A letter from Jan 19, 2025

Happy 40th birthday! I am you, just a tiny bit younger. My copy of the Artists way is on my lap and I need to read chapter 2 today. Do I stay the course, and commit to the entire 12 weeks? My track record isn't great, but this is so important to me right now. Even if you have given up on the programme, I forgive you. Because I'm sure in some small way you're continuing to live a creative life and that's what's most important. Not what you produce. Though I really hope you are still writing because we enjoy it so much. Today Joe wrote to me about mum's drinking so I am pledging to do more to help, even if I'm a bit overwhelmed and feel anxious and powerless. But I'm not powerless. That's only a feeling. I have influence and as long as I try that's really all I can do. I hope you're feeling proud, because you deserve to be proud. Even if you didn't accomplish a single thing since I wrote this letter I am proud of you. You are enough exactly as you are. Here are some more things I hope for you: -I hope your ankle is completely healed now -I hope you're you're still moving your body in an enjoyable way -I hope you're engaged in the community. Maybe volunteering or something -I hope you've got better at public speaking and have run a workshop or class -I hope you're feeling even deeper peace at your decision to not try for a baby. Settle into this wonderful life of promise you're living -Most importantly, I do hope you've kicked the energy drink habit. You're not the target demographic and it's quite frankly embarrassing. Right that's it for now. I'll try and write again very soon.