Keep Moving

Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change

by Maggie Smith

4.6(2,061 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book offers gentle, practical affirmations for anyone feeling lost, grieving a loss, or facing unexpected change. Through personal reflections and memorable insights, it shows a compassionate way forward, turning pain into renewed self-awareness and genuine hope. Readers will find encouragement to remain open to transformation, guided by uplifting, relatable stories and a spirit of resilience.

A Doorway To Healing

Sometimes life leaves you feeling raw and uncertain, as if the world you knew has vanished. Yet in that moment, you stand at the threshold of something new. This can be the beginning of deeper self-discovery and hope.

Think of grief or heartbreak as a closed-up space suddenly opened to the fresh air. It can be jarring and disorienting, but also brimming with possibility. You start making sense of past hurts and begin to see the present as a path toward growth.

As you step through this doorway, consider that pain and uncertainty aren’t the end of your story. You’re not falling apart; you’re transforming. In these pages, you’ll see how painful experiences can become seeds of resilience.

Each setback can be a syllabus for growing into a stronger, kinder version of yourself.

Embracing The Blank Pages

With every change, life offers you a blank page—an invitation to re-imagine what comes next. This might feel intimidating at first, but it’s also where you reclaim your identity.

Just like a writer revisits early drafts, seeing what to keep and what to remove, you can treat your own life experiences similarly. Ask yourself what’s still essential—even if life has veered off course—and trust you can shape a new story.

Being honest about the emotions involved—shock, sadness, or regret—helps you revise your path without erasing its essence. Rather than polishing out every flaw, treasure the messy parts as proof of what you’ve endured and learned.

Your future is an empty canvas waiting for bold brushstrokes—be brave enough to paint it.

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What is Keep Moving about?

"Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change" by Maggie Smith extends a comforting and enlightening hand to those grappling with life's unpredictable turns. Through its pages, readers encounter a delicate blend of encouragement and reality, gently pushing them toward self-reflection and growth amid adversity. The book harmonizes personal reflections with inspiring narratives, transforming pain into a pathway of resilience and self-awareness.

The clear and relatable narratives emphasize open-heartedness in facing life's eventualities. It doesn't pave over hardships but rather illuminates a way through them, with stories underscoring the inevitability of life changes and the power of creativity and hope as tools for personal transformation. By acknowledging the universal experience of loss, whether through relationships, career, or personal identity, "Keep Moving" offers a lifeline to those recovering from the blows of unexpected change.

With engaging prose that resonates with warmth and understanding, Maggie Smith's book emerges as a crucial companion for anyone navigating the stormy seas of life. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to provide genuine reassurance and a framework for renewing purpose and cultivating a more profound, meaningful existence.

Review of Keep Moving

Maggie Smith’s "Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change" captivates with its authentic, heartfelt prose that reflects a deep understanding of human resilience. The book's strengths are woven from its accessibility and sincerity, offering readers straddling the gulf of grief and renewal a means to find their balance.

Beautifully written, the narrative draws from Smith's personal experiences enriched by practical insights—creating a resourceful guide for nurturing self-compassion and embracing metamorphosis. Her reflections tap into universal themes of loss, change, and creativity, allowing readers to draw parallels with their own lives. The book's pragmatic approach to personal growth inspires readers to turn pain into fuel for forging forward, making it practically invaluable for those undergoing similar journeys.

Through vivid and eloquent language, Smith lays out a vision of hope and renewal. Her writing, like a conversation with a confidante, speaks both to laymen and those acquainted with emotional upheaval. Her imagery infuses power into metaphors and anecdotes, providing guidance for learning and applying lessons of hope and tenacity. Each page challenges readers to acknowledge their own resilience and continue moving with courage.

The book's appeal lies firmly in its invitation to readers of all walks of life who face personal trials. Smith opens a door to self-discovery and reassurance, affirming that each person holds the key to continued growth. Both refreshing and encouraging, "Keep Moving" is a must-read for those seeking to rise above life's curveballs and gain wisdom from their trials.

Who should read Keep Moving?

Grieving individuals who are navigating loss and seeking pathways to recovery and self-discovery.
Aspiring creatives looking for inspiration and insights into how to harness personal challenges into creative fuel.
Individuals undergoing significant changes or transitions in personal or professional life seeking encouraging, practical advice.
Readers interested in personal development and self-help literature with a focus on overcoming adversity.
Mental health professionals seeking a resource or recommendation for clients dealing with loss or change.

About the author

Maggie Smith is an American poet, freelance writer, and editor. She holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MFA from Ohio State University. With over 20 years of writing experience, she has authored several poetry collections, including "Good Bones" and "The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison," and has received numerous awards, such as the Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal in Poetry and the Dorset Prize. Her work often explores themes of motherhood, loss, and transformation, as seen in her essay collection "Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change."