Hello,
I hope December is treating you kindly and giving you what you need.
This coming Wednesday, 21st December, marks Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the astronomical start of Winter.
It is the shortest day and longest night of the year and has been celebrated across the world for centuries as the return of light after a period of darkness.
Winter Solstice is thought to be a powerful time for reflection, letting go and setting new intentions.
In September last year, I heard Michaela Coel’s Emmy Award acceptance speech and it stopped me in my tracks. It resonated so deeply that I immediately printed it out and pinned it to the notice board above my desk.
She said:
“Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that is uncomfortable. I dare you. In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to, in turn, feel the need to be constantly visible, for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success, do not be afraid to disappear, from it, from us, for a while, and see what comes to you in the silence.”
When I wrote to you at the start of the month about decluttering and the clarity it gives me alongside journaling, I knew I wanted to write to you again on Winter Solstice.
Michaela’s quote perfectly summed up the message I wanted to share with you, specifically the line:
“Do not be afraid to disappear, from it, from us, for a while, and see what comes to you in the silence.”
This line aligns beautifully with Winter Solstice as it is the perfect opportunity to pause and be still.
It can feel stressful and overwhelming for some at this time of the year and extremely lonely and isolating for others. It is often a time when we’re most expected to show up and be visible.
For some, this means connecting with people they would rather not or for others being left with feelings of rejection or inadequacy because perhaps they don’t have the movie-depicted festive family celebrations (does anyone?)
The thought of being still, alone and in silence can feel scary and uncomfortable.
However, to disappear does not have to mean totally shutting yourself away from the world if that doesn’t feel safe. It also doesn’t mean being a martyr and taking on everything alone.
For me, it is about taking time to reflect on what is and has been working in my life to motivate, inspire, uplift and empower me versus anything that has had the opposite effect.
It’s acknowledging where I’ve been saying yes when my voice inside has been screaming “Absolutely not!”, “This doesn’t feel good/right.” or “Not right now.” As well as where I’ve stood powerfully in my yeses and nos.
It is looking at relationships and environments that no longer feel good and exploring why that may be, being honest about any changes I may need to make and being accountable for my own actions and behaviour.
Finally, it’s about embracing the person I am, at this moment, with love, forgiveness, compassion and empathy.
And, just being.
In today’s society, we are bombarded with opinions and expectations, not to mention all the ways we1 are literally destroying the human experience alongside the planet.
People are overwhelmed and overstimulated and many are not even aware of how they are being affected.
‘Disappearing’ gives you an opportunity to disconnect and (re)discover how you honestly feel and what you truly think (versus algorithm-influenced thoughts and feelings).
Taking time to be still and alone in your own company can be powerful and incredibly insightful.
So, if you gift yourself anything this year, let it be the gifts of self-reflection, honesty, love and compassion. And of course, your journal is a space that will support you in doing so.
Journaling Prompts
Here are the journaling prompts for today’s note:
How do you feel about being still and in silence?
In what ways could you “disappear” for a while?
What could be possible if you “disappeared” for a while?
What non-material gift would you love to receive before the end of the year?
Before 2022 comes to a close, what one gift will you give yourself that cannot be purchased?
Sum up 2022 in twelve words
Sum up 2022 as a colour, sound, smell, taste, place and feeling (you might even like to add a photo or few to your journal)
In addition to these prompts, on my website I have put together a collection of journaling prompts for the entire winter season to help you to make the most of this contemplative time.
The prompts have been organised across the winter months of December, January and February and you can of course use them in whatever way works best for you.
Journaling Playlist
A playlist I’m liking at the moment is Fall & Winter Instrumental.
And, if you have Netflix, you can ramp up the wintery vibes with this ‘Fireplace for your Home’ simulation.
There are also a few options on YouTube, just do a quick search.
Or you may be lucky enough to have the real deal in your home.
FYI: Journaling Self-Care
New Offering
From January 2023, I will be offering a paid edition of Notes on Journaling.
It will cost $7 a month and will give you access to:
A weekly collection of journaling prompts based on an oracle card and/or expanding on a LL Journaling Guided Sessions podcast episode
Occasional longer guided session recordings
Discounts on any journaling workshops I offer
The paid edition of Notes on Journaling will be sent on Sunday mornings (GMT) starting Sunday 8th January, giving you journaling prompts to explore across the entire week.
I will still be sending out the free edition each month.
If you have any questions about the paid option, let me know.
NB: To avoid overwhelming you and your inbox, there will be no paid edition of Notes on Journaling when the free monthly note is sent (The first or last Sunday of the month depending on how dates fall). This means that with the paid subscriber edition, you will receive 3 or 4 notes each month in addition to the free edition of Notes on Journaling, depending on the number of Sundays in a month.
Free Guided Journaling
The first episode of LL Journaling Guided Sessions - Season 2 will be available on Sunday 8th January 2023.
Available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all popular streaming platforms.
That’s it from me.
Until next time, keep feeling, healing and dreaming through journaling. ✨️
~ Leanne
I say “we”, but it’s actually a very small minority driving the destruction, but that’s a conversation for another day!
Today’s Newsletter came at a perfect timing. It just has the right content in it for me to finish off 2022 well.
I loved, loved, loved this. Taking a good few of these to my journal. Thank you, friend.