19. The Mindful Memo is one!
Today’s newsletter marks one whole year of the Mindful Memo!
It did start out as a weekly newsletter (what was I thinking), then went AWOL for a few months while I contended with the ridiculous expectations I’d placed on myself. But now, for the past nine months, it has become a monthly ritual I love deeply.
Writing about mindfulness, life changes, self-compassion and meditation has brought me so much joy. And made my own life feel more meaningful and present.
In preparation for this month’s Mindful Memo, I’ve been re-reading past editions. It feels like that first one was only yesterday, I remember every word (and yet somehow still need an AirTag to find my keys each morning). But so much has shifted in these 12 months. I’ve changed deeply within myself and this paragraph from that first edition feels even truer now than it did then:
”And that brings me to today. Sunday the 2nd of June 2024. And this is what I now know: by ‘doing the work’ I’ve realised I will always be ‘doing the work’. It seems so obvious now, but I honestly thought I had myself pretty much worked out until the last few years.”
I feel that so deeply, a year on. It’s been a year of learning and growing (so bloody much). I’m now 44 (wtf) and I’ve realised that with each passing year, if we continue to explore our minds and beliefs and meet ourselves where we are at, we’ll move closer to our most creative, whole, true selves. Our most loved and cherished version, for ourselves.
So thank you to those who have read, replied to and shared this little newsletter. It truly is a delight to drop into your inbox each month. Whether you’ve read every edition or just opened your first one today, thank you for being here. (Binge them all here!)
As we move into winter here in the southern hemisphere, I’m remembering all the things I love about this season. I’m being pulled outdoors, taking early morning walks through the neighbourhood, cheeks stinging from the cold air. I’m pausing on my way from the car into the house or clinic, to look up at the sky - autumn/winter is such a beautiful time for cloud watching.
And indoors, I’m lighting candles, oil burners and incense as the sun begins its descent. Whether I’m at work or tucked in at home with Olive and Andy, a candle is being lit!
This time of year also draws me inward, toward rest and reflection.
That looks like many, many cups of tea (earl grey with Bonsoy in the morning; peppermint in the afternoon and evening), daily meditation, some yoga and of course, journaling.
To mark this season and Mindful Memo’s first birthday, I’ve created something special for you:
Stillness & Insight: 12 Deeply Reflective Journal Prompts
It’s a downloadable PDF designed to help you pause, turn inward, reconnect with yourself and continue to grow and expand.
The prompts are grouped into four themes I return to often in my own practice: self-compassion, embracing change, joyful living and inner calm.
There’s no need to complete them in order, or to rush. If one of the prompts stands out to you, sit with it. Let your answers and self discovery unfold.
Winter is the perfect season for moving slower. Even with all the commitments and events we still have, I encourage you to make space for rest.
I’d love to know Subscriber First Name, how do you find winter? Do you have rituals you look forward to? Or are you planning your next escape to warmer weather?!
Libby x
P.S. There are now five meditations on my podcast, with new ones dropping monthly. Listen and follow at Spotify or Apple Podcast.