Managing Mistakes, Nature Journalling & Finding Your Third Place

A whirlwind has engulfed my life these past few weeks, and tonsillitis struck last Thursday! The virus plagued my childhood, but it's something I’ve dodged for a long time. I knew I was rundown. Apart from one groggy day, I soldiered on and still enjoyed an adventurous few days in Anglesey with my hiking buddies.

In this newsletter, I delve into the gut-wrenching feeling of when something goes wrong at the last minute. I'll also ask you about your 'third place' and encourage you to slow down, creating space to let yourself and your creativity breathe.

On Monday, I was lucky to see the physician, alternative medicine advocate, and bestselling author Deepak Chopra. Speaking in Manchester, he painted a compelling picture of how little we 'see' in reality and posed numerous ways to wake up our awareness and lead a healthier life. He even took the audience through a collective meditation.

I was shattered that evening. In an attempt to shift my banging headache, I popped my fourth paracetamol of the day before he came on stage – something I rarely do. Only when I left the theatre did I realise my headache had disappeared. Thank you, Deepak!

Sometimes, the unexpected gifts life offers can be the most profound.

'Simply with a change of mind, you can change your life.’ Deepak Chopra

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Writing—Words for Wellness

Imagine you have a deadline of a specific time to submit a piece of work, a proposal or a tender. Then, at the very last minute, something goes horribly wrong – what do you do?

This happened to me on Monday evening when my latest university assignment deadline was 11:59 pm ??♀?

Time was already of the essence because my inspiration was missing in action until two weeks before the deadline. To make matters worse, I was on a hiking holiday at the weekend (booked before starting the Masters, I might add), and I had tickets to see Deepak Chopra that evening. Despite editing every day of the holiday, my assignment still wasn’t polished, and procrastination and perfectionism were running high.

11:35 pm arrived, and it was time for a final grammar check.

I ‘cut’ my bibliography, so the software had less to review. I went through each suggestion one by one, and once my check was complete, I pasted back the bibliography…

ARGH! Computer says no! Gut-wrenching moment. A greyed out ‘back’ button added to my anxiety and the thoughts running through my head were negative. How stupid was I? What was I thinking? Why didn’t I paste the bibliography into another document? Hindsight really is annoyingly sensible!

At 11:45 pm, tears threatened, and panic set about trampolining in my head and stomach. What do I do? How could I meet the deadline?

Getting a grip, I took a few deep breaths and reopened my draft bibliography document, which contained references for all assignments to date. Selecting the relevant resources, I carefully formatted them to the required referencing system before reorganising them alphabetically.

At 11:59 pm, I submitted my assignment. Talk about cutting it fine – and fingers crossed, it’ll be accepted.

Mistakes happen. The pressure kicks in when they do, and we can lose focus in a second. Our mind blanks and our body feels the stress. This is our automatic flight, fight or freeze response, preparing for the worst. Following our initial reaction, which could be anger, sadness, fright, etc., the best action is to take a few deep breaths and plough on.

Experiencing a mistake or feeling overwhelmed can be challenging, and journalling can be a powerful tool to help process emotions, gain perspective, and move forward.

If you’ve experienced a similar situation, you may already have a few tools in your ‘recovery kit’ to do just that. If not, look at the following prompts to prepare for the inevitable.

? ?Journal Prompts

• Describe a situation or mistake that has left you feeling overwhelmed. Write the details objectively, without judgement or criticism. This can help you gain clarity and distance from the intense emotions.
• What emotions do you experience when a mistake happens? Anger, sadness, frustration, disappointment? Acknowledge and validate these feelings without suppressing them. Writing about these feelings can help you process and release them.
• Remember that mistakes are a natural part of the human experience and that you deserve kindness and understanding. Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of a compassionate friend, offering words of encouragement and support.

'Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.' Deepak Chopra

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Nature—Discover a Nourishing Connection

Last week (1-7 June) was International Nature Journalling Week.

Nature journalling is a beautiful practice that encourages us to slow down, immerse ourselves in the present moment, and forge a deeper connection with the natural world. It involves observing, experiencing, and reflecting on nature through writing, drawing, or combining both.

When we step outside and engage our senses to observe our surroundings closely, nature journalling becomes a mindful, creative, and thought-provoking endeavour. It's a superb way to reduce stress and anxiety and boost our overall mood. This year's theme focused on the ‘cycle of life’. Personally, I find great joy in writing outdoors, leaving windows or patio doors open wide to embrace the soothing sounds of nature – tuneful bird songs, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the patter of rain.

Try these journalling prompts to deepen your connection to nature.

? ?Journal Prompts

• Take a few moments to sit quietly and observe your surroundings using all five senses. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes you experience. Note the colours, shapes, movements, and patterns you see.
• Focus on a specific element of nature that fascinates you, such as a plant, animal, rock formation, or natural phenomenon. Describe it in vivid detail, including its unique characteristics, behaviours, and any interesting associated facts or stories.
• Try freewriting your own story or poem around how nature makes you feel.

Embracing the practice of nature journalling cultivates a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonders that surround us, as well as being a powerful tool for mindfulness and self-expression.

'Our future is created from choices we make every minute.' Deepak Chopra

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Creativity—Explore Your Authentic Self

I’ve subscribed to a beautiful magazine called Happiful. The monthly booklet is dedicated to articles, resources and inspiration for mental health and wellbeing. I love the smell of the paper, and the artwork is gorgeous.

An article that drew me in discussed finding a ‘third place to reap the wellbeing benefits of feeling supported, connected and encouraged’. A third place is a separate environment from home and work that enables us to gain solitude or connection, providing a positive experience and outcome. It’s also vital for our wellbeing.

My third place is definitely the great outdoors – preferably a woodland trail or remote forest. It’s a place that provides energy, clarity, inspiration and happiness, and I can obtain these benefits on my own or with friends or family. Nature helps me recharge and detox, and it’s the place I seek when I’m feeling overwhelmed, upset, or frustrated. No matter how I feel when I enter this third space, I feel so much better once I leave.

Do you know where your third place is?

? ?Journal Prompts

• When you think of community and connection, what do you see in your mind’s eye?
• When you think of restoration and relaxation, what do you see in your mind’s eye?
• Where do you feel at your best?
• Think about this place and describe how you feel – emotionally and physically.
• List potential third places and plan to visit them over the next few weeks to select your favourite.

'When you expand your awareness, seemingly random events will be seen to fit into a larger purpose.' Deepak Chopra

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Writing with Purpose Resources

• Connect: Please connect with me on your preferred platform
• PDF: Access this month’s free journal planner – June soon to be available
• Podcast: Listen to the Writing with Purpose podcast
• Podcast: Listen to my collaboration podcast, Soulful Reawakening

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Until next time, create space to welcome new ideas, practices and relationships.

Love & energy

Anna ??

P.S.

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