A Handful of Encouragement
Reflecting on a Week of Encouragement Sessions
Late last year we invited folk to book an Encouragement Session to start their 2024 with a dose of energy and enthusiasm.
Free Encouragement
In which we explained the idea of Encouragement Sessions and invited folk to take part.
We have been delighted with the reaction and the first five sessions took place last week - there have been two in two days this week.
Kind words and generous feedback from participants suggest the latest Sessions hit the spot. We’re so pleased to have been able to host conversations about creativity and the journeys people are on.
What we talk about stays between us and the folk on the call, but there are always general points we like to share to encourage others.
A Handful of Encouragement
You don’t need to wait for someone to allow you to do that thing that brings you joy. Give yourself permission.
Listen to the voices that celebrate what you do. Let the waves of support drown out any foghorns of disapproval.
Some folk will never understand creativity. That’s okay. There are plenty of folk who do - hang out with those people.
Slow down a little. It is okay to set smaller targets.
Sometimes, stopping is the best way to get started. Often, we thrive because our creative spark is refreshed or renewed.
It can be very powerful to paint a picture of what you are aiming for. If a ‘vision’ sounds too grand, just call it an ‘imagining’. Describe where you want to get to - it’ll make it more likely you get there.
Turn your self-doubt into a character. It is quite acceptable to have a conversation with your self-doubt and tell it to ‘do one’!
Focus on the voices that lift you (same as Point 2 but a little louder for those at the back).
Make time for your creative practice. However busy life gets, ring-fence time for you and your writing/ art/ photography/ making/ seeking inspiration. We are all allowed some ‘me time’.
Celebrate the folk who inspire you. Guide them to your creativity.
I recognise some themes related to our discussion in thia list 😊
So many fabulous tips here! Thanks for being such generous souls.