Thank you to Stephanie Beatriz, Dr. Lisa Damour, Maris Degener, Nikeh Grey, Bethany Hamilton, Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, Haley Lu Richardson, and Mikaila Ulmer for sharing your valuable time to speak with me and for your incredible advice. Thanks also to my wonderful friends Emma Porter and Morguinn Korbonski for your helpful feedback.
Jameela Jamil, thank you for being my role model and a badass human being. You and your ideas have changed my life.
Sibyl Buck, a million thanks for mentoring me; letting me pick your brain endlessly for the book; teaching me everything that’s in here about mindfulness, yoga, and meditation; and for your detailed feedback on the mindful movements.
To my editor, Diana Ventimiglia: You have honored my vision throughout this process. Thank you for believing in this unusual book concept and for taking a chance on me. Thanks also to the Sounds True team for bringing this book to fruition.
To my agent, Leigh Eisenman: Thank you for supporting me and this project since when I was a wee tenth grader. You’re truly committed to spreading positive messages to young women.
Sofia Szamosi, you are the world’s coolest cousin. Thank you for sharing your creativity through the astounding illustrations and detailed notes on the manuscript.
To my brother, Jackie: Thank you for always cheering me on, for your insightful feedback, and for shooting beautiful photos for the introduction.
To my dad, Adam: Thank you for patiently working with me throughout every step of the writing and editing process, round after round of priceless red ink (which I have grown to love). You also helped me bring all the pieces of this book together while somehow being simultaneously organized and thoughtful.
To my mom, Kelly: Your beautiful photography is what makes this book. It’s been such a privilege to work with you and witness your creative force. Oh, and thank you for teaching me almost every piece of advice that’s in here!