I am not a huge believer in New Year's Resolutions, and I have discussed before how they can feel like unnecessary pressure. I am also not a fan of years being something used to define an achievement. For example, 2024 is going to be my year! Or 2024 is the year I will finally achieve this tricky thing. This can lead to disappointment, depending on how we set our goals and expectations. Next week, I will talk about this in more detail. Saying that 2024 has been successful in hindsight. I am finally getting to a place I have longed to get to. I am achieving things I only dreamt of a few months ago. It is impressive how such little time can alter so much of a life. There is a certain tiredness that feels earned. The sort of tiredness that you can get a sense of pride for. This is where I have been at. On the topic of pride, either ask yourself these two questions or ask a friend or a family member and discuss these questions together. It works better as a conversation starter and allows you to spend quality time with people. The following questions also work in a group setting. Remember to listen actively and enquire more about the answers given.
Where have you felt a sense of pride in yourself recently?
Where have you felt a sense of pride for somebody else recently?
Asking questions will become the norm during the off week. Questions to start in-depth, meaningful conversations. Ensure you do these via voice and not text. Preferably in person, but over Facetime or Zoom works just fine. Last Thursday, I managed to sell out a poetry show I organised, and I felt great pride in that. I provided a warm and welcoming space for artists to share their work and feel comfortable being vulnerable. I gave a stage to others, and the poets were honest; they shared some deeply personal stuff, and I was proud of that for them, also. It isn’t easy sharing those parts of yourself and being able to see that is wonderful and very pride fulfilling. For this week also, as always, be gentle with yourself and set yourself achievable goals. For example, I will find time to read two chapters of my book or take five minutes daily to drink tea in silence. These little things greatly affect our health so try your best to make time for them. Think long and talk open about the pride you feel also. Try these questions on different people and see where the conversations take you. Allow yourself to barrel off track and let yourself follow the natural order. Take care of yourself, and I will see you next week to discuss goals and achievements. As always, sound off in the comments because I love hearing from you.
Instead of a 3x3 today, I thought I would share a page from We Are All Dead. You can read the collection in full at this link or on Amazon.
Wunderhorse is easily becoming one of my favourite bands. They recently released this song, and it sounds incredible. Their new album comes out on August 30th, and I am counting down the days.