As we fall deeper into the winter months, and with many of us still living with restrictions, more of us will be looking for that glimmer of joy in our lives. I know that’s definitely what I’ve been doing. My mental health has taken quite the hit this year, and so I’ve found myself seeking joy and emotional connection more than ever. If that’s re-reading my favourite books, looking at old pictures, or listening to my favourite albums – all for just a dash of nostalgia and warmth.
Another thing I’ve really found joy in this year is reading newsletters. They make logging into my emails a lot less monotonous, and bring a little light to my day. And after signing up to far too many, I’ve honed in my favourites, which I’m sharing with you here.
The Aram
Tahmina Begum is a freelance writer and editor. She set up her newsletter, The Aram, to explore the relationship between ease and joy. The word ‘Aram’ actually means comfort and ease in Bangla. It’s a beautifully personal newsletter that lays out Tahmina’s thoughts and feelings in such an intricate way. And it will land in your inbox twice a month. The Aram also features a short interview with a woman of colour, and a list of recommendations that have brought joy and comfort to Tahmina.
It’s one of my favourite newsletters to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and if you enjoy a slow and easy read, then you will love it too. You can sign up here.
The Greater Conversation
Another newsletter that I just love. Alya Mooro is a journalist and bestselling author of ‘The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes’. Off the back of her brilliant book, she created a weekly newsletter called The Greater Conversation. It’s a newsletter that centres the experiences of Middle Eastern women, but is absolutely a newsletter for everyone. It includes personal and honest thoughts from Alya, usually themed each week. And also includes a guest piece and a list of recommendations to read, listen or watch.
As one of her newsletters so rightly put it – “Reading will make you feel more understood and less alone, and thus emboldened. No matter who or how you identify.” You can sign up to The Greater Conversation here.
The Brightside
I’m guessing that, like me, a lot of people are tired of seeing the same old bad news day in and day out. Well, this newsletter will cheer you up and lift those spirits. HuffPost’s Becky Barnes has launched The Brightside, a weekly newsletter that rounds up the week’s positive and uplifting news stories.
Uplifting and joyous stories are something we all definitely need right now, so this newsletter has come at the right time! You can sign up for it here.
The Single Supplement
Nicola Slawson, a freelance journalist, set up The Single Supplement after she grew tired and frustrated with the lack of content that championed single women, rather than painting them as miserable women. I’m only a recent subscriber to this newsletter, but I’m already in love. As a single woman, this is exactly the kind of thing I want to read and explore each week.
Each newsletter is focused on a different theme around being a single woman. It’s such an honest and deeply personal read. This year, Nicola has also started including guest writers, so she can offer different perspectives and experiences around being a single woman.
And if you’re not single? It’s definitely still worth a read. Especially as it’s always enriching to read about thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may not necessarily reflect your own. You can sign up to The Single Supplement here.
The Khaberi
A fairly new edition to my list of favourites, but it’s a good one. Mariam Khan, journalist and editor of ‘It’s Not About the Burqa’, started a newsletter recently to share her thoughts and feelings. The Khaberi, which means to ‘talk’ or ‘converse’ in Pashto, promises raw and unfiltered honesty.
Reading this newsletter is like peering into Mariam’s diary, it’s deeply personal and reflective. Something which the reader can really relate to, especially when it comes to talking about mental health. It’s quickly become one of my favourite newsletters, and you can sign up here.
Aurelia Magazine
I couldn’t pull together some of my favourite joyous and personal newsletters, without mentioning our very own. Our monthly newsletter focuses on the personal thoughts and feelings of one of our writers or editors, looking at how that month has been for them.
We felt it was important we made it personal, as that emotional connection is what Aurelia is built upon and prides itself on. It’s what makes us different. We also wanted our readers to get to know the team, to feel as though a friend was popping up in their inbox.
You can sign up to our newsletter here.
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