Tiny Beautiful Things - Cheryl Strade



The first book in 2022 took me a long time to finish because I had to pause and ponder everytime I read a few pages. ‘Tiny, Beautiful Things’ by Cheryl Strade is a collection of letters that people like you and I have written to the author to seek her guidance. The book, as the author puts it, is ‘an advice on love and life from someone who’s been there.’
Cheryl Strade is naturally gifted in identifying people’s concerns simply based on what they write (or don’t write) in their letters, and then offers a solution in an extremely loving, genuine and hilarious manner. People address her as ‘Dear Sugar,’ and the reason her solutions are highly relatable is that she always begins by drawing similarities to her own life (and love).
What’s really beautiful about the letters is that we see a common thread of issues that binds us all and, indeed, we need someone highly empathetic to offer fixes.
I also realised that it is only when we write anonymously, we can actually open our hearts completely. It’s true - rarely are we able to express or explain our deepest feelings, fears and emotions to anyone, no matter it’s our closest confidante.
It makes me wonder: what if every time we are overwhelmed or have a choice to make we are able to articulate our thoughts to someone real nice and wise. And what if they supportingly respond, ‘The xyz choice won’t make you a terrible person. Your life is great so respect how it’s unfolding. Do the work, keep the faith. You cannot convince anyone to love you - this is an absolute rule. Most things will be ok eventually, but not everything will be. Say the things you want to say and have no regrets. You have the right to the tiny, beautiful things.’
Whether that’s good advice or not, I don’t know but it will certainly help me heal. At times. 🌸🦋🐬☘️💖

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