My friends, hello. How are you feeling as we head towards the end of the calendar year?
For me, it’s a messy combination of tired and hopeful, excited and frustrated, burnt out and weirdly energised at the thought of the approaching new year. (Even though I know it’s entirely arbitrary, and we can - and should - feel free to make changes on whatever date we want to, I can’t help but really feel the promise of a fresh start in January.)
I’m also thrilled to be able to share a long-awaited, brand-new episode of The Slow Home Podcast with you today!
Yes. After a nine-month, health-related hiatus, Ben and I sat down in the sun on our back deck yesterday and recorded a hostful episode of the podcast. Think of it as a field recording; complete with a stiff breeze, neighbours driving past, and authentic, vulnerable conversation.
We talk about:
why the podcast went into such a sudden hiatus at the end of March
what to expect in 2023 (or maybe what not to expect)
why we decided now was the time to record an episode
some inadvertent lessons learnt this year (think: boundaries as self-preservation; redefining success; embracing change over fear…)
the UK and North American launch of CARE, how you can get a copy, and how we’ll be celebrating throughout January (while also being offline)
It was lovely to be back recording with Ben, and even lovelier to be back in a way that felt so… slow. And aligned. And while I’m still unpacking all that’s happened this year and the lessons that lie within, I think there’s something powerful hidden in this conversation.
Whether it’s how we recorded or why or where or with whom, I don’t know. But I think it has something to do with the fact that it was an honest, unhurried conversation without agenda, but with purpose.
We also talk a little about what you can expect from the podcast in 2023 and spoiler alert: we don’t know.
In all facets of work and life, I’m trying really hard to meet myself where I am on a mediocre day rather than where I want to be on an excellent day. This means adjusting my expectations, and then adjusting them some more.
(A bit like that advice for packing a suitcase, where you lay out all the clothes you plan to pack, halve the number, then halve it again. In this instance though it’s not clothes but my own unfair expectations.)
We also talk about how grateful we are for everyone who has ever listened to the podcast, reached out via email or message or good old-fashioned letter, or shown us support in any way. So before we head offline for our annual break, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate this corner of the internet.
It has taken me years to truly accept the heartfelt kindness of this community but I mean it when I say you have given me strength and encouragement this year, at times when I needed it most. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I hope everyone finds some pockets of slow over the Christmas/New Year period, and if you’re taking a break I hope it’s full of rest and jigsaw puzzles and long, cup-filling days.
As Ben and I discuss in the podcast, I’ve adjusted my expectations for 2023 (halving those piles of clothes again) but that’s not to say I don’t hope for good things ahead. I do. For all of us. And I’m confident there is joy and sweetness and awe to be found in the year ahead, regardless of what else it holds.
Also just a reminder every Friday, starting next week, I’ll be sharing an excerpt from Care here on The Tortoise. It’s my way of both celebrating its release in the UK and North America, and to thank you for all of your support this year.
Every post will be accompanied by a list of relevant ways to embrace Small Care in your life, so if you’re looking for ways to connect, find awe, embrace your inner child or practise the radical art of rest over the holidays, check back in and see how many different ways you can add moments of care to your days. (Or subscribe to The Tortoise and never miss a post.)
Before I let you go, it’s time for our last Friday confab of 2022. And this week I’m over in The Tortoise chat sharing a favourite holiday memory. If you want to join in, please feel free to share one of yours, or just pop in and say hello. It’s a new way we’re connecting which I’m enjoying a lot and plan to keep it going in the new year. The Friday chats are open to all subscribers, paid or free, so I’d love to see you over there.
To get involved, just make sure you’re subscribed to The Tortoise, download the Substack app (iOS and Android), open the Chat tab at the bottom and say hello in our weekly confab.
Until February, my friends, take good care.
Love, Brooke xx
This week on the podcast…
Join Ben and I as we sit in the sun on our back deck and chat about the past few months, what we’re hoping for for 2023, and why this corner of the internet means so much to us.
As always, you can find the podcast wherever you subscribe to good pods (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc) or listen to today’s episode by hitting the ‘Play’ button above.
I’m currently…
Feeling all the end of primary school feels. An era is drawing to a close and I’m happy for the next adventure and sad for the swift slip of time.
Letting go of my expectations of being ‘ready for Christmas’ before the end of the school year. Not gonna happen and that’s A-OK.
Finding myself nervous about the new podcast that just dropped.
Looking forward to a couple of hours spent in the garden this weekend. I finally have flowers on my tomato plants (well, one of them at least) and the beans, radish and potatoes are going gang-busters. So are the weeds.
Thinking about this beautiful Humans of New York story that was released this week. Did you see it?
Hi Brooke! I was so happy to hear your and Ben’s voices again. Loved the authentic feel of it. Almost like joining you there in the sun and wind with dogs and all ☀️🐶
Wishing you a nourishing holiday break and a 2023 that doesn’t suck 🤭❤️
Hi Brooke, I’ve saved listening to the check-in episode until now - school is back, I am back to 3 days/Wk and finally have the house to myself. Was so good to hear your voices. Glad to hear you are ok, thanks for your reassurance! X