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Eleanor Jones's avatar

Fantastic thoughts. I love Woolf’s approach at this time in her life, it reminds us to think about the simple- but important- things in life. One thoughtful idea I’ve read online is coming up with a word for the New Year, such as “family” or “gratitude”, to mark our focus, instead of lofty goals or strict resolutions. Happy New Year!

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thanks, I was so pleased to come across Woolf's approach so many years ago, and see that women then had just as many thoughts about slowing down as we do now in our fast paced world. I love the idea of a 'word'! I would love to know if you have chosen one : )

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Eleanor Jones's avatar

Yes, it’s great to see the connections between our lives and the incredible women of the past. Thank you! I chose “confidence” as my word, to move away from self-doubt in 2023 x

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Kate Jones's avatar

I love that! : )

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Kate Jones's avatar

Happy New Year to you too!!

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Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

Really love this approach. I've seen a few people talking about pulling back in some way as a (non)resolution this year but had no idea of the connection with Woolf!

I've set myself a bunch of goals for the year but decided my 'resolution' would be to 'relax & enjoy.' That is, to really purposefully enjoy the ride and allow for more breathing room and pulling back, listening to what flow works for me on a particular day/hour/month.

For example, unrelated to writing, I signed up for a half marathon in October with a friend. It will be my first 'real race' in about a decade, and I used to race a lot so this is significant for me. I've allowed myself to just see where it goes: do I run fast, slow? with my friend, alone? do I train long and hard or minimally? do I not do it at all if my old injuries act up? In this way it is less about the actual race and more about enjoying the journey in a curious sort of way.

Thanks and hope your year is starting well :)

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Kate Jones's avatar

Thanks Kathleen - and happy new year to you! I was also surprised (and pleased) to come across the Woolf comments about resolutions as I was contemplating my first newsletter after the new year, as the connections to my own thinking going into 2023 were striking.

I think your 'resolution' of 'relax & enjoy' is a great one. I'm finding that as time feels like it's speeding up, I realise how easy it is to get lost in striving towards things, rather than letting them unfold. Your marathon goal is a great one though! I can't wait to hear more about how that journey goes for you : )

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