Hello Dear One,
Happy January. I hope the first days of this year are treating you well.
Mine have been slow. And I haven’t changed: haven’t got shinier, thinner, better at meditating/fitness/drinking smoothies/all the other suggestions currently filling my inbox. I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in using our notebooks as a space to dream. I’ve been writing mine down, but I don’t feel clear on them yet. Some dreams have been with me for a long time, and approaching them with renewed enthusiasm feels like a big ask.
If you’ve been struggling with yours, or haven’t had a moment to think about them, know you can give yourself time. When you do sit down clean your space, light a candle and write out anything that’s on your mind first. Then be open to what surfaces; let things emerge.
Currently, all I want to do is pat myself on the back. The last few years have been hard. I could have done many things out of alignment with my values. Instead, I kept going. Sure, there were down moments – literally, I lay on the floor until I felt ok again and spent hours crying – and of course, I made mistakes. But I also kept putting one foot in front of the other, taking small steps – and some leaps – in the direction of creativity and fulfilment, towards what I dream is possible for my life. Maybe the reason I’m having trouble fleshing out my 2022 dreams is I still feel the need to acknowledge myself for 2021. I’ll never feel like I’ve done enough, I’m always filled with ideas for more, but I'm choosing now and celebrating small shifts.
This isn’t a letter about resolutions or even goals. It’s an invitation to deeply honour everything you’ve already done: every time you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone, every situation that hurt, challenged or upset you; the choices that felt right and all the ones that felt wrong but you learnt from. Give yourself space for what is, before we race ahead to what might be.
I love the last part, writing out positive statements - which you may know as affirmations – when they feel authentic. It’s a way to rewire the pathways in our brains with dedication and practise; something I’m recommitting myself to this January.
If you need time to write, encouragement and a space to catch your breath, consider joining me at Write to Reflect this Thursday, two hours of guided practice, or check out my audios.
Thanks for being here and being you. It’s a joy to begin 2022 with you.
All love,
Jo
Join me on Thursday (6th of January at 7.30pm GMT) to look back at your year and create a bold, authentic vision for 2022. Nourishing, poignant and fun - all you need is a notebook and cosy space.
You can also purchase this workshop as a replay only to do a time of your choice.
Craving a little magic right now? How would it feel if you were supported and cheered to write for several days straight?
My audio bundles are mini-workshops you can do anytime, anywhere. Available with and without music, they’re yours forever when you purchase. I’ve extended my December offer, so if you buy the 10 bundle two bonus sessions will also be waiting for you!
AND FINALLY
An upbeat instrumental tune to get you going with writing
As always I’d be delighted if you like, share, comment, reply or, if you feel called, buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. I love hearing from you.