Five Gifts to Help You Rise
[This Week] 5 Days of Inspiring Giveaways to Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of the Rise Journal
Preface
A version of this was accidentally delivered to inboxes before it was ready (if you read that—hello, again! I hope you’ll stick with me here). I’m happy to share that it’s now officially ready and time to share some goodness with you!!
But first… some confessions…
Confession No. 1: I have been in a summer slump. There’s an unspoken expectation that summers are not a time for slumps, funks, or depression. Summer is for sunny weather, sunny dispositions, relaxing in the pool with a beach read while drinking on an ice-cold glass of lemonade, and laughing with my kids while making s’mores—right? Wrong. We all know life doesn’t really work like that. Our inner lives don’t always match the external seasons.
But, to be fair, the summer so far has been some of those things. But mostly, I’ve been feeling pretty low. The entrance into summer has been fraught with transitional tensions—suddenly, everyone is home, and I’m trying to find new rhythms after growing accustomed to solitude, while they are adjusting to their own new routines. That’s to be expected and figure-outable, but add two rounds of illnesses sweeping through my family during these first two weeks of summer vacation, and well, enter the slump.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I also scheduled a Write Your Grief journaling session, individual therapy, and couple’s therapy all in one day, in the middle of this. (It was a bit much).
So, let’s just say, I could use a little respite and cheer. Maybe you could too, if this season isn’t shaping up to be all you’d hoped or liked it to be?
Confession No. 2: I have been in such a survival, low-energy mode that I almost let the one-year anniversary of releasing the Rise journal slip past me unnoticed.
Combine all of these things, and I decided to throw a little virtual celebration and create some fun this week! If you aren’t following me on Instagram, where all the action is, I want to make sure to let you know that it’s not too late to join in!
5 Days of Gifts to Inspire You to Rise
To celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Rise: A Journal for Perseverance releasing into the world, I’m giving away five gifts this week on Instagram (follow me at @kristinvanderlip). Each gift is related to something that has shaped or supported my own life after loss and healing journey—think books, journaling, and community—threads that help us rise up and keep going, even when life is hard. (I’ll share more about the Rise Journal below in case you’re unsure of what exactly it is.)
You’re welcome to enter every giveaway—or just the ones that spark something in you. You’ll find all the details for each gift’s post over on Instagram. For now, let me give you a quick look at the gifts…
**IMPORTANT NOTE: The giveaways end tomorrow (Friday, June 27th at midnight).**
Gift 1 of 5: A Signed Copy of The Book of Alchemy
A New York Times bestseller and guide to the art of journaling and the central questions of life, The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad explores how creative response can be found in every moment, even the most difficult. She weaves insights from 100 writers, artists, and thinkers into themed sections—from new beginnings to loss and rebuilding—each paired with inspiring, reflective writing prompts. This signed edition from the Alchemy Tour serves as a beautiful invitation to transform pain into a deeper presence through the inspiration of others and the art of journaling.
Gift 2 of 5: The book Dear Writer by Maggie Smith
An instant national bestseller and practical guide for creative souls, Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life by Maggie Smith is just that—part encouraging pep talk and part masterclass in the craft of writing. Whether you’re a poet, novelist, journaler, or reluctant writer, this book is a gem you’re going to want to add to your collection. Not only will it encourage you, but it will also help you discover the craft of writing and help you tap into its transformative powers.
This brand-new copy comes from the in-person writing workshop with Maggie Smith and Anne Lamott that I attended in San Francisco. Don’t worry—I already have my own signed copy from the workshop, annotated and tucked safely on my shelf. This giveaway copy was a surprise bonus included with the workshop, and I’m thrilled to pass it along!
Gift 3 of 5: The Rise Journal for Perseverance
The star behind this week’s celebration! One year ago, I released this journal into the world—and your hands—with the hope that it could become a soft place to land and get up again, whether you’re in or coming out of a hard season. Rise is a guided journaling experience rooted in faith and resilience, designed to support you when you’re navigating the aftermath of grief, transitioning through a challenging period, or in any chapter that requires perseverance. With a thoughtful, prompted structure, scripture reflections, and space to write what’s true, it’s a companion for your in-between places—the moments when rising feels both impossible and necessary. I’d love to gift you a copy of your own!
Gift 4 of 5: *Today Only* Enjoy FREE Shipping On Everything in My Shop
From journals to encouraging prose prints, stickers to art prints, writing candles to tote bags, everything in my shop was created by me to bring a little hope into your hands. If you’ve had your eye on something, today’s the day: enjoy free shipping on everything, just for this one day. Enter code: FREETORISE at checkout. Let this be a treat for yourself, adding something meaningful to your life.
Note: This code is only good for domestic U.S. shipping.
Gift 5 of 5: Coming tomorrow…
Hint: it has something to do with this space right here. Tomorrow’s final gift will be an invitation to go deeper—into journaling, community, and the kind of encouragement that sustains us. Details will be on Instagram in the morning!
However summer has met you—whether in sunny sweetness or shadowy struggle, I hope at least one of these gifts feels like a little nudge of encouragement and act of kindness, offering you fuel to keep going and keep rising.
I’m so grateful for your presence. Thank you for allowing me to create and share joy with you!
—Kristin
P.S. Bonus Gift + Thank You
Give Yourself the Gift of Writing Your Grief in July
If you’ve been carrying any grief lately, join me for July’s Write Your Grief session on Wednesday, July 9th at 9am PT/noon ET. This is a quiet, guided hour of journaling held in sacred community. You don’t have to share a word—simply show up and write what needs to be written in a safe space.
As a bonus gift and thank you for being part of this Substack space, use code SUBSTACK5 to receive $5 off July’s WYG registration. You can learn more and sign up here: https://kristinvanderlip.com/write-your-grief.
