Just for you: Life advice from Giles Paley-Phillips and some uplifting news
"Reach out, listen, encourage and be kind."
Hello and a happy Friday to you,
Welcome to new subscribers and thanks for signing up to The Uplift.
I’m struggling to write this email today because I have woken up feeling anxious for various reasons. As restrictions ease, I’ve packed in a lot of social plans, which has been a bit of a shock to the system. Francesca Specter articulated exactly how I am feeling in a tweet this week: “Balance is EVERYTHING.”
I’m already feeling better after not pretending to be feeling OK so thanks for listening. As the saying goes: “This too shall pass.”
This week, I’ve spoken to Giles Paley-Phillips, whose latest book Blank, written with his podcast co-host Jim Daly, features well-known people including Stephen Fry and Dawn French talking about their 'blank' difficult moments in life. It explores many themes including imposter syndrome, public failure, social anxiety, grief, parenting, and sleep deprivation.
If you follow Giles on Twitter, you’ll know that is passionate about spreading kindness. As I work on exciting project about life advice behind the scenes, I asked Giles to share his.
What inspires you to send out lovely messages on social media?
“Most of the time for me social media has been a great place to connect and have conversations with some wonderful people. I really want others to experience the same. There is so much heat and noise on these platforms, but there are also opportunities to make long-lasting friendships and we see time and again the outpouring of support for many causes and these are the very best of social media. If I can contribute in some small way that makes me really happy.”
What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given you?
“I think the best thing is to always be kind and always be grateful. These are things I try to do each day not matter what my state of mind is.”
What advice would you give yourself if you could go back?
“There have been quite a few moments in my life that have been incredibly challenging; losing my mum at six, my dad at 20, drinking problem at 19, to think of a few, and each time I would tell myself: it will be ok, life will be ok.”
What's your best advice for other people?
“It's something I say a lot of Twitter, but I think if you can do these four things will enrich anyone’s life, and that is to reach out, listen, encourage and be kind.”
Uplifting News Stories
Mouse Deer Born At Bristol Zoo Is The Height Of A Pencil | BBC News
My GP Gave Me A ‘Nature Prescription’ – It Saved My Life | Telegraph
Our Favourite Charity Shop Finds From The First Week Back | HuffPost UK
Features Worth Sharing
9 Resources To Help You Move From Languishing To Flourishing | Happiful
I Don’t Have As Many Friends As I Did A Year Ago And I’m Fine With It | Metro
9 Therapist-Approved Tips To Tackle Nighttime Anxiety | HuffPost UK
Exciting Book News
I hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter. Please send me good news, uplifting stories or book and podcast recommendations.
Have a restful weekend,
Becky x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday, featuring good news, self-care and life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.