Five Things I've Learnt in 2023
(so far) + join me on Thursday
Hello Dear One,
Last week I went back to my journal from the beginning of the year.
I avoided it. I got it into my head (ever get something into your head and convince yourself it’s true?) that I’d disappointed myself.
Then I arrived home from a trip and it was on my bedside table, like a messenger.
AND I realised I’d done almost everything I set out to do. Yes, there are parts of my life which remain in transition. But I have made progress. It felt brilliant.
Since writing those intentions, I’ve learnt some lessons – and not all of them are new.
ONE: If it’s not joyful (and you don’t have to) don’t do it
Sometimes there’s no joy left somewhere. It’s ok to change your mind, step away, move in a different direction. Give yourself permission.
TWO: Only connect
Laughter is medicine. Hugs are medicine. Deep chats are medicine. We need each other to be present, loving and vulnerable.
Connection is the biggest gift.
THREE: Feel your feelings
You don’t have to feel amazing just because you’re on holiday/with lovely people/wearing nice clothes/it’s your birthday.
Feel how you feel.
The more you push away your emotions the longer you stay stuck. Journal, dance them out, lie on the floor and feel. Give yourself a little grace.
FOUR: Check your expectations
It’s risky to have high expectations of something, but sometimes we can’t help it. Stay grounded and present. And if something disappoints you don’t make that mean there’s anything wrong with you. Give yourself a big hug. Whisper I love you, I love you to the beat of your heart.
FIVE: If you’ve been too hard on yourself for a long time there’s no ‘quick fix’.
I’m a huge advocate of self-compassion AND I don’t always have it nailed. Instead, I often expect too much from myself, because it’s a survival pattern. The antidote I offer is this: notice, keep showing up, choose yourself again and again.
All love,
Jo
WRITE TO REFLECT: The Summer Edition
Join me live this Thursday (20th July) at 8pm for an immersive writing session to check in with your mind, body and heart ♡
Release what isn’t serving you and get intentional about the next six months.
Find out more or book your spot.
Love all you write.