Begin Again, and Again, and Again Notes on the Art of Perpetual Renewal

by Olanow, Alessandra

• ISBN13: 9781523531714
• ISBN10: 1523531711
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781523531738
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2026-03-17
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
• More Book Details

Summary

A luminous illustrated meditation on learning to live with life’s cycles—for anyone in the middle of breaking open and rebuilding.

Artist and author Alessandra Olanow knows that life never unfolds as you think it will. She found herself awake at 3 a.m. with questions that wouldn't settle: Is this all there is? What do I do when everything comes undone? How do I stay open when I want to close down?

Begin Again, and Again, and Again started as notes to herself—a practice of thinking through images and words to map the territory of uncertainty. What emerged is a book about the fundamental rhythm of being human: the constant cycle of questioning, doubt, finding ground, opening, and renewal.

Through watercolor illustrations woven with personal narrative and philosophical reflection, Alessandra offers companionship rather than answers. The book moves through five movements—Question, Doubt, Ground, Open, Renewal—each holding its own texture.

Here’s permission to stop waiting for the final version of yourself—to trust that transformation isn’t about arriving but about learning to live with constant change.

It’s never too late to begin again. 

Author Biography

Alessandra Olanow is the illustrator and author of I Used to Have a Plan (Harper Design, 2021) and Hello Grief (Harper Design, 2023).  Her clients include brands such as Bergdorf Goodman, Clinique, Yahoo, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, and Uniqlo, as well as major print and online publications including the Wall Street Journal, Oprah Magazine, Vogue, Goop, Cherry Bombe, A Cup of Jo, Variety, Shape Magazine, Parents magazine, and Bon Appétit. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her daughter Coco.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Is this all there is?
Part 2: I think I can't
Part 3: Bottom is a good place to start
Part 4: Presence is the best present
Part 5: Begin again and again and again