Hello Dear One,
I’ve been to-ing and fro-ing over what to write this week. Personally, I’m feeling many things: grief and anger at world events, joy at spending time with family and friends – something which still feels miraculous – and exhaustion.
Getting out in nature helps, especially without my phone, but I’m struggling to switch off and find myself looking at the news late at night – which I know isn’t healthy.
Here are some other things I know:
It’s ok if you don’t know what to do or say. It’s ok if what you do or say feels clumsy. It’s ok if you need to lie on the floor for a while before you do or say anything.
You can take more than a minute to form an opinion. Your opinion can then change.
Honouring your own experiences matters. You don’t have to take on the weight of the world – expecting yourself to do so is unfair.
It’s always, ALWAYS beautiful to feel joy. We need more joy.
Talking to people matters. We don’t have to feel our feelings alone.
Take this as gentle encouragement to take up space on the page today and to be really, really honest. If this feels scary or daunting remember you can tear it up after – writing is simply a place to go, a place that’s yours. I know it helps.
Thanks for being here and being you.
All love,
Jo
MARCH in ME: Inner Critic
This month the ME membership explores how to quieten our critical inner voices and shift old patterns – work we need to stand up for what we believe in and know that we can make a difference. There’s also lots of space to ground and come back to yourself, as well as last month’s self-compassion content to dig into.
Join any time - https://www.joannebell.org/me
DROP-IN WORKSHOPS
You can drop into workshops with me on the 17th and 29th of March: nurturing space for your soul. It would be gorgeous to see you there.
AND FINALLY
This song has brought me immense comfort in uncertain times. I hope it can do something for you too.
I found your newsletter through re-watching an LWS Substack interview - thank you for this post, you're not alone in how you're feeling at all, and it's comforting to see the same sort of feelings being shared. I'll set aside some time to use your writing prompt and see what comes from it ❤️