What we watch can really affect the way we think about the world and ourselves. It is important to fill our space with things that help us feel lighter and overall happier. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good horror movie or an intense drama but we have to remember to lighten things up sometimes. Even more so when we might be having a particularly hard time at that moment. Curl up in on the couch or the bed with your favorite blanket and watch something light and fun. Here are some of my favorite movies and shows that highlight self-love and self-discovery.

Rye Lane

This movie is a fun and tongue-in-cheek London-based romantic comedy that was released on March 31st, 2023. It was instantly met with a rush of rave reviews that revered it as a near-masterpiece of the genre.

The film follows two young adults that are struggling to find their place after breakups. Our two leads meet each other in a chance scenario. They then decide that fate wanted them to get to know each other and that is exactly what they do. Throughout the story, they try to complete tasks necessary for them to move on entirely from these failed relationships. They also experience some revelations that reveal they might be enjoying their time together more than they thought they would. Rye Lane is a lighthearted and unexpected indie hit that provides lessons centering around the topic of self-love.

I personally really loved this movie, I felt light and happy after watching it. Throughout the movie I laughed, cried and even felt a sense of relief when Rye reaches the realization of what self-love is at the end.

Rye Lane can be streamed on Hulu.

A Good Person

While A Good Person may not have received the best ratings, the mixed-rated film is still sure to strike a chord with some audiences. Especially those who are looking for a lead character who goes through a journey of questioning her self-worth. She is working her hardest to believe that she is truly a good person at heart. The interpersonal conflict stems from an event where our main character, Allison, was the driver of a fatal car accident, which she ended up surviving. The guilt she suffered led her down the path of opioid addiction and grief that lingers even years after the accident. 

Allison ends up creating an unlikely bond with the deceased’s father, who also would have been her father-in-law. This is a tear-inducing drama. If you like a good cry, you should check this film out for amazing performances and a heartwarming story.

This movie really hit home for be me because I was a teenage addict. I also have loved one with substance abuse problems. The best part is how this movie does not have a perfect ending but more of a realistic one. I felt a little lighter after watching, but this movie can be triggering for some people. 

This movie is available on Amazon Prime 

Survival of The Thickest 

This series is about a black, plus-size and newly single, Mavis, who unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life after putting all her eggs in one man’s basket. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family.

As a struggling stylist, she is about to face various hurdles ahead as she tries to get herself together. Alongside her friends and relatives, she tries to survive and overcome her problems, career and relationship-wise, with her “body-positive attitude, cute V-neck, and some lip-gloss”

This series is so refreshing and funny you can’t watch it without rooting for Mavis. While she faces struggles at almost every turn, she remains inspiring. I am excited to see where season two takes her. 

Survival of the Thickest is a comedy/ drama  television series co-created by Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez Witzel for Netflix, based on a memoir of the same name. The series stars Buteau as a woman attempting to rebuild her life after an intense breakup. The series was released on July 13, 2023. Netflix has recently announced that the show was renewed for a second season!

Yes Man

Yes Man stars Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel in this 2008 romantic comedy, which follows the negative Carl Allen who decides to embrace the power of yes after attending a self-help seminar. Carl’s new positive outlook on life leads to a transformative, worldview-shaping experiences. A new job promotion and a budding romance with the songstress Allison. Despite all the good things that come his way, Carl realizes that too much of anything (even the positive) can have downfalls. He can’t completely give up the person he was, but must also remember that life is worth living. While acknowledging the bad that comes with it.

I enjoyed this movie so much that I have watched it again multiple times. You can’t help but to feel good when Zooey and Jim are on screen together. You will be filled with laughter and joy by the end of this feel-good movie.

Yes Man highlights the power of positive thinking and self-acceptance while reminding audiences it is important to have a healthy balance of both sides. It is available on Max.

New Girl

After going through a rough breakup, awkward and upbeat Jess moves in with three single guys. Intelligent and witty Nick is an underachiever who decided to take k the bartender off-ramp on his road to success. Schmidt obsesses over his social standing and looks at Jess as a personal project. Coach who moves out shortly after she moves in is replaced by Winston. Who is a competitive former athlete who; after realizing he will never become a pro, moves back into the loft. Together with Jess’ best friend, Cece, they bond to form an unlikely, and dysfunctional, family.

This is one of my favorite shows and I love how Zooey plays the main character, Jess. She is so relatable and high lights how it’s okay to be different and corky. Jess is unapologetically herself and she encourages others to do the same. You find yourself feeling like you are a part of this amazing and silly friend group.

The series follows the group’s interactions with each other as they become closer friends. We also watch them develop mostly temporary romantic relationships. When the show starts to wrap up, we see them find their forever partners (some with each other) and settle down outside of the loft they all once shared. New Girl is available on Hulu.

For book recommendations to feed your soul click HERE