Write to Put Down Your Worries
Hello Dear One,
How are you? Really? I feel we’re in a fragile time.
On the one hand, there’s sunshine and joy; on the other rumbling uncertainty. The next few months may not be uncomplicated bliss. And that’s ok.
These feel like uncharted waters, for all of us. We’re always changing and evolving — picking up where we were pre-pandemic isn’t possible; nor would we necessarily want to be. Just keep an eye on yourself. Being here is a start.
My challenge is to come back to the present - to what is rather than what might be.
Habitual negative thoughts are troublesome for two reasons: the first is we find ourselves stuck in the cycle and become angry and frustrated. Secondly, anything we repeat to ourselves becomes the truth. Thus, we begin to believe them.
This isn’t to say our worries can be easily dismissed (as a friend of mine says - if it’s real for you, it’s real) but we can manage the energy we give them. Evoking a sense of awareness can stop these thoughts taking over, helping us access hope and possibility rather than fear. Giving your worries space on the page helps them dissipate: it’s easier to see them for what they are - projections rather than reality.
From there the antidote is compassion: finding small ways to be kinder to ourselves, actively choosing not to feed unhelpful narratives. Instead of: I’m all over the place, we choose I’m experiencing confusion and will support myself through this. Instead of: It’s stupid to worry we say I’m experiencing worry, which is natural in this time of transition. Instead of I’m worried about what’s coming next we assert All is well in this moment.
Take this letter, this moment, as an invitation to pause. See each persistent worry as an opportunity to step towards a sense of calm. This is unlikely to happen instantly, but know that you are supported.
I hope it helps. What you tell yourself and others matters; come back to what’s real now. You could combine this with meditation, or, if you’d like another exercise, check out this letter from September. The archives are always available.
My next few letters will be dedicated to how we negotiate this time, if you know anyone who might benefit do pass them on.
And take good care of yourself. It might not be easy but you’ve already come so far. No matter what the goblin in your mind says what happens now is within your control.
Thanks for being here and being you.
All love,
Jo
WRITE TO REFLECT 24th June via Zoom, 7.30 pm GMT
Join me next Thursday for a special mid-year workshop designed to help you reflect on your year so far and envision what you want the rest of 2021 to be. Open to all, whether you journal regularly or haven’t picked up a pen in years. For more details and to grab your ticket go here.
And if this letter has made a difference to your day like it, share it, comment or buy me a coffee on Kofi.