Hello mates,
I hope your week is off to a good start. I don’t usually post on a Monday, but realised I hadn’t really told you I’d be taking a couple of weeks off.
As you probably know, I have a seasonal approach to my writing here these days, and try to take time off when my kids are on school break. This keeps writing sustainable and enjoyable, helps me manage my energy a little better than I used to, and gives me a chance to spend each season exploring a new theme.
2023 is the first time I’ve ever allowed myself to work cyclically like this and it’s been a genuine joy to discover A) how much I enjoy it, and B) how receptive everyone is to a different way. It’s easy to get caught up in the comparisons and looking around to see how everyone else is doing it, fearful of missing out or not doing enough. But by working towards a seasonal rhythm that suits me, I’ve found a much deeper well of creativity to draw from. Something I didn’t expect but am super grateful for.
Next season I’m exploring the theme of letting go, which feels relevant and exciting. I can’t wait to come back and sink my teeth into it with fresh eyes and a clear head.
I’ll be back to regularly scheduled posts from October 12, and until then, I’ve dropped the paywall on some of my favourite older posts. You might like to check them out:
I also just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has taken part in the Writing as Self-Care Retreat over the past three weeks. It not only helped me clarify my own thoughts on self-care writing, but also got me out of my writing comfort zone by trying new things and going back to old practises. I absolutely loved it and hope you did too.
If you’re not a paying subscriber but would like to access the retreat, you can join in for AU$5/month or AU$50/year and get access to not only the entire writing retreat, but also my earlier retreats — both values and rhythms — as well as the entire archive of The Tortoise.
Take good care, mates, and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.
Brooke xx
Hi, Brooke! Some of the links that you mentioned still have their paywall up ("On choosing to heal", "Slow living in two parts: outer living", and "Happiness is for losers".) I'd really like to read them if possible.
Enjoy your break! :)
Have a wonderful break 💚