Hello Dear One,
I’ve realised something: I’ve been afraid to write here.
I send letters every week to my coaching/journaling community, but last year I started making ‘Substack’ something different.
(I’m also very aware that many of you might not even know what Substack is, we met or chatted and you came here for journal prompts)
Since I began writing in 2020 the platform has grown and grown. More and more writers I love and admire have started their newsletters and publications, making it the most gorgeous place to be. And in the last few months, I’ve started draft after draft and stopped myself from sending them.
Partly, this is down to changing my newsletter format, meaning I’ve been a bit at sea about how I want to show up. But there’s something else too, a deep fear and anxiety. I feel it in my body, right now, swirling around my heart, threatening to squeeze it.
I became so afraid to lose you, beautiful readers, that I’ve been frozen.
One of the best things about being a coach is that I get curious rather than do what I did as a child: withdraw.
I can tell my anxiety it’s ok it’s there and soothe my nervous system.
When I don’t send out letters what I’ve really believing is this: other people are better than me. Ergo I’m not good enough.
Consciously I know that’s not true.
But my body holds on.
It’s an old, deep story. A survival pattern.
And when I limit myself I give myself an out.
I don’t have to put things on the line.
I don’t have to show up again and again.
I don’t have to face feeling deflated.
But I’m not reaching my potential.
Or living.
Substack scares me, yes – but only because of what I’m believing.
AND I’m ready to believe something new.
To go to the next level.
I’m ready to speak up even when my heart is racing.
To face my fears.
Because life is short and precious.
So I’m writing this because it’s honest.
Because I hope there's a place for writing where we can all be seen: in our fears, our messiness, our doubt, our dreams, our love, our humanity.
And even if it inspires one person to be who they are 1% more it’s worth it.
What’s one ACTION you could take today to show your subconscious your belief is bigger than your fear?
Thanks for being here and being you – if this resonates I’d love to know in the comments.
All love,
Jo
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I love all what you write Jo don't worry about feeling deflated because people at some point in their life feel it to be honest. Keep doing what you're doing and don't let anything stand in your way 😉
love your posts Jo - no readers lost here! I hadn't really noticed the changed format to Substack!!