In 2025 we're shifting from fear to faith, from head to heart.
Show Notes - Journal Jam #10
Dear friends,
On Sunday we gathered virtually to usher in the new year with clarity, intention and joy. As Basak reminded me, it's been one year since I launched Journal Jam...
Plant a seed. Water it gently. See what happens.
Journal Jam began last January, as a gathering of close friends in my living room. Loaded with snacks, tea and stationary, we spent the afternoon in quiet reflection. As I looked around the room, I watched friends opening their hearts, their minds and their diaries to each other. The honesty, vulnerability and curiosity in the room knocked me.
I’d wanted to start something like this for ages but doubted people would “get it”. 12 months on, Journal Jam is a source of immense joy and passion for me. I’m astonished that so many of you have connected with the club, the emails and the ideas behind it. Thank you!
Our wish for the world: Listening, peace, curiosity, faith.
New Years reflections often take a “me, myself and I” orientation. I want to expand this, setting our personal visions within a planetary frame. On Sunday, we asked - What’s your wish for the world in 2025? I was startled by the similarity in our responses. Listening emerged as a common desire, followed by peace, curiosity and faith. It seems we’re all longing for a world rich with connection, understanding and care. How might we embody a deeper listening in 2025?
Embracing the web of life.
Despite the global doom-and-gloom, it was reassuring to hear we were feeling pretty connected to our communities in 2024. It was year of sparking new friendships, rekindling family ties and connecting with strangers in new ways. Our happiest memories tended to be shared experiences, often outside or in new environments. When times get tough, it's nice to remember there is an enduring river of guidance, support and companionship that always surrounds us. We just have to look. So, how will you nourish your relationships in 2025?
Looking at 2024 through the rear-view mirror, we also contemplated the things that didn’t go so well. Talking ourselves out of things. Feeling stuck in unfulfilling relational dynamics. Letting doubt, guilt or overthinking run the show. These feelings provide fertile insight on the path to a more alive, aligned state of being. As neuroscientists Dr Lisa Miller says, our emotions - positive or negative - are “hard data” on the quest of life. (If I haven't already chewed your ear off about Lisa Miller, please give this podcast on the Awakened Brain a go!)
From fear to faith, from head to heart.
What we're shifting towards in 2025: Moving beyond doubt and guilt to prioritise self-care. Saying no to people and opportunities we feel we “should” honour. Letting go of stale relational dynamics. Moving at our own pace. Lowering our expectations around achievement. This is tough work. But somehow, in taking care of our deeper needs, we create the conditions to show up more authentically, energised and present in our daily lives. Strangely, living in accordance with our values is a gift to our relationships, our work and our world.
What questions are calling you in 2025?
Here are some juicy questions for consideration, from Sunday’s Journal Jammers:
How can I slow down?
How can I open my heart more?
How can I respond to self-criticism with kindness?
How can I make use of my opportunities?
And the deliciously simple - why not?
I hope 2025 brings you connection, exploration, learning and joyful self discovery. I can't wait to connect with you soon.
With love,
Alex
“The purpose of art isn’t to persuade but to enchant.. We need to fight for these wild places that are so essential to our survival.”
Tim Winton