Maggie Smith, a celebrated poet and author known for her viral poem "Good Bones," joins the discussion on the messy complexities of life. She delves into nurturing hope while recognizing reality, emphasizing the power of asking challenging questions without easy answers. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing ambiguous emotions, such as fear and anger, as teachers in our personal journeys. They explore balancing optimism in parenting amidst a perceived dangerous world while fostering resilience through emotional acceptance.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Good Bones Reading and Discussion
Adam Grant expresses his admiration for Maggie Smith's poem "Good Bones".
He asks her to read it and discuss its widespread impact.
insights INSIGHT
The Poem's Resonance
Maggie Smith discusses the unpredictable nature of creative work and its reception.
She reflects on the hopeful yet realistic nature of "Good Bones" as resonating with readers.
insights INSIGHT
Grounded Hope
Adam Grant describes "Good Bones" as expressing grounded hope.
Maggie Smith agrees and discusses optimism rooted in acknowledging life's difficulties.
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Maggie Smith's "You Can Make This Place Beautiful" offers a poignant exploration of divorce and its aftermath. The book delves into the emotional complexities of separation, examining themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery. Smith's honest and vulnerable portrayal of her experiences resonates with readers who have faced similar challenges. The book explores the process of healing and rebuilding one's life after a significant loss. It offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding readers that even in the midst of pain, beauty and growth are possible.
Keep Moving
Maggie Smith
In 'Keep Moving,' Maggie Smith shares her personal journey through divorce, single parenthood, postpartum depression, anxiety, loss, and grief. The book is a compilation of daily affirmations and essays that she initially posted on social media to help herself and others move forward through difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of kindness, hope, and transformation, encouraging readers to lean into change rather than avoiding it. The book is praised for its profound insights, empathy, and honesty, making it a valuable resource for anyone struggling with grief, change, and uncertainty.
Goldenrod
Maggie Smith
Goldenrod is a collection of poems by Maggie Smith exploring themes of parenthood, love, memory, and solitude. The poems delve into the complexities of human experience, offering reflections on joy, loss, and the passage of time. Smith's lyrical style and poignant imagery create a powerful and moving reading experience. The collection invites readers to contemplate the present moment and the importance of human connection. Goldenrod is a testament to Smith's ability to capture the essence of life's multifaceted nature.
Good Bones
Maggie Smith
Good Bones is a poetry collection that delves into the complexities of the world, balancing the harsh realities with a hopeful vision for its potential beauty. Maggie Smith writes from the perspective of a mother, protecting her children from the world's ugliness while emphasizing the possibility of making the world a better place. The poems use vivid imagery and lyric language to explore themes of compassion, empathy, and honesty, offering a hopeful outlook on the future[2][3].
Poet and author Maggie Smith isn’t sure where she falls on the spectrum from optimism to pessimism. But her viral poem “Good Bones” and her bestselling books have inspired countless readers with profound insights on the messiness of being human. In this episode, Maggie and Adam discuss strategies for handling complex emotions, sustaining hope while acknowledging reality, and accepting ambiguity in life and art. They explore the value of asking questions that may not have a satisfying answer — or any answer at all. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
ReThinking 
