It's been four months. How've you been? New Look Writing with Purpose Newsletter
Anna Woolliscroft
💚Wellbeing Resources Creator 🧐 Author 💐 Wellbeing & Nature Writer 🎙 Podcast Host ✍️ Creative & Expressive Writing Facilitator
Well hello again
It's been four months since I sent a Writing With Purpose newsletter, and I'm so sorry if you've missed the bi-weekly dose of journalling prompts, and writing, nature-rich content.
I needed to focus time and energy, so therefore made the conscious choice to pause the newsletters, podcast recordings and social media presence to concentrate on my university studies.
Thankfully, my studies have finished, although it will be a further three months before the final marks are released
There's so much to share with you, including a journalling festival in Barcelona, a local wellness day, mountain skills training, and the Natural Academy's One Health NatureWell conference.
More of this to come in the next newsletter, but first ... let me share the new focus and layout.
Your New Look Newsletter
If you're a regular reader, you may have noticed that I'm a huge believer in sharing lessons and inspiration from lived experience. Metaphors and ideas are everywhere, but we can miss them when we're too busy in our lives and minds.
We must 'turn up the volume of [our] senses and turn down the speed of [our] being ... action taking ... movements ... [and] actions.' This wonderful sentence, from Holly Worton's 'If Trees Could Talk', resonates deeply with me. Since slowing down in my work and actions, my mind has become freer. I've also noticed a vast improvement in how much I enjoy life and my appreciation for the little things.
I've added a new 'Five Things' section to encourage you to observe your surroundings – people, places, things – to be grateful for the finer aspects of life that bring you joy.
The usual 'Writing for Wellbeing' and 'Nature Connection' sections will remain, with journal prompts and activities that inspire you to embrace every opportunity, tackle challenges head-on, and find new approaches, behaviours and thoughts.
Throughout the newsletter, I will invite you to apply a three-step curiosity process:
Observe (to notice) – Explore (to interact) – Reflect (to think)
This process is a fusion of nature journaller, author and artist John Muir Laws's process of 'notice, wonder, it reminds me of' and Tina Welling's process of 'name, describe, interact.' Credit where credit is due, but 'observe, explore, reflect' is language that aligns better with my purpose.
Wellbeing Resources
Book, podcast, magazine, video and resource recommendations will still be included, and I'll also include a snippet of the latest podcast episode. It's been an absolute joy to pick up the podcast chats. Even though it's a fairly time-consuming venture, I gain so much value from like-minded conversations, and I hope you will too. My guests are writers in many guises or outdoor enthusiasts, so there's something for everyone who values the written word, language exploration and the Great Outdoors.
Other News
My new website had a very soft launch at the end of November. Its format is something I've dreamed of for a couple of years, and it makes me smile each time I work on the backend! The platform curates a host of writing for wellbeing resources, including journals, notebooks, diaries, t-shirts, and online or in-person journalling, outdoor or creativity events.
Until the next 'official' newsletter, I'll leave you with these prompts:
Please, let me know your thoughts by replying to this email.
Love & energy
Anna
P.S. If you know anyone who wants to get to know themselves better and gain the most from life, please share this with them.
BRAND NEW WEBSITE
View writing for wellbeing resources, book events, and connect in more places.
THE PODCAST IS BACK
Listen to fabulous guests share insight and personal journeys around writing and nature connection.
VISION BOARD YOUR FUTURE SELF
Unlock your potential in 2025 in this creative workshop for ambitious souls. Online: 9 January. In-Person: 10 January.