I make no resolutions ever, too much disappointment lies in the not achieving! But, this year, or at least how ever long it takes, I AM going to write that story that has been languishing in the back of my mind for far too long... It might mean less journal writing, less screen time here on Substack, not that I am a well behaved Substackian in Notes as it is but I am determined to get those words out in an order I'm not only happy with but excited to send out to the world! There, I've said it too!
"Writing is the thing that brings me joy. Why, then, do I not do more of it?" Sometimes it's so simple. I've said something like this myself many times. I should listen to myself when I say it. Thank you for the reminder.
Yes! I am always inspired to write when I see others succeeding and producing work. It's why I like this platform so much. The others platforms don't really take you directly to people's writing, where you can see their talent shine above and beyond a simple social media post or a "hey, I wrote this" announcement. It also slows you down so you're taking in people's words.
There's something in your writing that feels like an inviting warm cosy blanket in a sofa with a view, in January. I want to succumb to it, but there's a million things I haven't done. And one of them, as you cleverly put it, is that bike which won't pedal itself :-)
And thank you for your very generous words, Leon. I hope you managed to get out on the bike over the weekend. I managed a relaxing 60kms after a morning of newsletter writing! Encouraging winter sunshine is good for the soul!
I admire your commitment to not just less You Tube, but cold turkey NONE. I made the same commitment, but am finding it difficult. I want to check in on the Cornell Lab Bird feeding station three or four times a day - I am learning so much about birds and am thrilled to discover I know more than I thought. But you know how it is, once there the hooks are in. Let me know how you do with this "rehab" Barrie.
My weakness is sports highlights, Sharron, so not even borderline educational. And don’t start me on a glass of wine and music clips! Nope, less is not possible. Cold Turkey for this Turkey!
I just wanted to share how much I enjoyed reading this today, especially the part about being more analogue and less digital. It’s been a while since I’ve been on social media, so diving into this felt like such a treat. It’s like connecting with you both beyond the screens of Instagram, and it really warms my heart—almost like getting a lovely letter from a friend! I'm not sure who penned this so please give my love to your other half if you will. Keep spreading all that joy!
What a delight, my friend, to feel you peeking in. It’s the perennial challenge, less digital but keep in touch with friends scattered throughout the world! We always feel very connected to you guys. You’ve given me an idea … how do you fancy being pen pals - properly old school, I know, but there’s nothing I love more than handwriting, and I can’t think of a person I’d rather stay connected with by letter than you, Joel. Perhaps you might let me have an address (a DM or a reply to one of our Sunday ‘Field Notes’ and watch for the postie!). Warmly, as ever, Barrie (the writing here is always me, though JoJo is penning the occasional piece on @JoJoThomson72)
I follow a spirituality that is Irish pagan based and I usually set my intentions for the new year at the spring equinox. For me January is completely unintuitive and a kind of man-made new years. But I set intentions many times throughout the year with different rituals and in different spaces. I appreciated your article and how your intentions seemed to align with your higher self and just living a better more wholistic life. Many blessings
Thank you so much for connecting, Phoebe. I love the idea of setting intentions throughout the year, driven by the seasons more than the manmade constructs. Our life nowadays - after many years of conforming to the ‘world of work’ norms - is aligned with the values we wrote into our Encouragement Manifesto nearly five years ago. I seem to encourage other folk to follow a path to their ‘better self’ and sometimes forget to touch the tiller for myself. This is one of those gentle adjustments. Doing, not just talking about doing. Have a fabulous weekend. Barrie
Haha, I suspect the wine will be the challenge … I’m not one for removing the pleasures of life - so maybe I’ll just reach for the €8 bottles instead of the €4 ones! Just back from a 32 km cycle, picked up bread and pastries for the freezer (and one for my tummy avec un café doublé). And I haven’t picked up my phone once! So far, so good! Off to tackle the wood pile! Bonne weekend!
I make no resolutions ever, too much disappointment lies in the not achieving! But, this year, or at least how ever long it takes, I AM going to write that story that has been languishing in the back of my mind for far too long... It might mean less journal writing, less screen time here on Substack, not that I am a well behaved Substackian in Notes as it is but I am determined to get those words out in an order I'm not only happy with but excited to send out to the world! There, I've said it too!
So thrilled at the thought that you’ll gather your words and write that story, Susie. If you need a cheerleader or proofreader, just shout!
I will undoubtedly need both Barrie, consider yourself hired! Thank you, so much!
🙌
"Writing is the thing that brings me joy. Why, then, do I not do more of it?" Sometimes it's so simple. I've said something like this myself many times. I should listen to myself when I say it. Thank you for the reminder.
Finding ways to combat the fears that hold us back is always the challenge. Perhaps our collective courage will help each of us fight the fear!
Yes! I am always inspired to write when I see others succeeding and producing work. It's why I like this platform so much. The others platforms don't really take you directly to people's writing, where you can see their talent shine above and beyond a simple social media post or a "hey, I wrote this" announcement. It also slows you down so you're taking in people's words.
So true … a reader first, then a writer.
I’ve had a decade of change and I am hoping I can stay where I am at/ stay the same for just a little longer! 😁
That sounds like a VERY good intention!
There's something in your writing that feels like an inviting warm cosy blanket in a sofa with a view, in January. I want to succumb to it, but there's a million things I haven't done. And one of them, as you cleverly put it, is that bike which won't pedal itself :-)
Thanks for sharing this!
And thank you for your very generous words, Leon. I hope you managed to get out on the bike over the weekend. I managed a relaxing 60kms after a morning of newsletter writing! Encouraging winter sunshine is good for the soul!
Nice work here. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Brian.
I admire your commitment to not just less You Tube, but cold turkey NONE. I made the same commitment, but am finding it difficult. I want to check in on the Cornell Lab Bird feeding station three or four times a day - I am learning so much about birds and am thrilled to discover I know more than I thought. But you know how it is, once there the hooks are in. Let me know how you do with this "rehab" Barrie.
My weakness is sports highlights, Sharron, so not even borderline educational. And don’t start me on a glass of wine and music clips! Nope, less is not possible. Cold Turkey for this Turkey!
🩷👍🏻
I just wanted to share how much I enjoyed reading this today, especially the part about being more analogue and less digital. It’s been a while since I’ve been on social media, so diving into this felt like such a treat. It’s like connecting with you both beyond the screens of Instagram, and it really warms my heart—almost like getting a lovely letter from a friend! I'm not sure who penned this so please give my love to your other half if you will. Keep spreading all that joy!
What a delight, my friend, to feel you peeking in. It’s the perennial challenge, less digital but keep in touch with friends scattered throughout the world! We always feel very connected to you guys. You’ve given me an idea … how do you fancy being pen pals - properly old school, I know, but there’s nothing I love more than handwriting, and I can’t think of a person I’d rather stay connected with by letter than you, Joel. Perhaps you might let me have an address (a DM or a reply to one of our Sunday ‘Field Notes’ and watch for the postie!). Warmly, as ever, Barrie (the writing here is always me, though JoJo is penning the occasional piece on @JoJoThomson72)
Oh my word, Barrie! Don't tempt me now! This is the dreeeeam. I'll DM you soon.
Any time at all. B
I follow a spirituality that is Irish pagan based and I usually set my intentions for the new year at the spring equinox. For me January is completely unintuitive and a kind of man-made new years. But I set intentions many times throughout the year with different rituals and in different spaces. I appreciated your article and how your intentions seemed to align with your higher self and just living a better more wholistic life. Many blessings
Thank you so much for connecting, Phoebe. I love the idea of setting intentions throughout the year, driven by the seasons more than the manmade constructs. Our life nowadays - after many years of conforming to the ‘world of work’ norms - is aligned with the values we wrote into our Encouragement Manifesto nearly five years ago. I seem to encourage other folk to follow a path to their ‘better self’ and sometimes forget to touch the tiller for myself. This is one of those gentle adjustments. Doing, not just talking about doing. Have a fabulous weekend. Barrie
Haha, I suspect the wine will be the challenge … I’m not one for removing the pleasures of life - so maybe I’ll just reach for the €8 bottles instead of the €4 ones! Just back from a 32 km cycle, picked up bread and pastries for the freezer (and one for my tummy avec un café doublé). And I haven’t picked up my phone once! So far, so good! Off to tackle the wood pile! Bonne weekend!