Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who's Been There by Tara Schuster

“Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who’s Been There” by Tara Schuster is an empowering and inspirational book about overcoming hardships, taking care of yourself, and learning to find joy. This collection of essays and rituals from Schuster’s personal life and work focuses on developing positive mental and emotional health while dealing with pain and fear. Written with the intention to give readers strength during personal battles, the book helps readers learn how to take care of their mind and body even during difficult situations.

The book begins by introducing readers to what Schuster calls the “Lily Principle,” the idea that mustering up courage and strength to take on challenging times is just like buying yourself a bouquet of flowers. In her words, “Buy yourself the fucking lilies” and focus on rebuilding yourself and bouncing forward from chaos. Schuster suggests that learning from life’s struggles allows us to grow as people and encourages readers to look at problems differently, as a source of learning and growth. Schuster also provides readers with specific tools and exercises throughout the book to help them cope with negative emotions and find solace in everyday activities.

Schuster emphasizes focusing on what brings people joy and peace and points to a range of ideas and resources to help soothe the mind and body. From baking to listening to specific kinds of music, Schuster provides concrete steps readers can take to combat stress and anxiety. She also explores how boundaries, self-care, and fatigue management are key to creating a happier and healthier life. The book further discusses how trauma affects our lives and how to handle each experience with grace and strength.

Throughout the book, Schuster shares stories from her own life as well as from the lives of others who have dealt with difficult times, including depression, relationship issues, and financial struggles. One of her main messages throughout the book is that humans are resilient and that growth is possible when we focus on ourselves and nurture our minds, bodies and souls. By the end of the book, readers can have the confidence and power to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and help those around them do the same.

“Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies” is a powerful and thought-provoking book that encourages readers to take a whole-body approach to dealing with challenges. With simple and practical steps, Schuster offers readers a unique combination of self-help strategies, inspiration, and understanding that can help readers discover joy and peace amid chaos. By invoking the power of the Lily Principle, readers can rest assured that they have the strength and insight to make it through challenging times.