Lessons from The Midnight Library — Living Intentionally and Creatively

I’ve just finished re-reading Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, and wow, it struck a chord. This book has so much to teach us about embracing our choices, letting go of regrets, and creating a life that feels true to who we are. In this blog post, I want to reflect on the key lessons that stood out to me and how they connect with living more intentionally and creatively.

Infinite Choices, Infinite Possibilities

The Midnight Library follows Nora Seed, a woman who finds herself in a magical library caught between life and death. Each book on the shelves represents a different version of her life, based on the choices she did (or didn’t) make. Nora gets to explore all the “what ifs”—the lives she could have lived if she had taken a different path.

This really got me thinking about how often we wonder about our own “what ifs.” What if we’d chosen a different career? What if we had moved to that new city? It’s easy to get caught up in these questions, right? But here’s what this book reminds us: it’s not about finding some mythical “perfect life.” It’s about making the most of the life we are living, and choosing to create something meaningful from wherever we are right now.

Taking Back Your Power

One of the most powerful lessons I took from this book is the idea of reclaiming our power through intentional choices. Let’s be real—life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Between work, relationships, and our own personal struggles, it’s easy to feel like we’re just along for the ride, reacting to whatever gets thrown at us.

But what if we flipped that narrative? The Midnight Library teaches us that we have so much more control than we give ourselves credit for. Living intentionally means consciously making choices that align with what we truly want, rather than drifting through life on autopilot. It’s those little shifts—choosing to prioritize self-care, setting boundaries, or even saying “yes” to something new—that can lead us to the life we actually want to live.

Regrets Don’t Define Us

Let’s talk about regrets for a second. Nora is loaded with them—missed opportunities, failed relationships, paths she didn’t take. And who hasn’t been there? We’ve all had those moments where we think, “If only I had done this differently…”

But here’s the thing: The Midnight Library shows us that every life, no matter which path we choose, comes with its own set of challenges and joys. There is no flawless, pain-free life out there. And that realization? It’s freeing. It means we don’t have to get hung up on what we didn’t do in the past. We can focus on what we can do right now to make our lives richer and more aligned with our true selves.

Instead of being weighed down by regrets, we can see them as part of the journey. It’s all part of our unique story, and every twist and turn brings us closer to who we’re meant to be.

Creativity is Medicine for the Soul

One of my favorite parts of The Midnight Library is how Nora reconnects with her creativity. She had given up her passion for music because of self-doubt, but throughout her journey, she rediscovers how much joy and healing that creative outlet brings her.

I think we all need to hear this: creativity isn’t just for artists or musicians. It’s for all of us. Whether you’re writing, painting, dancing, or even gardening—allowing yourself to create is a powerful way to tap into your authentic self. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about expressing yourself, processing emotions, and finding joy in the process.

For me, creativity is like therapy. It allows me to explore new possibilities and gives me a way to express my feelings, especially when words don’t seem to do the trick. Leaning into creativity—whether through a hobby, a passion project, or just some playful experimentation—can be an amazing way to nurture your soul.

Living with Intention and Creativity

The Midnight Library leaves us with an important message: we don’t have to get everything “right.” There is no perfect life waiting for us if we just make the right choices. Instead, life is about creating a path that feels authentic to who we are, right now, in this moment.

For me, that means showing up every day with intention. It means making small, meaningful choices that reflect my values—whether that’s setting aside time for self-care, connecting with the people I love, or pursuing something creative. It’s about letting go of the pressure to be perfect and embracing the beauty of the journey.

So, if you’re feeling stuck or weighed down by your own “what ifs,” let this book be a reminder that you are in control. You can reclaim your power, make choices that nurture your soul, and live with more intention and creativity.

What kind of life do you want to create? What’s one small, intentional choice you can make today to get there?

Let me know what you think! How does The Midnight Library resonate with you? And if you’re feeling inspired, I’d love to hear about the intentional choices you’re making to live a more creative, fulfilled life.