so important, and for that reason I joined comedian Tim Washer once again for an Instagram Live to talk about mistakes we make on Valentine’s Day and in love. Tim shared what he learned after going through a divorce, and I shared some of my own mistakes in our marriage, which is approaching 23 years. Find the replay here.

Love and Loss

If you caught my segment on TODAY yesterday, I joined the 3rd hour to talk about the qualities essential to LOVE in ALL relationships. As you know, the TODAY family is going through a hard time as they process the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. Unexpectedly, Craig asked me a question about coping with this loss. I often pray for these unexpected moments—that when they appear, God would be present in them. I believe He was. I shared with them a phrase I think of often that I learned from several of the parents from Sandy Hook who lost children in 2012. It was a beautiful moment. Watch that moment here (and you can watch the full segment here).

Is Love Enough for a Relationship to Survive? It Depends on This 1 Thing, Therapist Says
If you’re wondering whether “love is enough” to sustain a relationship, I explore the qualities essential for long-term love in this week’s edition of my Is This Normal? column at today.com.

I really enjoyed this tea. It contains ashwagandha, which is known for its calming properties, and I actually did feel calmer after drinking it.

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 month! And send me yours! I want to hear from you.

We are two weeks in. How’s it going? I know we have heard over and again New Year, New You, but as I wrote in the final chapter of Calmish—New Year, Same You is just fine, too. What do you do—resolutions, intentions, or a word for the year? And if the answer is none of the above—good for you. 

Yesterday I shared some thoughts on intentions and the one intention that I hope everyone would consider for this year. It is at the very end of this TODAY segment. 

I also had a chance to share thoughts on why achieving goals will never be enough for a happy, balanced and peaceful life in my column Is This Normal?

STRONGER FAMILIES, STRONGER KIDS and TEENS:

I recently came across a statistic that said “This one ritual has the potential to reduce anxiety and depression in kids and teens by 40 percent.” Believe me—that caught my eye. What is it, you ask? It’s the family dinner. 

If you have more than one child, statistically you will have a child that likely will experience anxiety or depression at some point before they leave your house. I certainly have. I decided to try this more consistently while my oldest was home for break because family dinners typically have been tough for us with varying schedules and activities. The results were immediate and not surprising for several reasons—checking in with each other and longer time together without devices strengthens connection, and predictability lowers stress. I felt it right away. 

Parenting teens is harder than ever in this world they are navigating. If you are looking for an intention this year, I would highly recommend making this one at least once a week. 

My friend and author, also known as the teenage girl whisperer, is offering a free workshop next Wednesday, January 21, for parents of teenage girls. Do you feel disconnected? Is your daughter hard to understand? Do you want to strengthen your relationship? Please consider signing up! Trust me when I say this is a GIFT!

Stay Tuned!

Stay tuned for information about a Zoom session with me on Living Intentionally while using the practices I have written about in my two books! 

Gratitude Snapshots

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.

This is the last newsletter you will receive from me in 2025. After a whirlwind season of CALMish, I’m ready to actually feel it. I hope you are, too. 

Thank you for all of the messages, texts, and emails you’ve sent sharing how the book has changed your holiday experience. My hope is that, as you create joy for everyone around you, you will take a few moments just for you to experience the awe and wonder of the season—or, at the very least, find moments of calm. From what I have heard, the book has shown you how to do exactly that. 

After reading the book, a friend said, “This isn’t just a holiday book—we need to carry this wisdom all year and treat every day like it’s a holiday.” Ah, I just loved that! 

If you’re ready for a night of laughter, music, and much-needed perspective, we now have a link to the All Is CALMish event at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Think of it as a cozy holiday movie night—with laughter, song, and a lot of heart.

If you don't have time to watch the whole event, here are a few highlights.

CALMish GIFTS

You know I’m a last-minute wrapper and, this year, shopper. If that’s you, I’ve got you. All Is CALMish sweatshirts, Connection Over Perfection tees, cozy hats, candles, and signed books are all now available online. (Yes, the winter candles sold out—but they’re back in stock!)

These are the kind of gifts that keep giving all year long.

✨ Order by midnight on December 19, and your gifts will arrive before Christmas.

✨ Local pick up and delivery is free until 12/23!

Strategies for Staying Calm-ish Throughout the Holidays (Niro Feliciano)

Psychotherapist and bestselling author of ALL IS CALMish, Niro Feliciano helps us understand the nuts and bolts of holiday anxiety - why we have it, why it’s so harmful, and how to stop it in its tracks before it hijacks all the season’s good stuff.

Miracles in the Mess

If this holiday is harder than usual for you, if joy is harder to find, I have a message for you. I was invited to preach at Orchard Church outside of Boston on my All Is CALMish chapter “Miracles in the Mess.” Believe it or not, the first Christmas was filled with both grief and joy—telling us that we have the capacity for both at the same time.

RESCHEDULED Book Club

Unfortunately, due to two funerals in our family this week, I am now traveling out of town and need to reschedule the All is CALMish Book Club event. Stay tuned for another date in January where we can talk about how to carry CALMish practices throughout the year. 

Gratitude Snapshots

Once again, thank you for all the love, support and excitement around this book. Honestly, there would be no book without you, and I am so very grateful.

May you have a peaceful, blessed, and CALM(ish) Holiday!

In Case You Missed It

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.

I know we are two weeks away if you celebrate Christmas, and if that causes you stress, let me remind you: These are the weeks we get everything done! Everyone is behind in some way.. well maybe not everyone, but everyone that I hang out with. And Calm..ish is a BIG WIN this time of year.

An Evening of Holiday Joy

We had a beautiful night full of joy last week at the Ridgefield, CT book launch. It has taken me awhile to put it into words because my heart was so full for so many reasons after the event. Between Tim Washer making us laugh, The New Hope Gospel singers elevating our spirits and literally bringing us JOY, my kids who surprised everyone with a touching duet, and Dylan Dreyer from the TODAY Show keeping our conversation so real and relatable, everyone left with what they needed.

We set out to bring Joy, and from what I heard, our mission was accomplished. For me, what an experience to be in that full house of 300 people, filled with people whom I have been grateful to know throughout my life—I left full of both gratitude and love! 

A few highlights from the book and the evening:

Connection over perfection.
I’ve heard this again and again: “No, my house isn’t decorated yet. There are boxes everywhere—but I’ll host. Connection over perfection.” It’s become a mantra for so many.

Grief and joy—at the same time.
Both can exist at the same time, and often do. This season asks us to make room for this duality—honoring our grief while still allowing moments of joy. It is what our loved ones would want most for us. 

Savor it before you save it.
Let yourself take in the awe and wonder of the moment before you reach for your phone. Make it a moment just for you. When we experience awe and wonder, we feel less stressed and more connected to those around us due to the release of oxytocin, so it’s a win-win for everyone! 

Joy is a choice.
Knowing how to choose joy is a skill that we need in this life and will make a difference in how we navigate challenges. For me, that looks like savoring my coffee and a quiet house in front of my tree in the mornings or putting on a holiday playlist during times of stress. It doesn’t mean we avoid the hard things; we strengthen ourselves with joy to face them. 

And there was so much more. We’ll be sharing the video of the event very soon. To all of you who made the time to come, thank you for spending your incredibly valuable holiday time with me that night.

NPR LIFE KIT: The key to a less frantic holiday season

The holidays can bring a lot of pressure—travel, meals, family time, and the push to make everything perfect. I share with NPR’s Life Kit how letting go of perfection can actually bring more peace, and I offer practical tips for a calmer, brighter season.

BOOK CLUB!

There is something magical when we gather together during this season, and here is an opportunity to do it! Join me for a live book club Zoom chat on Monday night, December 22, from 8-9pm ET. Grab a cocktail or a coffee, and we will celebrate the season together. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the book, and I will be answering all the questions you have then!

• Topic: All is CALMish Book Club

• Time: Dec 22, 2025 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

• Join Zoom Meeting:
  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88439459333?pwd=TqofXZG4Vv6L3uGZ5L2oiqDsexmwmv.1

• Meeting ID: 884 3945 9333

• Passcode: CALMISH

Gratitude Snapshots

Wishing you many moments of awe and wonder starting now!

In Case You Missed It

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.

So here we are… it’s the holidays! With Thanksgiving tomorrow, we’re officially kicking off the season. How are you feeling about it? Do you even know? Take just a minute and check in with yourself. What’s running through your mind right now? And if you’re multitasking while reading this—I already know exactly how you’re feeling!

Gratitude

It seems fitting to give gratitude its moment. For many of you who have followed my journey, you know gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of life. I had the chance to talk about that last week on the TODAY show. If you’re looking for a few new ways to practice gratitude on your own or with friends or family, I shared a few ideas here.

I also love Donald Altman’s GLAD acronym, which offers a fresh spin on gratitude, and the shared iPhone note my daughter, sister, and I keep called “Good Things Are Always Happening to Me,” where we each add moments of gratitude several times a week. When I can’t find it for myself, I will see something one of them has written, and it will spark gratitude in me. Try it with a few friends this season and see for yourself how encouraged you will feel. 

Navigating Difficult Relationships

For those of you who know the season will inevitably involve tense interactions with family, I want you to remember that you do have choices. I shared many of my insights on navigating difficult relationships with Oprah Daily in this article, which I hope will help you move through the tougher dynamics with more clarity and peace.

Something Good

And even in these times, I think about the wisdom of “not every day is good, but there is something good in every day.” It brings us back to gratitude and how it transforms the lens through which we look at the world if we make it a way of life. 

Yesterday, I picked up my college girl Natalia from Boston, so today I am ever so grateful to have all of my kids under my roof together again.

Bringing my girl home ❤️

It is true. It is the simple things, yet they don’t feel so simple when you realize how incredibly central they are to a meaningful life. What simple or not so simple things are you more mindful of this year? Please reply to this email and share them. 

I’m Grateful for You!

I am grateful to you for reading this newsletter and for being a part of this community. I know your time is limited and your most valuable resource, and I am deeply grateful that you share it with me. Thank you also for your support of All is Calmish. It is making quite the rounds, and I am so thankful for your support. 

CALMish Reading Plan

Lastly, please join me in reading this book. Below is a tentative reading plan, and I will be on IG Live every Wednesday morning at 8:30 am ET talking about the week’s readings. But go at your own pace and join me when you can as I share a few reflections. {This week’s IG Live was postponed to tomorrow, November 27—because I’m trying to get things done today, like you!)

From Chaos to Calm-ish: Holiday Survival for Disability Parents

Feeling the holiday overwhelm creep in already? I join Amy Julia Becker to unpack why disability families carry extra emotional weight this time of year—and how small, doable shifts can bring more peace. We explore:

• realistic expectations

• micro-moments of delight

• asking for help

• building a holiday season that fits your family, not Instagram

Book Launch Event • Ridgefield Playhouse

There’s still time to get your tickets for December 3 and join me, TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer, and comedian Tim Washer for a joy-filled holiday kickoff! Musical guest will lift your spirits, I will be signing books, and we have CALMish gifts for those in your family who need it most—especially you! Can’t wait to see you there!

Gratitude Snapshots

Wishing you slow, deep breaths, moments of awe and wonder, and unexpected joy—as we begin the season together.

In Case You Missed It

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.

Although I have been talking about the holidays for months promoting All Is CALMish, I still can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week. If the holidays snuck up on you, take a breath—this year I literally am going to talk you through it. 

The audiobook for All Is CALMish was released this past week. So many of you said just hearing my voice has helped you to feel calmer. This is why I wrote the book in 31 short chapters to be read or listened to for five minutes a day—to give you a little peace and perspective, and to keep you calm through the whole season. I’ll send you one thought each week to help you find that perspective if things get stressful.

Connection Over Perfection

As we begin the holidays, I want you to remember my mantra for the season:  “connection over perfection.” 

Our relationships are the strongest predictor of our wellness over time. They are also what makes our holidays both meaningful and sometimes stressful. But when you prioritize connection, you will experience the benefits for years to come and so will those around you. 

I felt the beauty of connection overtime at my recent book events. In those rooms, I saw people I’ve been connected to for over 45 years, high school friends for 35 years, my adult friends whom I’ve known for 20 years, and friends down to the one-year mark. Truly, it is what made those events special, and I walked away with a very full heart.

The  beauty of connection was felt at Bedford Books as we sat in a circle, a group of 15 women, and shared our holiday experiences, what we love, and what we still struggle with. These in person experiences are so meaningful as we supported one another, listened, laughed, and learned from each other. 

If you’ve been following me, you‘ve heard me talk about the importance of awe and wonder. As we concluded the evening, one woman shared, “Being together tonight was my moment of awe.”

So as you head into Thanksgiving, remember this: We aren’t going to be present all the time. Calmish is goals sometimes, and even so—once in a while find that moment of connection that brings you back to what matters. 

(Keep scrolling to Snapshots for more photos of both my Bedford and NYC events.) 

Holidays with Happiness, Not Drama with Niro Feliciano

In this episode of the Alli Worthington Show, we get real about the emotional toll of the holidays. We talk about the invisible pressures we put on ourselves, the myth of perfection, and how to rewrite the script before December even starts. You’ll hear us laugh, share stories, and dig into the science behind stress—and how faith can be the anchor that steadies us.

Book Launch Event • Ridgefield Playhouse

We are almost there, so please get your tickets for December 3 and join me, TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer, and comedian Tim Washer for a joy-filled holiday kickoff! Musical guest will lift your spirits, I will be signing books, and we have CALMish gifts for those in your family who need it most—especially you! Can’t wait to see you there!

Gratitude Snapshots • Book Launch Events

Wishing you every good thing today!

In Case You Missed It

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.

Do you feel it? With the chill in the Connecticut air, I would say the holidays are here. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and those of you whom I have spoken to have said you are feeling a mix of excitement and stress. CALMish anyone? If so, you know by now that I have a few ideas for you!

Cute Christmas ornaments from the Austrian Christmas market 

What do you love about this season? 

For the last few years I have sat down with my family and asked this question. I also have asked each of them, “What are the things that make the holidays special for you? What do you want to make sure we do this year?”

I encourage you to do this so that you can prioritize what is most important. We often do the things we always have done to make the holidays magical, but sometimes we don’t need to. We can do less, and the season is just as special. 

When we ask these questions, we get a snapshot of what actually matters to both you and your family. I have been surprised at the answers: movie nights in holiday pjs, making two specific types of cookies (not 10 kinds), volunteering as a family, drinking coquito—Puerto Rican eggnog (keep reading for the recipe below).

In All is Calm..ish, my simple holiday compass is this: connection over perfection. If we are so busy doing, we may miss out on being—being present, being filled with awe and wonder, and being connected to those we love most. The holidays are fleeting, and I want you to experience them a little differently this year. For that reason….

Let’s Do This Together: A CALMish Book Club

Every Wednesday at 8:30 am, starting next week on November 19th, I will be on Instagram Live to talk about the book as we read it together through the holidays. (To access Live, go to my profile and click on my stories, which you can find in the circle with my picture at the top.)

I would love for you to join me and share your comments and reflections as we read together through the holidays! 

We will do a live book club zoom chat on Monday night, December 22, from 8-9pm. Grab a cocktail or a coffee, and we will celebrate the season together. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the book, and I will be answering all the questions you have then! 

Nothing tastes more like the holidays in my house than coquito. Think of it as a eggnog with a coconut kick! Here is our favorite recipe:

Please join me in person next week in NYC for wine, appetizers, and a book chat (11.18); Bedford, NY for a more intimate book club discussion (11.20); and in CT next month for our holiday kick off party (12.3)! 

NYC • November 18

This event is free and open to the public! Please bring friends as we talk about how to make the most of the season and find joy for ourselves!

This is a more intimate event, and I will get to talk to you!

Bedford Books • November 20

This is an intimate book club type discussion, and if you have never been to Bedford Books, there is something about this adorable shop that is just magical. Please join me and Local Moms podcast host Demetra Ganias as we talk about all things holiday. Bring your girlfriends to this one for a fun night out.

CT Ridgefield Playhouse • December 3

My last book event of the season will be one big holiday kick off party with musical guests, comedian Tim Washer, and my friend and Today Show host Dylan Dreyer. We will have fun Calm..ish merch, and all proceeds will benefit the Ridgefield Food Pantry. We sold over 200 tickets in the first week, but there is room for more. Can't wait to see you there!

Thank you for coming along on this book journey with me!

Gratitude Snapshots

One more thing!

I’ll be back on the TODAY Show next week talking about Gratitude. Tune in during the 3rd hour on November 21.

Wishing you every good thing today!

In Case You Missed It

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.

Hello from Vienna, Austria! I am writing to you from one of the most unique speaking events I have ever done—a Wellness Cruise on the Danube River from Budapest to Vienna. Hosted by Tauck travel for 150 women in the travel industry, I spoke on self-care and lowering stress during the holidays. We talked about about the myth of work-life balance, awe and wonder, how to find joy, strengthen connections, and regulate emotions, AND we celebrated the launch of All is Calmish with 150 books on board! What a dream! 

Calmish on board!

Awe and Wonder

The biggest surprise on this cruise was that a few of the European Christmas markets opened a week early, getting us all in the holiday spirit with their sparkling lights and the cozy scents of cinnamon and orange in the air.

What I want to share with you as we begin this ascent into the holidays is an idea from my talk on awe and wonder. One insightful woman pointed out how often we experience life through the lens of a screen—photographing and recording in an effort to capture memories. Yet what we know is that it’s almost impossible to fully capture the experience in living color as we live it en vivo. Too often, we miss the true magnitude of the moment—the awe and the wonder—because we’re trying to save it instead of savor it.

What I encouraged them to do is my advice to you in this season. Before you touch your camera app to record a holiday moment, take five seconds and make it a moment just for you. Take in the lights in the city, the sounds of the choral concert, the joy of your friend opening their white elephant gift. Whatever it is, experience a little of the awe and wonder of that moment before you experience it through the phone. We will remember it differently if we pause to actually experience it.

While in Budapest, I came across this beautiful article on awe and how it transforms our mind and bodies. 

Book Launch Events

Thank you to all who already bought tickets to the Holiday Kick Off event with the Today Show’s Dylan Dreyer, Comedian Tim Washer, and me! All proceeds from this event will benefit the Community Table Ridgefield Food Pantry to assist families facing food insecurity. Please come for an evening of a little calm and a lot of joy and consider bringing a friend or two! 

You can find information on all of my upcoming book launch events here!

11.18.25 • New York City
11.20.25 • Bedford, NY
12.3.25 • Ridgefield, CT

Gratitude Snapshots

Wishing you every good thing today!

In Case You Missed It

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.

Have you ever stopped to take a look back at your life and see how far you have come? Even if you find yourself in a place that you never expected or perhaps you never wanted—still there are things to consider. Maybe you can stop and see how beautiful life has been at times, or how much you have grown, or how the journey TO this moment has prepared you FOR this moment.

Finding Contentment Between the Goalposts

I recently looked back at a moment from June 2022, just a few months after releasing my first book, when I was invited on the TODAY Show for the very first time. I never could have imagined that three and a half years later, I’d still be returning, and that it would open so many doors in the years that followed. What strikes me most is what I talked about on that very first show: contentment.

I stand by what I said:

On Monday, October 13th, I’ll be back on the Today Show to talk about my second book, All is Calm…ish. This time feels very different from my first appearance. I’m not just focused on the four minutes I’ll have to share the book—I’m thinking about the journey that brought me here.

I think about the tough days when I still chose to show up, even when I didn’t feel like talking about happiness. I think about the friends I’ve made there, the people who trusted me with their hardest moments, and the relationships that have grown from those conversations. Most of all, I’ve stopped to take in this moment—one I never could have imagined would be part of my regular life—and I see how far I’ve come. 

Today I encourage you to do the same. Maybe you are a little stronger, or more appreciative or wiser than you were a year ago. Maybe you have accomplished something that deserves a moment for you to recognize. Or maybe it’s worth just stopping to notice the beauty around you today. Whatever it is, don’t rush to the next thing without finding that something today—and when you do that regularly, that is the path to contentment. 

Tall Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso (Starbucks) 

It’s fall in Connecticut… and 80 degrees. 🍂☀️ I read that this is the Starbucks drink nutritionists actually recommend—it’s lower in sugar but still feels like a treat and the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

And if you’re in perimenopause (🙋🏽‍♀️) and tired like me, it’s just the boost you need to power through that evening “second shift.” Pro tip: order it half-caf or decaf if caffeine keeps you up all night!

Gratitude Snapshots

IN-PERSON BOOK EVENTS!

Please join me—would love to meet you in person! Comedian Tim Washer will join me at a few of these, which is sure to be a fun night. Check out the book promo video we made below. 

Five Angels Theater NYC

November 18th: 789 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Please RSVP here if you are in or around NYC and would like to attend! 

Bedford Books—Small group book talk

November 20th: 13 Court Rd, Bedford, NY 10506 

Connecticut

Stay tuned for our big finale closing event at the Ridgefield Playhouse in CT with a special guest! 

Promo Video

Instagram post

Your Book Reviews

If you’ve already started reading, we’d love to hear from you! Send us your testimonial, and please leave a review on Goodreads and Amazon on October 14—your words might be featured in our next newsletter.

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.

My regular newsletter will be back next week, but I couldn’t wait to say thank you! Many of you have pre-ordered, and to our surprise, Amazon has started shipping All is Calm…ish early. What a gift!

Seeing your photos and hearing your excitement has meant the world to me. I’m so grateful for your support, your joy, and the way you’re already sharing this book. Please keep those photos coming—I love every single one!

Pre-orders are incredibly important for authors—they often help determine whether we get to write future books. If you’ve been thinking about ordering, I would be so grateful if you did it now.

In case you are wondering what this book is about: 

All is Calm…ish is a heartfelt, witty guide for women who want to experience the holidays with more joy and less overwhelm. Through funny, personal storytelling and insights from her work as a therapist, Niro Feliciano invites readers to let go of expectations, set boundaries with love, and reconnect with what truly matters—spirituality, relationships, and themselves. More than a holiday survival book, it’s a call for women to honor their own well-being in a season that too often asks them to give until they’re empty. With warmth and honesty, All is Calmish reminds us that peace and presence are possible—even during the busiest time of year.

Why I wrote it: As a therapist and mom, I know this time of year can be the hardest for many people. We want to feel joyful, but stress, busyness, family demands, and tougher issues like grief and loneliness can get in the way. All is Calm…ish is me talking you through the season, offering perspective and tools to help you focus on what matters most.

I wrote it in 31 short chapters for a reason—it’s meant to be read a little at a time, bringing perspective and peace from November through January 1st. It would also make a great holiday gift for someone you know needs a little more peace this season. 

Stay tuned for info on in-person events. I would love to see you and connect in person!

And please don’t forget to claim your pre-order bonuses here. These are available for anyone who orders before October 18th! 

Wishing you every good thing this week!

Well, we blinked—and it’s August. But don’t give up on summer just yet. There’s still time, and I plan to soak in every last bit of sunshine, sleep, and yes—my favorite summer cocktails! Whatever it is that makes summer feel like summer for you, it’s time to make time for it. There’s still space to rest, reset, and savor the simple moments before the pace picks up again.

In my last note to you, my heart felt incredibly heavy. A beloved family in our town—so much like ours, with four children—suffered an unthinkable loss. Their oldest child and only son, Brandon, died in a tragic landscaping accident. He had just graduated with my oldest daughter. An exceptional athlete and a compassionate leader, teammate, and friend, Brandon was set to play lacrosse in college this fall. My heart continues to ache for his beautiful family.

How do we find anything good in the midst of such deep pain? It’s a question I’ve been sitting with over the past few weeks. Once again, I find myself returning to the both/and duality of life. Finding moments of goodness doesn’t erase the pain or diminish it—it simply offers us a way to move forward through it. Sometimes, these small glimmers of light are just enough to help us take the next step… and then another.

In these heartbreaking weeks, I’ve also witnessed moments of profound beauty—signs of love, unity, and compassion that rise up in grief’s shadow. One of those moments is something I want to share with you below. There is also an opportunity for you to uplift this grieving family and be part of one of these “good things” that gently light the way forward.

An Act of Beauty and Kindness

Upon returning home from their son’s wake, the Gmelin family turned onto their familiar street—only to be met with an overwhelming outpouring of love and light from their neighbors. What seemed like thousands of lanterns lined the road, stretching endlessly toward their home. I don’t know who first imagined this act of kindness or how many hands it took to bring it to life, but it was breathtaking. In what must have been one of the darkest moments of their lives, their community lit the way forward—one small light at a time.

See the video here.

If you feel moved to be part of this light, there is a beautiful way to carry Brandon’s legacy forward. A scholarship has been created in his name to support a student-athlete who embodies the same spirit Brandon was known for—leadership, kindness, integrity, and heart.

By contributing, you’re not only honoring his memory—you’re helping to ensure that his impact lives on in the life of another young person striving to make a difference, both on and off the field. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, love can build something lasting. This is one of those good things.

You can donate here to the Brandon Q. Gmelin Memorial Scholarship.

Awe and the Coldplay Concert

Yes, we were at that Coldplay concert in Boston—the one you’ve probably seen all over the internet. But honestly, that’s not what I’ll remember most.

Sharing this moment with Natalia, who will soon be off to college, is something I’ll treasure. But what struck me even more was that the night felt bigger than just a concert or even a mother-daughter memory.

A few weeks ago on the Today Show, I talked about a concept called collective effervescence—a term coined by sociologist Émile Durkheim to describe the energy, excitement, and connection that arise when people gather for a shared purpose. It’s a form of social bonding that transcends the individual and creates a deep sense of belonging, meaning, and joy.

If there’s ever been a definition of collective effervescence, a Coldplay concert might be it.

At one point, as our light-up wristbands blinked in perfect sync with 55,000 others, Natalia turned to me and said, “Look around—every single person is smiling.” She was right. Somehow, Chris Martin made tens of thousands of strangers feel love, unity, and pure joy—at the exact same time.

Well... maybe 55,000 minus two. But still, that's a miracle in my book.

Teen Sleep

When I actually sleep through the night without waking up feeling like I’m on fire, it’s rare, but always a good thing. I have enjoyed the slower summer pace—sleeping in a little later—and so have my teens, which is so important.

A new study from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that teens who get just two extra hours of sleep on the weekends show fewer symptoms of anxiety compared to those who don’t. Consistent good sleep is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes including attention, learning, memory, and emotional regulation—and the good thing is, it doesn’t take much more to see some of these results. So let those kids sleep in!

IIf you're a woman over 40, you need to know Leanne Morgan. She’s not only hilarious—her Netflix special had me and Ed Feliciano laughing out loud—but her story, as shared with Oprah on her podcast, is deeply inspiring. I highly recommend checking out both:

We decided not to travel this summer. Rather, we're savoring these weeks at home as a family before Natalia heads off to college. Still, I’ve been thinking fondly about our trip to Italy last summer. This photo of a café sign brings me right back—along with the memory of a cocktail that quickly became a favorite, and one I’m still enjoying this summer. 

Wishing you warm summer nights and new glimmers of light!

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.