Stretching Boundaries and Connection: Writing with Purpose Newsletter

Can you believe it’s nearly Christmas? Are you ready for the festivities?

I’ll be taking things slowly from 20 December and have a wonderful carol-singing evening to look forward to at the National Memorial Arboretum. Yuletide tunes always bring a smile to any day.

This year has gone in a flash. Does time go quicker as you age? It seems to, and that’s why we need to make the most of life and fill it with experiences, people, and places that bring us joy.

Five Things That Have Brought Joy

Appreciating the small things in life really does make a difference. If we’re consciously thankful for the things, people, places, and opportunities, we will soon face the world with a more positive outlook – and be happier! Here are five things that have brought me joy this week.

Most things that brought me joy this week were experiences made memorable by the company or the feel-good emotions they roused. Happy experiences create memorable moments and provide a space to relive memories.

Journalling Prompts

• What five things have brought you joy this week?
• Why did they bring you joy?
• What emotions did you feel?
• What do you notice about your responses to these prompts? What are you intrigued to explore further? How can you reflect further?

Writing for Wellbeing

I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Barcelona Journaling Festival in November. Held in a beautiful city, I was surrounded by like-minded people who oozed compassion and a willingness to learn, share and be vulnerable. Each speaker was incredible, and I learned so much. Kathleen Adams, founder of the Centre for Journal Therapy and a modern-day trailblazer for journalling from the US, shared her decades of knowledge as the keynote speaker. London’s Jackee Holder, Dr Megan C. Hayes and Emelie Hill Dittmer from Sweden, among others, delivered insightful workshops and presentations.

Sometimes, we must stretch the boundaries of our comfort zone to grow. I love the thought of stretching rather than bursting out of. It has a gentler approach with room to explore and test out. This is what I did in Barcelona. It wasn’t cheap to attend the festival, and I went alone, not knowing what to expect. My journey introduced me to insightful, mind-changing methods, and I met mentors and friends. It was well worth pushing my comfort limits.

Journalling Prompts

• Is 2025 going to be a year where you stretch your limits?
• In what ways can you expand your comfort zone limit safely?
• What baby steps can you take from tomorrow, next week, or in January?
• What do you notice about your responses to these prompts? What are you intrigued to explore further? How can you reflect further?

Nature Connection

World Wildlife Conservation Day was on the 4 December. The theme was 'Connecting People and Planet: Connecting people with the natural world and inspiring continued learning and action for animals and plants'.

I’ve not ventured outside as much as I would have liked over the past couple of weeks due to work commitments and Storm Darragh. However, I met a colleague and friend for a lunchtime extremely muddy catch-up walk. We walked past fields of horses, had a bouncy cockapoo as a companion, and our conversation considered many aspects of wellbeing, animals, environments and trees, and creating a circular economy. We connected with each other and the great outdoors and felt replenished and refreshed as a result. Being in nature created the ideal space for ideas to spark. The natural world is full of metaphors and lessons for life. From simply being outside, our minds expand, and our bodies begin to flow.

Journalling Prompts

• In what ways do you connect with people?
• How can you gain more from your connections and communities?
• In what ways can you work in harmony with nature to foster inspiration and learning?
• How can you support the animals and plants in your local area?
• What do you notice about your responses to these prompts? What are you intrigued to explore further? How can you reflect further?

Wellbeing, Writing & Nature Resources

Two wellbeing in nature resources I received from my secret Santa (yes, I know it’s not yet Christmas, but peer pressure was at play!) really hit the spot for me: a whistle with a lanyard and a Big Foot Locker Keyrack. These two essential items will be with me on all future treks for safety and security. Check them out in the photos.

• Book: ‘Wild Hope’ by Donna Ashworth – poetry for people who don’t like poetry!
• Book: ‘Dark Island’ by Daniel Aubrey – a crime thriller with so many twists I never saw coming. I had the pleasure of interviewing Daniel on my podcast. Watch out for the episode in the new year.

Be curious about the world and let the Christmas frenzied energy bypass you this year. Take each day as you want to – slow and present. 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.

VISION BOARD YOUR FUTURE SELF

Unlock your potential in 2025 in this creative workshop for ambitious souls. Online: 9 January. In-Person: 10 January.

Book Today

THE PODCAST IS BACK

Listen to fabulous guests share insight and personal journeys around writing and nature connection.

Listen to #38

BRAND NEW WEBSITE

View writing for wellbeing resources, book events, and connect in more places.

View Website