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Julia Skinner's avatar

Hello Emily! This was just what I needed today. It is my birthday next Sunday so January is a special month for me. I loved your words encouraging me to take time to be kind to myself & almost go against the flow. I had been worrying that the diary is not full but I am going to celebrate that. I look forward to hearing more as the year gently progresses. Thank you

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Emily Male's avatar

Hello Julia! How lovely to meet you here! Happy Birthday for next Sunday ! Going against the flow - I love that so much, and I realise so much of my life has been just that! Embracing it feels wonderful. I am so glad you found something in this Slow Sunday Letter - and I am so happy you are here with us!

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Ivan De Smet's avatar

This is beautiful, Emily. Slow days in January, we all should embrace them instead of going all in on the resolutions we tend to make. And, can I say, you have a beautiful voice to listen to. When I hear you reading, a calmness settles down in me...

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Emily Male's avatar

Thank you so much Ivan! I really like doing the voiceovers - though I probably should improve my set up a little! I just use my phone! Slow days are such a gift, and I feel like January has so many of them to offer us if we are willing to accept them.

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Ivan De Smet's avatar

That’s beautifully said…

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CJ | A Well-Read Tart's avatar

It's not what I planned, but my husband and I both caught COVID this week, and it's slowed us down immensely, lol. I've been a bit bummed about it, but after reading this article, I think i'm going to look at it a different way. Perhaps this was nature's way of reminding me that I need to be taking naps, snuggling on the couch, reading, resting, nourishing myself, and taking it easy right now. And dropping COVID on my ass was the only way my body would listen to what it should do. 😉🤣

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Emily Male's avatar

Oh no - I hope you both feel better soon! Although, I wouldn’t wish illness on anyone (!) … sometimes it is that break in the loop that we need to just recalibrate and step out of our routine. That little step outside the loop is enough sometimes to see everything slightly differently, and reassess what we want. Sending you well wishes!

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Maria Betts's avatar

Hi Emily. This is exactly what’s happened to me this January ~ a great big whacking dose of flu 🤒 (that I’m still recovering from). I’ve literally been forced to rest, hence my presence on, and copious reading of, Substack. Recalibrate and reset are words very much resonating with me right now. I’m delighted to have come across your work and I agree with Ivan’s comment - your voice is so calming. (Hello again CJ 😊I’m loving this small corner of the virtual world). Xxx

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Emily Male's avatar

Substack is the best place to come into and fill up your cup from ! I'm sorry you are poorly too 😔 but so pleased you have been able to find a way to make it a bit of a reset and time for you. Thank you so much for being so kind ☺️ that means a lot and I'm so happy you found your way here Maria 💕

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CJ | A Well-Read Tart's avatar

Thank you! It's thankfully not as bad a case as when we had it last year. Just enough to reasses, as you said. 😊

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Debbie Meredith's avatar

Thank you for those gentle reminders. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of the new year instead of easing in slowly. Beautiful publication as always Emily 😊

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Emily Male's avatar

Thank you Debbie! I relish in a slow January!

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David Barton's avatar

Lovely reflections, much needed at the moment as already, it’s easy to start to feel left behind 🙏✨

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Emily Male's avatar

Thank you so much David 🙏

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