A few favorite quotes from the book and the book cover

I’m a longtime fan of designer Emily McDowell’s Empathy Cards; so when I learned she had a book coming out in January, we pre-ordered and it arrived today!

“There Is No Good Card For This: What To Say and Do When Life is Scary, Awful, and Unfair To People You Love” was illustrated by McDowell and co-written with Kelsey Crowne, Ph.D.

Besides falling in love with McDowell’s illustrations and sentiments, the book seemed like a good fit for our family. We’ve found ourselves on both sides of the equation: both unsure how to best comfort a loved one going through a rough time — and hearing some surprising and hurtful comments from well-meaning friends during our family’s various struggles over the years.

I read a good portion of the book today and already feel more confident in how I can support people I love going through difficult life challenges. There were too many great quotes to share them all, but I especially liked the “Empathy Directory: Dos and Don’ts Cheat Sheets.” Organized by life problems, these charts give suggestions for what to say and what not to say based on your intent. Each chart is followed by a few helpful suggestions of thoughtful gestures.

Today’s #OneGoodThing was the arrival of this wonderful, practical new book filled with compassionate and creative ways to be a better friend and support to loved ones in need. If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say when someone you love experiences chronic illness, divorce, fertility struggles and miscarriage, loss, or unemployment, please don’t ignore them or pretend it isn’t happening or give advice. Read this book!

Day 17 of 365.

1 year ago today: Reorganizing the pantry — I should probably do this one again 🙂

What was your #OneGoodThing today? Please share in the comments!