A Copy Of My Newsletter
Over on my website, I write a monthly newsletter about all the things that I have going on both locally and online. I love writing that newsletter, much like I love writing here because the people receiving it signed up for it. They put their name on a list and agreed to get emails from me. It’s so much better than using social media or screaming out into the void hoping that the person who needs to hear your words will find you. That’s also why I love writing here on substack, those of you reading have signed up to do so. This isn’t just another spam email hitting your inbox without your consent.
With that being said, I want to deeply thank you for being here and reading along with me this past year. I have tried to post a combination of old posts with a twist, as well as new thoughts too. Anytime my fingers are on the keys typing away, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you so much for reading.
Below is a copy of my newsletter. If you already got this, because you’re signed up there, I’m sorry for the extra junk mail. If you’re interested in more of these in the new year you can sign up here.
Writing Projects
It probably feels offensive, getting an email from me this time of year when we are winding down the year and hopefully spending more time in our pajamas than in work clothes.
I get it, I don’t like to think about projects right now either, but I know if I let myself slide too far from my regular routine then my mental health suffers. It feels too hard to reenter the world. So, I’m doing a little work each day and trying to still keep my morning routine going-journaling, meditating and movement.
You can go right back to relaxing after you read this, but if there’s a chance that you intend to start the new year focusing on your writing project, I’ve got just the thing for you. My next writing group starts on 1/7 at noon in St. Matthews. It’s six sessions long and you can learn all about it here! (If you’re interested in an online version of this, just reply back and I can try to work something out for us!)
I will walk you through learning how to start (AND KEEP) your long desired writing project. Whether that means starting a blog, writing for publications, beginning a journaling practice, or even thinking about a book. I will help you get started, learn the skills that you need to maintain consistency, and publish your first (and second and third) piece!
Dry January
I love the idea of Dry January. No matter how much you drink, taking time off is good for your body! I know so many sober women who are celebrating many years of sobriety and it started with a little bit of curiosity and a commitment to just try “not drinking” for a bit. Whether you stick to the whole month, or start your new life, it’s always a good idea to step away from alcohol from time to time.
But there’s a wrong way to do Dry January. I know because I did it! If you use Dry January as a way to punish yourself for all the drinking you did during December or in addition to cleanses and other diets, you’re probably gonna feel pretty miserable.
Alcohol takes a huge toll on every system in the body and so when you stop drinking it, your body starts working hard to rid your organs of the toxins. This can make you feel really bad at first; headaches, body aches, exhaustion, mood instability, sleep issues. It can take up to two weeks for alcohol to fully leave your system. It’s important to take good care of yourself during this time. Drink a lot of water, rest, relax, and be curious.
I remind people of this because I have heard so many people tell me that they tried Dry January and that it “didn’t work.” This is why. It takes time for your body to readjust. So instead of giving up, get curious with yourself. You can ask yourself these questions:
What are these symptoms telling me about my reliance on alcohol?
Do I feel okay not drinking or is this consuming my thoughts?
Why do I drink to begin with?
Do I feel pressured to drink because society has told me that drinking is what we do?
Do I think alcohol is safer than other drugs? If so, why did I misunderstand the effects of alcohol on me aside from addiction? Where can I get better information?
Are there other people who weren’t alcoholics and decided to stop drinking because they felt better?
If you want to know what it was like for me to quit drinking, I wrote all about it in my book Alive AF-One Anxious Mom’s Journey To Becoming Alcohol Free.
Wintering
Last year I read the book Wintering by Katherine May. It changed me in a lot of ways. She taught me how to embrace winter instead of wishing it away. I can say that I feel a lot less stressed right now going into the slow winter months. I intend to take a hint from nature and rest, embrace the darkness, and deepen my relationship with the season. I wish the same for you and hope that this winter brings more joy and less seasonal depression. Thanks for being here!