I’ve been journaling a lot this month too. Asking myself what it is I truly want to create this year. And giving myself time to let the answers come instead of getting caught up in the “shoulds”.
Like you, I’ve found it hard to dream these past few years- I think Covid had a hand in that- but this year feels different. Expansive. I’m envisioning living 2024 like a slowly meandering brook, flowing gently forward through my days.
I love that idea... A gentle flowing brook, I can immediately picture it 💦 I hadn't thought of COVID ... But you are absolutely right, it changed everything so much. I'm loving giving my dreams some attention and I hope you'll join me ✨🙏
I think you have articulated, what a lot of people are feeling. That is a skill. I’m so so glad that there others on this journey to slow down and feel into the next chapter.
I have been prioritising joy and fun in my day. So I scheduled time to read Substack newsletters. I had to swat away thoughts like, “you really should be [fill in the gap]” “you can’t take a break when you need to do [fill in the gap]”.
It has been over two decades of feeling guilty over resting and always feeling behind.
But where does that leave you? Unhappy, stressed, and a body full of stress.
Here’s to a different life. One full of wonder and play.
Thank you so much. I totally agree, and it is difficult - especially with outside noise and expectations from society but also friends and family. Because, as much as I'd love everyone to see the benefits of slow living, it is a different/alternative lifestyle! I am so glad we have this space to share, to inspire and be inspired with likeminded people. It really is lovely and I value it so much.
Loved reading this! Love getting surprises from the Universe when youneed them. I collect them at #todaystinymagic here. This is definitely tiny magic!
Emily, again a piece that resonates with me too. Like so many others comments on the focus on “shoulds” and feelings of guilt for taking the time sometimes to just daydream about things, or read more Substack as I’ve been doing a lot more of this year. 😁☕️ this piece also reminded me that some years back I felt so bad about all my “not done yet” lists that were keeping me up at night, that I decided to bullet journal only my wins 🏆 for the day. And it changed my perspective on all I was ✅ actually doing every day. It changed my perspective and I felt appreciation at what I did accomplish even more.
Thank you so much. I really this idea of journaling or listing your wins. I do think we get so caught up in the goals and intentions, we forget to acknowledge the wins! Big, small and tiny! I may steal this idea too... and start recording my wins! Thank you for suggesting it!
Thank you for your words, Emily. Your writing really speaks to me and every post I read inspires me to try something new, or do something I keep putting off! You really have a beautiful way with words, thank you for sharing them with us!
Thank you - that is so kind and I am so happy that my writing has resonated with you. It is always my hope and wish - and it feels lovely that it may have helped you in some way. I really do feel passionate about slow and gentle living, as someone who desperately craved peace and a slower, safer, calmer environment. It was such an epiphany when I realised I could create that life myself. and honestly everything thrives as a result. SO happy to connect with you here, and hopefully see each other grow even more!
Thank you for this post, Emily. It came at a perfect time for me, opening the door to a written reflection about how I shortcut dreams and intuitions from working in me by insisting on figuring out, in advance, where I’m going to record them and what I’m going to do with them. I layer on such expectations -- there will be a piece of art made with each journal entry; the notes will be sorted according to key desired feelings for this year. Ya da, ya da. It’s too much. It’s corralled happiness, controlled happiness and it doesn’t make me happy at all because it isn’t gentle, it doesn’t flow or follow its own natural course. Again, thank you. You have given me lots to gently consider today.
I am so happy to hear this, I always hope that sharing these slow and gentle thoughts will help inspire people and provide a little guidance. I do think, we are so incredibly hard on ourselves, our expectations are so big and I think sometimes we forget the beauty in the process. It helped me to focus on coming from a kinder and softer place, I wanted to encourage my happiness and dreams... as I said lift the lid, let them feel safe and give them space to move, grow and establish themselves in my life. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts - I really appreciate it. I hope you have a lovely Sunday.
I’ve been journaling a lot this month too. Asking myself what it is I truly want to create this year. And giving myself time to let the answers come instead of getting caught up in the “shoulds”.
Like you, I’ve found it hard to dream these past few years- I think Covid had a hand in that- but this year feels different. Expansive. I’m envisioning living 2024 like a slowly meandering brook, flowing gently forward through my days.
I love that idea... A gentle flowing brook, I can immediately picture it 💦 I hadn't thought of COVID ... But you are absolutely right, it changed everything so much. I'm loving giving my dreams some attention and I hope you'll join me ✨🙏
I think you have articulated, what a lot of people are feeling. That is a skill. I’m so so glad that there others on this journey to slow down and feel into the next chapter.
I have been prioritising joy and fun in my day. So I scheduled time to read Substack newsletters. I had to swat away thoughts like, “you really should be [fill in the gap]” “you can’t take a break when you need to do [fill in the gap]”.
It has been over two decades of feeling guilty over resting and always feeling behind.
But where does that leave you? Unhappy, stressed, and a body full of stress.
Here’s to a different life. One full of wonder and play.
Thank you so much. I totally agree, and it is difficult - especially with outside noise and expectations from society but also friends and family. Because, as much as I'd love everyone to see the benefits of slow living, it is a different/alternative lifestyle! I am so glad we have this space to share, to inspire and be inspired with likeminded people. It really is lovely and I value it so much.
What a lovely post! I love the idea of the letter exchange too, so joyful! 🩷
Thank you so much, Means alot to me!
The letter exchange is so lovely. I am sure it is usually held in the spring so I will definitely link it here (on notes) when it comes round again!
Loved reading this! Love getting surprises from the Universe when youneed them. I collect them at #todaystinymagic here. This is definitely tiny magic!
Thank you. Absolutely 🙏 so lovely to connect with you!
Follow happiness, for sure! I say follow joy. Love the message being shared and the impactful journal prompts.
Thank you 🙌 I'm definitely trying to let joy take the reins a bit more this year !
Nice way of putting it! Me too, 100%. I have a good feeling joy will take us all far.
Emily, again a piece that resonates with me too. Like so many others comments on the focus on “shoulds” and feelings of guilt for taking the time sometimes to just daydream about things, or read more Substack as I’ve been doing a lot more of this year. 😁☕️ this piece also reminded me that some years back I felt so bad about all my “not done yet” lists that were keeping me up at night, that I decided to bullet journal only my wins 🏆 for the day. And it changed my perspective on all I was ✅ actually doing every day. It changed my perspective and I felt appreciation at what I did accomplish even more.
Thank you so much. I really this idea of journaling or listing your wins. I do think we get so caught up in the goals and intentions, we forget to acknowledge the wins! Big, small and tiny! I may steal this idea too... and start recording my wins! Thank you for suggesting it!
Thank you for your words, Emily. Your writing really speaks to me and every post I read inspires me to try something new, or do something I keep putting off! You really have a beautiful way with words, thank you for sharing them with us!
Thank you - that is so kind and I am so happy that my writing has resonated with you. It is always my hope and wish - and it feels lovely that it may have helped you in some way. I really do feel passionate about slow and gentle living, as someone who desperately craved peace and a slower, safer, calmer environment. It was such an epiphany when I realised I could create that life myself. and honestly everything thrives as a result. SO happy to connect with you here, and hopefully see each other grow even more!
Thank you for this post, Emily. It came at a perfect time for me, opening the door to a written reflection about how I shortcut dreams and intuitions from working in me by insisting on figuring out, in advance, where I’m going to record them and what I’m going to do with them. I layer on such expectations -- there will be a piece of art made with each journal entry; the notes will be sorted according to key desired feelings for this year. Ya da, ya da. It’s too much. It’s corralled happiness, controlled happiness and it doesn’t make me happy at all because it isn’t gentle, it doesn’t flow or follow its own natural course. Again, thank you. You have given me lots to gently consider today.
I am so happy to hear this, I always hope that sharing these slow and gentle thoughts will help inspire people and provide a little guidance. I do think, we are so incredibly hard on ourselves, our expectations are so big and I think sometimes we forget the beauty in the process. It helped me to focus on coming from a kinder and softer place, I wanted to encourage my happiness and dreams... as I said lift the lid, let them feel safe and give them space to move, grow and establish themselves in my life. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts - I really appreciate it. I hope you have a lovely Sunday.
Steal away 😄🥰👍🏻