I feel whenever we scroll on social media and we look at all these self-help creators they always talk about non-fiction books and how these books “have changed their life.” Now I appreciate and do love self-help books and normal non-fiction books but I don’t believe anyone appreciates the fiction books as well. Yes there is booktok where readers are sharing their thoughts, ideas and opinions on certain book releases and what not but in terms of the self help part of tiktok or Instagram they’re still HIGHLY under appreciated. Self help creators always push for us to read these nonfiction books and although they are helpful, self help books are only useful if the reader is actually applying those key lessons from the book into their lifestyle and let’s be honest most of us don’t. I read this post on Instagram which I believed to be interesting and I believe Nat has spoken about it too in one of her posts I’m not sure (correct me if I’m wrong Nat). Though I have read that fiction books are just as important because you’re learning different perspectives of the character, you’re exploring different themes and ideas that can actually be applied in real life. It helps with understanding empathy, compassion, friendship, family dynamics, relationships and so forth. I believe in the self help community, fiction books are so under appreciated because they’re fiction and according to them bring no “knowledge or life lessons to learn from” but I believe if you truly believe in self development then balancing both non fiction and fiction can do you way more favours in life. It might even give you inspiration to dream more and love your life more adventurously!! T least thats how I feel. I also believe that it expands your mind so creatively as well. What do you all think? Do you also believe that fiction books are highly under appreciated or do you feel differently?

When’s the last time you gave something, or someone, your full, undivided focus? I came across a study (Sindermann et al., 2020) showing that being highly online is linked to lower emotional intelligence and higher impulsivity. Then the harder it becomes to stay grounded and connect in real life. I’ve noticed this in myself lately, feeling a bit dull and disconnected. Do you ever feel like the internet is quietly dulling your emotions? How do you notice it showing up in your life, and how do you fix it (without fully logging off)?

What’s the difference between the two and do you believe both ideas can overlap? I believe they’re both different but both can overlap. I believe religion gives more structured base understanding of how life should be lived according to “society” while spirituality is more of the inner workings of the person and their soul.

⭐ Introduce Yourself ⭐ When you join, please drop a quick note below with: 1. Your name 2. Where you're from 3. What you hope to gain or learn from this space You can write as much or as little as you like -- no pressure. . . . I'll go first!! Hi everyone -- my name is Nat! I'm originally from Washington DC and now living in San Francisco. I started this community because it’s hard to find real connection, and I miss having conversations that go deeper than the surface. I’m hoping to find community, meaningful connections, learn a bunch more, and have some deep talks -- the kind that make you feel more alive. ✨ Welcome and I'm so excited to meet everyone!