Sunday WORD:ship
Don't let another Sunday pass you by!
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Dear Friend
How are you feeling today on this rather fine autumn Sunday?
This, is my favourite day of the week. Don’t you just love Sundays?!
I also think, this is my favourite time of year, witnessing the leaves turn a beautiful shade of gold and noticing the crisp edge to the September air. There is an undeniable shift in nature, especially along the coastal path here in South Wales and with it, an invitation to slow down.
But how many of us actually accept that invitation?
For years, I’ve resisted it. I’d keep moving at the same frantic pace I did all year, filling my diary with the endless to-do lists, creating a list for my lists, coupled with work obligations and distractions. In my 40’s I’d ignore the natural call to pause, reflect and regroup. But things have changed since I turned 50. I know it’s not even been a month since I walked into my new decade, but I’m learning to embrace this season of going slightly slower at 50.
I know what you’re thinking - slowing down sounds lovely, but who has the time? If like me, you often feel the pressure to keep going, to be useful, keep achieving and make sure your loved ones have what they need to get them through the day. The idea of slowing down might feel like a luxury you can’t quite afford right now.
But what if I told you that by slowing down, you could actually gain more. More energy, more clarity and more peace.
“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.”
— Lily Tomlin
Recently my body has been screaming out to me to slow down. For example, I suffer from tinnitus, and has gone into overdrive recently. It’s a desperate and frustrating ailment to suffer from. But if ever there was a physical sign that I need to pause more frequently, it’s now.
When was the last time you asked yourself this question - what does my body need right now?
Just sit with that question for a moment. Then ask yourself, is it more rest, more time outside in nature or simply permission to say no to something that feels draining?
When I feel stuck with reasons why I should rest more, I take to my journal. All the answers I’ve ever needed have come to light inside the pages of my journal.
One of the most powerful ways to slow down is through therapeutic journaling. Taking time each day - even for just a few minutes, or by writing down at least one word - to put pen to paper will help you check in with yourself.
Why?
Because it’s a way to honour where you are and what you’re feeling in the moment. Even during the busiest of days, journaling can create a space for reflection, healing and what I love the most, creative expression.
Care to join me for 5-10 minutes of gentle journaling?
One of my favourite passions in life, is that I love to curate journaling prompts, so please help yourself. I hope they help guide you to a more peaceful and restful Sunday.
What does slowing down mean to you? How do you feel when you give yourself permission to take things slower?
How does autumn’s energy make you feel? Do the shorter days and cooler night encourage you to slow down or make you anxious, and why?
When was the last time you truly rested without guilt? What did that feel like, and why is it hard to allow yourself to rest?
What does your body need from you right now? How can you better listen to its signals?
What commitments could you let go of this season to make space for rest?
In what areas of your life are you rushing? What would happen if you slowed down in those areas?
Write about a time when you slowed down and noticed something you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. How did that change your perspective?
How can you create a daily practice of slowing down, even if only for a few minutes? What small rituals or habits could help you connect with a slower pace? (hint hint - journaling)
What are you resisting when it comes to slowing down? Is it fear of falling behind, being unproductive, or missing out?
As the trees shed their leaves, what can you let go of this autumn? What no longer serves you and how can releasing it help you move forward with more ease?
Note To Self - slowing down isn’t about giving up - it’s about showing up for yourself in a deeper, more intentional and loving way.
If you don’t have time to use the above journaling prompts, try what I call a journaling micro-movement. Think of three words. Write them down. Then select one of the words. For the next 1-2 minutes, write non-stop about the word you selected. Describe where your chosen word shows up in your life. How does the word make you feel? Does it trigger you and if so why? What does this word mean to you. Enjoy.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe. xx
What’s On with EASE
Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - ONLY 1 BEDROOM LEFT - 16th-18th November 2024
Rage on a Page - you’re very welcome to join the next series of my therapeutic journaling program. I’m looking to work with another 6 women for the October class.
More Sales Please - a brand new day retreat to blow up the sales in your creative business without the grind, with the gorgeously energetic Sara Dalrymple of The Scoop 27th September 2024. Almost SOLD OUT!
Storytelling with ease & Tim Lott - This day retreat will cover both memoir and fiction. It will concentrate on the emotional journey of being a writer; but also the practical aspects of how to get your ideas on the page; including creating outlines, generating story ideas and understanding story structure and character development. 25th October 2024.
Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale. After such a magical day in June, Stacey is back with another EPIC retreat. Ooh and we are gifting a bursary place for one lucky guest. Friday 8th November.
Your Feelings, Your Superpower with ease & Women Are Mad with Jen&Salima. Across the course of the day, Jen and Salima will help you to deeply tune into and structure your feelings,in order to articulate them clearly. Saturday 9th November.
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! ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT. 18th-20th October 2024.
Lovely photo of the Millennium Centre
Gorgeous reminders Tanya 🍁💞