The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
Trying something new for this thorough, engaging read of why the outdoors matters so much to us + my own need to be immersed.
Published March 16, 2025
Book: The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
Release Date: W.W. Norton & Company
Publisher: February 20, 2018
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
In my conscious attempt to slow my creative network after my most recent book revision (see: the mind map) and not write at the ridiculous volume I've been churning out lately, I cheated and recorded myself instead. (I literally put on press-on nails because they make it harder for me to type, and I need to produce fewer words at the moment.)
Plus, I’ve been very into concepts of hardship inoculation and personal challenge, and I know I’ll tackle any seemingly objectively hard, brave task without thinking twice; I’m less comfortable challenging myself to be vulnerable in any way (which, for me, usually looks like domains relating to visibility or trusting others), which means that forcing myself into more exposure is exactly what I have to do to stretch Words Like Silver and myself.
It sounds small, but recording my voice instead of retreating behind the veneer of a written post is a good step. I am always happy to try anything, and now that I'm done with my book revision, I'll channel my creative energy into cultivating and expanding my footprint.
On a personal level, I’m not much of a voice note or podcast person myself actually (although I have gotten entirely jaded on texting vs. a phone call or in-real-life conversation), but thought this could be a good, informal challenge to flex a new format and creative muscle.
I love craft and my work just for myself and my existing audience—y'all are all phenomenal—but I do relish the marketing challenge of making it discoverable too. Ya girl did work in social marketing, art direction, and creative strategy, so I never lose sight of the "work" and longevity in making an artistic living (and everything we find meaningful about it) viable. So I love tapping into that side of my brain.
And on a purely instinctual level, it was kind of nice to be able to record and listen to a 5-minute (technically 7-minute) musing tracing the line between four or so of my recent reads. So let me know what you think.
I recommend listening at approximately 1.5x speed, if you were curious, and I’ll link the book itself and supporting works tomorrow when I’m not this close to sleep.
About the Book
From forest trails in Korea, to islands in Finland, to eucalyptus groves in California, Florence Williams investigates the science behind nature's positive effects on the brain. Delving into brand-new research, she uncovers the powers of the natural world to improve health, promote reflection and innovation, and strengthen our relationships. As our modern lives shift dramatically indoors, these ideas--and the answers they yield—are more urgent than ever.
Other Books Mentioned
- Awe by Dacher Keltner
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- After the North Pole by Erling Kagge
Notes & Corrections
- I did in fact mispronounce Kagge's name.
- Similarly, I kept saying Dachner Keltner instead of Dacher Keltner. My apologies! Round one attempt. I'll get better at it.
- I keep saying it suddenly, randomly feels like summer for the first time in months after finishing my revision—which, if you know anything about my book, is very symbolic (and accurate.)
lol
I am very aware that the psychology underlying the foundational success of every writer, content creator, etc,. is basically that you have to feed a parasocial relationship. Which is normally where I stall out, because believe it or not, I’m actually a very private person and you only get glimpses on here. Showing your face is more effective in making your a audience connect enough to want to support you (and your book, if you end up being in the position to market one), but voice-only felt like a doable enough middle ground.
I believe in being a multidisciplinary artist or creative and that there are multiple levels and languages of communication that I should master — visual arts, dance, music, you name it! But I am of course “best” with the written word which means I feel like I write much better than I speak and would like to level up in my speech too.
Like, in October 2023, I decided I was going to challenge myself for four weeks to find readers interested in MOUNTAIN SOUNDS—and doubled my following. A few posts got millions of views! So I know I can lean into audience building very effectively, and I'll be excited to lean into the creative challenge if I get to do so for my book audience, specifically. For the past year or so, growth has been on the backburner as I've focused on revisions, my journalism platform, etc,. But now, I get to lean into the business and expansion aspects of Words Like Silver a bit more, which is fun. Plus, I just loooove trying new hobbies and formats.
