Write to Self-Support
Hello Dear One,
How are you? I’m feeling a little under the weather this week. It’s crept up on me, needing to stop and sleep, not do anything that engages my brain. I hope you’re taking good care of yourself. We should always start with ourselves: when we want to heal something, watch something grow, nourish something, believe in something. Even if it feels counterintuitive.
So, how’s your body? Mind? Heart? Take a deep breath and let it go. And again.
I wanted to write to you about self-support and my favourite method: letters to myself. It started when I was sixteen, on the eve of the Millennium, where I wrote down all my hopes and dreams, stuffed it in a drawer and labelled it for 2010. I lasted until 2007. When I opened it there were parts I laughed at, but other sentences struck me as being totally in tune with who I was and who I wanted to be. There’s nothing like hearing your own voice, because you know the deepest parts of yourself. You know what you need.
I started doing this again during a severe period of depression, when I had booked a holiday everyone agreed it would be good I go on. I knew I would have a great time, but after… Before I left I wrote a note to myself and left it on my pillow. When I came home, jet lagged and jittery, those words of encouragement, compassion, and the promise I didn’t have to do anything until I felt ok, got me through.
Now I write letters on my birthday, at new year and for when I won’t feel so good. The latter, Down in the Dumps letters, are only composed when I’m in a good place, for when I won’t be. I opened one at the weekend. It helped me zoom out of the minutiae of what I was feeling and realise it would pass. If you aren’t feeling good right now go back to my letter on kindness and try out that exercise. Pick up this one when you’re ready.
I hope it helps. You can also give your letters to someone you trust, or post them. For me there’s something special about knowing I can open them when I need to.
The 1st of December always seems like a signal change, a reminder the year is almost up. What are you going to do with the final days of 2020? I intend to feel joyous and go gently.
Thanks for being here, and being you.
All love,
Jo
WORKSHOP & JANUARY COURSE
I’m hosting a workshop next Thursday, 10th December, at 7.30 pm via Zoom. An hour of sweet self-care, ideal if you’re struggling to find time and space for yourself, all you need is a notebook, pen and cosy, quiet space.
£10/£7 concessions, gifted spots available for those impacted by the pandemic. Hit reply to book or for further details.
I’m also planning a new course. This will be a series designed to help you cultivate a self-compassionate voice and move confidently towards your goals. Keep an eye on my Instagram for details, or email hellojoannebell@gmail.com with NEWCOURSE in the subject line to register your interest.