Little Peaces blog

A Calming Workshop for Fellow Writers

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of giving my first 'Writer specific' workshop on stress, at my favourite Derbyshire retreat - Swanwick.

Yes I was nervous, but a few minutes in, I got into the flow, felt the energy and was able to really enjoy it. I can't tell you how much fun I had putting the material together for the talk. It was, what's becoming, my usual mix of informative chatter and silly props. This time with tailored prompts to get the creative juices going and help my participants to help themselves.

I was blown away by the positive feedback after the event. All the lovely people coming up to me to say thank you for a great hour, and letting me know how much it helped them understand their habits better.

I never had anything remotely resembling confidence until I was in my mid 20s. If you told me any time before then that I'd be giving workshops to 30+ people, I would have either laughed at the sheer fantasy or be shaking with anxiety. I'm so glad I feel the fear, try not to overthink it and do it anyway.

The moral of this story, and that of my workshop, is we can't magically rid ourselves of stress and anxiety but we can find ways to rise above it and soar.

Recommendation: Happiful Magazine

I discovered this gem of a magazine when I became a member of Hypnotherapy Directory. Naturally I was delighted when my latest copy arrived this morning and was quickly flicking through it with wonder. Covering all things health, wellbeing, relationships, food, culture and more, there's always so much to read, learn and use - with even a few positive quotes and puzzles thrown in.

I'm generally quite a slow reader, as it can take me longer to process written words but, honestly, this couldn't be easier to read and I can get through the whole issue in a matter of hours. The articles and sections come in short digestible bursts (much like this blog I hope) and as you probably know, one of the five ways to wellbeing is Keep Learning. Well you can certainly get your fix here!

I'm a subscriber to the paper copy but you can just as easily read it online. Click here if you're old school like me. It's also that bit kinder to your eyes!

I hope we can be more like sunflowers!

A very short post today. As I saw someone earlier wearing a dress with sunflowers on it, not only was I reminded of how much I love sunflowers but also of the image below (could we call it a meme or does it have to be funny?)

Humans are like this, we can definitely lift each other up emotionally if someone close to us is having a tough time, or grey day. It's just another example of nature letting us know how to improve our wellbeing. I hope you can take something from this.

Gratitude: The Short Film by Louie Schwartzberg

I wanted to share this short as it's both unwinding and uplifting. I was first introduced to it at a writing conference in 2019, by it's other name 'A Good Day'. To me, it's a genuinely beautiful film which touches on many things, including mindfulness. I don't know how you feel about gratitude (as it can be a bit of weighted word) but it's an important factor in my life, appreciating what I have on a daily basis.

• I find the moving images used absolutely breath-taking and awe inspiring. They are also really relaxing to watch.
• I love the idea of living your life like each day is your first and your last - full of curiosity and wonder, with no regrets.
• It's about positive mindset in life. Like the little girl says at the beginning 'It could be beautiful.'
• It's a celebration of human beings and the gifts Planet Earth has for us.
• It says a lot in so little time.
• I've seen it many times and still get something new from each watch.

Note: Sadly this version isn't as good as the original in terms of quality, and it comes with subtitles. I couldn't find the one I saw three years ago. I also believe it's remixed with an important speech but I don't have a source for that.

You can watch the film here. I'd love to know your thoughts. Gratitude: The Short Film by Louie Schwartzberg

What does an ideal Summer look like to me?

This is another post I've used the freewriting technique for, which is common at a Writing for Wellbeing (AKA Words That Move) event. I freewrite every day, normally about whatever comes up that my brain wants to say to the page. This time, I've explored a simple but enlightening question with a 6 minute timer. I know I could on for a while about this season, so I've limited it to get to the bare bones of my needs, longer than 5 minutes but nowhere near 10, this feels very doable.

I learnt that I'm finally starting to embrace not being much of sun lover. Interestingly, I fought against including that part in my post. I asked myself why, and mainly because of the need to fit in. I mean, doesn't everyone like the sun? I shouldn't be ashamed of being honest. I have very pale skin and I get easily irritable if in the sun too long. That's OK, It's not for everyone.

This also reiterated my constant need to balance fun with productivity. It is something I'm working on. I love ticking things off a to-do list but it's easy to get a bit obsessed (the dopamine addiction again) so I'll make sure to include room for silliness and spontaneity for the next six weeks. Yes, I know we can't plan to be spontaneous!

Feel free to give this a go. I wonder what it will reveal for you?

What does an ideal summer look like to me?

I'd be hiding away from the sun in its infinite glory. It's so strong. Looking at it first thing in the morning and last thing before dinner - it strikes in and takes over.

I want to spend time with friends and family, long lazy afternoons, sipping something cold next to water, taking time off, reading in the shade.

Making space for things that bring me joy and focusing on autumn goals. Preparing but experiencing. Like the kids live holidays for fun and processing - that is me.

I stick my shades on and go out into the wilderness. Running alongside those sun soaked people. The ones who thrive in the sun. I do not. I thrive on water, connection and possibility. I try to live in the moment.

Six weeks of pressure to have a good time. We try to succeed and need to realise that we are already succeeding, dancing in the sunlit shadows. occasional glimmers of a breeze of excellence.

I don't know if normal summers exist anymore but I know downtime is important. the pressure eased, adventure increased. We all smile more in the summer months. Enjoy life and people watching. Time sometimes appears to crawl.