Halfway There
Honouring my mid-year journey
Dear Friend
How are you feeling today?
How is it Sunday again already?! How is it the 7th July? Are you finding that the year is flying by? Or are you feeling rather happy with how everything is flowing for you this year? I’d like the world to stop spinning, so I can jump off for a few weeks, anyone care to join me ?!
As July unfolds, I’m in disbelief that I’m now at the halfway point of the year. So I’ve decided to dedicate this “Sunday WORD:ship” to mid-year moments.
You might be a busy mum spinning all sorts of plates, keen to carve out a precious 30 minutes of quiet time or perhaps you're an elder lady seeking solace in solitude. Well, let this be a moment for you to connect with yourself and your journey so far this year.
I don’t know about you, but for me, July can sometimes bring mixed emotions. Maybe because I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve achieved, or not quite achieved. The looming school holidays, worrying about not having enough activities planned in for my youngest son and all the joy that comes with self employment and the unpaid holidays. Oh the pressure to have it all worked out, and the realisation that half the year has already passed, can sometimes trigger a little unease.
You may resonate with where I’m at, and find yourself on this emotional spectrum, remember that all these feelings are valid. I hope this Sunday WORD:ship session is an opportunity for you to explore your emotions without judgement, to celebrate your achievements (however big or small), and to realign your focus on the months ahead. Out of interest, which is your favourite summer month?
For the next 10 minutes or so, I hope you have a quiet space where you can settle and “pause for thought” before opening your journal. Feel the present moment - the weight of your body, the rhythm of your breathing, the thoughts flowing through your mind. Try and acknowledge where you are, right now, at this midpoint of the year.
As always, here are a few prompts to guide you, please help yourself…
1. Reflect on your biggest accomplishment so far this year. How does it make you feel?
2. What unexpected joy or challenge has 2024 brought you?
3. If you could send a message to yourself from six months ago, what would you say?
4. How do you want to feel at the end of this year? What steps can you take to cultivate that feeling?
5. What’s the one habit you’ve noticed in the first half of the year you’d like to change?
6. Describe your ideal summer day.
7. What are you most looking forward to in the coming months?
8. If you’re feeling anxious about the passing of time, where does that anxiety stem from?
9. What can you let go of today?
10. What’s one small, achievable goal you can set for yourself in August?
I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate yourself for showing up today, for taking the time to reflect and connect with your inner world through these journaling prompts. Please don’t hesitate to connect with me, I’m always keen to answer any questions you may have about journaling or the retreats I host.
Thank you for reading my Substack today and for following my journey. I really appreciate your support and I’m humbled by all the comments I receive during the week. If you enjoy my Substack and think someone else may benefit from my journaling advice, please consider sharing this post.
Note to Self - remember you are exactly where you need to be. Just be kind to yourself along the way.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
What’s On 'with ease'
Journal through July - a 30 day journaling challenge over on Substack Notes. Daily prompts and top tips to encourage you to “Rage on a Page”
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- there is a waiting list for the next retreat later this year - date tbc. Plus, there is a bursary place for one lucky guest.Digital Detox Weekend Retreat - set in a gorgeous beach house near Pembrokeshire. Join me to learn how to take back control on the amount of time you spend on your device, find new ways to entertain yourself, embrace more positive daily activities and generally feel more upbeat and happier. Guaranteed… coastal walks, cold water therapy, feasting on local produce, therapeutic journaling workshops, reading, writing and plenty of resting! 18th-20th October 2024