WHEN LIFE IS NOT PEACHY
By Pip Lincolne. Published by Murdoch Books 2020.
Styling and Photography by Michelle Hartnett.
Image © Michelle Hartnett 2020.
This wonderfully warm and incredibly comforting hardback is the sixth book by maker, crafter and author, Pip Lincolne, of ‘Meet Me at Mikes’ (@meetmeatmikes on Instagram). While Pip started to write, ‘When Life Is Not Peachy’, during her own heartbreaking, life-changing situation, much of the book’s content can easily apply to feelings and experiences that the current COVID-19 chaos may be sparking, such as anxiety, sadness, fear, loss, isolation and grief. Big, emotive topics, I know! But Pip writes about these-and other completely normal responses to life’s heartaches and hard times- with such warmth, encouragement, compassion and understanding that you’ll feel like you’re sitting down with your best friend, soothing your frazzled heart and soul with a bottomless cup of sweet tea and a giant slice of the most luscious chocolate cake you could ever imagine! Inside the very pretty covers, you’ll find plenty of practical and helpful advice from Pip, health professionals and others who have experienced (and survived!) tumultuous times. The book’s chapters cover a range of topics including strategies to deal with emotional upheaval, how to reach out and ask for help from friends and family, working with GPs and therapists if you need to, mood boosting foods as well as exercises and activities that you can do at home to help lift your spirits. After reading this book from cover to cover, I now have it permanently situated on my bedside table with pages earmarked to revisit as needed! A book that would make a comforting and reassuring gift for a friend who may be struggling at the moment, or anyone looking at ways to reinforce their resilience or restore their sparkle!
Shopping note: If you are unable to leave home, or your local book store has temporarily closed for the moment during the COVID-19 lockdowns, you can find ‘When Life Is Not Peachy’ on-line. I ordered my copy from Booktopia at www.booktopia.com.au