Write to Celebrate

Hello Dear One, 

How are you? It’s my last letter of 2020. And yet nothing magical is going to happen as we cross the threshold into a new year. I will still be me, you will still be you and the world will be there, in all its exquisite stillness and beautiful chaos. Thus the passing of New Year’s Eve (or Hogmanay as we call it in Scotland) can often leave us flat. 

This year, for most of us, there are no parties. I’ve come to believe that the best way to spend these slower days is to reflect, honour experiences and bear witness to our growth. Much of this is inspired by Christine Hassler’s work, which I highly recommend. Yes, you might be frustrated that things aren’t shifting, that you can’t quite have your life back. Me too. But I know, when I zoom out, this year mattered. It showed me I was capable, I could keep going, that some of the things I thought about myself simply weren’t true. It was the year in which I created Write to Thrive, first held sessions and saw their impact on others. I also undertook deeply healing practices with incredible teachers, which enabled me to leave old patterns and wounds behind and step toward a life I envisioned. It helped me be myself more loudly. All this is worthy of note. So, we are going to celebrate. Celebrate how far we’ve come, the things we’ve learnt and overcome. 

I want you to hear me when I say this: it is not a time for comparison. Bring it in, if you must, only to compare you before to you now. Perhaps you were on the front line of this pandemic, or perhaps you weren’t. Perhaps you achieved a long targeted goal or perhaps you didn’t. Perhaps you feel at peace in yourself or perhaps you know there is so much more to do. Wherever you are, whatever you did, trust that it was enough. Trust that this is part of your path. You’ll want to remember it later. You are, after all, not a sub-character in someone else’s story, but the hero of your own. 

I filled ten notebooks in 2020. For years people gave me them and I ‘kept them for good’, giving them an occasional glance or running a finger along the top and blowing away dust. Now, I write every day. I don’t care if it’s pretty or perfect - it’s mine. It’s me, showing up for myself. It’s me valuing myself. And it’s powerful. 

So, try the below. Take time out, light a candle, close your eyes and feel your heartbeat. Then, begin. 

No, I didn’t achieve everything I wanted to this year. There were terrible times and huge setbacks. But my blessings include my health, several books I loved, friends I made over Zoom (which I never thought possible), sea swimming, having a safe, warm flat…writing my list made me feel happy and calm.

Perhaps one lesson we can all take away is that it’s ok to slow down. And achievements look different under changed circumstances. You managed to survive 2020. That IS worth celebrating.

I hope it helps. Thanks for being here, and being you.

All love, 

Jo

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WORKSHOPS & MORE 

Write to Thrive: My January course is open for booking. Join me on a journey to connect to what truly matters and learn how to be kinder to yourself in a supportive, nurturing and fun space. Go here for all the details. 

Prompt a Day: Beginning 1st January a prompt a day will be on my Instagram page. These are designed with much love and thought, perfect if you’re looking to forge a new writing habit or need something to get going. 

Yoga & Writing Workshop: This Saturday I’m collaborating with an incredible yoga teacher Sharon Iacono in a two-hour workshop where we’ll release what doesn’t serve, move through a dynamic practice and set meaningful intentions for the year to come. £15 / 10am-12pm / 2nd January /go here to book.