Robins, resilience and a reminder about my next retreat
On keeping going and something new...
Last week, was filled with wishing and waiting. I’ve been waiting for news about a project I was SO excited about only for it not to be the news that I had hoped for.
I am still a little bit heart and head sore… But I am determined not to let it stop me. The word permission has been popping up a lot for me recently and as a perpetual perennial people pleaser, I’m trying to unlearn, to stop waiting for permission and approval and instead looking towards finding my own way.
Throughout this week… I’ve been surrounded by a wall of exceptional women and my dear family – they have sent me poems, voice notes and accompanied me for walks in the woods, stomps by the sea and sat with me as our tea goes cold. I am so grateful for this web of connection and support.
I have also been visited by a robin who has arrived by my side whenever I’ve been outside… such a beautiful reminder to look at what is right before me and not project too far ahead.
Alongside permission, the word resilience has also been appearing… And this poem by Jane Hirschfield has provided such an antidote to the negative feelings I’ve felt this week…
I’m looking towards the next few weeks with a renewed sense that I need to keep going, that the path will unfold eventually, although perhaps not in the way I intended, I still need to keep moving forward. I’m also realising that in a world that seeks to make everything more convenient, easier, quicker, smoother… Sometimes sitting with the sharp edges and questions is a blessing in disguise.
I’m taking notes from the trees, turning my face to find the light and drawing on the persistence of that little robin.
I’m also so looking forward to my next retreat that I’m running with and I’m over the moon to share something new with you all too…
A creative writing retreat for women with Lucy Beckley and
“From the moment I knew I was going on the retreat to the moment I said goodbye to Cornwall, Lucy made me feel welcome, safe and - really importantly - like my need for time to write was completely legitimate…The space is beautiful - it's cosy, warm and gave me the real sense of being held. Lucy provided wonderful resources, including poetry, writing magazines, prompts and novels that helped bring my creativity to the forefront.”
Recent Retreat Guest
Writing the Everyday | Friday 9th May - Monday 12th May | near Newquay, Cornwall
I am so very excited about running this retreat with the exceptional in May. Huma’s poetic and poignant writing speaks so beautifully to the everyday longings, the secret desires and often unsaid that punctuates our day-to-day. In a world that often does its best to distract us from what is right in front of us, her work is a beautiful antidote and tonic and a wonderful reminder of the joy, the wonder, the loss, the love and the tender beauty of this wild, wild world. I can’t wait to do this with her.
What to expect
Nestled at the end of a private lane, Trevessa is Lucy’s family home. With colourful interiors, comfy reception areas, multiple places to write, cosy woodburners, a grand dining room, secret well room and rambling country garden, it is a hidden gem.
Over the course of three nights, you will get peace and quiet to focus on your work. There will be a chance to join in with one workshop led by Huma and one workshop led by Lucy and an evening of readings and a Q&A with Huma.
You’ll have access to books galore, prompts and suggestions for nearby artists dates.
While there are some set mealtimes and the option to join a workshop, we want you to use the time in whichever way you wish. There is no obligation to join any of the activities, if you fancy breakfast in bed one day (or everyday for that matter) we can make that happen, we just want you to feel comfortable and at home.
There will be delicious food, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided throughout and you won’t need to lift a finger. Lucy will make sure you are suitably topped up with drinks, cakes and that your plates are cleared, your drinks are warm and that you are made to feel completely at home, so that you can pay some attention to yourself and your writing.
“Where to begin? Everything about the retreat was perfect. I stayed in the annex, which was a great space for rest and writing, with a really comfortable bed. We were so well looked after, with more delicious food than one could ever hope for, and so much care was taken to see that we had everything we needed”
Recent Retreat Guest
One small moment in your day.
A time to pause.
A little while to reflect.
One word.
One small act of attention.
Introducing Small Acts of Attention a set of word cards that can be used to help kindle your imagination.
Whether you are looking for some daily inspiration, a moment of quiet reflection or would like a prompt to help you journal or write, each card is intended to be an invitation to help spark a moment for you to pause and reflect.
Fancy a set of your own? Head to my website to find out more.
As a little gift to anyone who purchases a set before 15th April, I’ll be running a free workshop on Friday 25th April on Small Acts of Attention which you can either join live or receive a recording of afterwards if you can’t attend on the day.
Thank you so much for reading, don’t forget there’s co-writing on Monday and Wednesday next week.