Hello. I’ve been receiving a few check-ins from readers, saying that they haven’t seen updates on this blog for a while and if everything was okay.
Firstly, thank you so much for thinking of us. It warms my heart every time I get these emails, to know that these words that I write and publish on the strange entity we know as the Internet are actually read by real human beings who care. I appreciate you.
I’ve intentionally stopped blogging. The hubby has asked me multiple times, why? And to be honest, I don’t know. I can’t quite explain. It just didn’t feel right anymore, sharing on my blog.
What I have done though, is start a Substack newsletter, Nat’s Scribbles & Sketches. The hubby (again) asked what’s the difference between writing on a blog and on a newsletter? And once again, to be honest, I don’t know.
But it somehow does feel a little more intimate. Like I can build a close-gated community, in a sense? Maybe one day, I’ll turn back to this blog. But for now, I write in Substack sometimes – even though I haven’t really found a rhythm for the newsletter. Nor do I really know the format or structure or what I want to do with it, really. But if you’d like to hear some of my ramblings, I welcome you to subscribe 🙂
Every year, I do a lookback post. And this year is the same, only I’ve written it in Substack.
Here’s a snippet:
Since I-can’t-remember-when, I’ve started the habit of writing down the year’s highlights as they happen. Anything that I feel is a big deal to me (even if it’s a small thing) gets jotted down. And I love it. Because sometimes the year passes by so quickly, everything seems to be a blur by the time we reach December. But when I look at this list, it reminds me all that I – or we as a family – have achieved and experienced.
Here’s just some of what’s on my list for 2023:
- Went camping at Halls Gap, Mornington, and Phillip Island
- Hiked up the Pinnacle
- Alistair started prep!
- Published 5 episodes on Stories of Yore
- Pitched, created, hosted and produced The Why Between the Lines podcast
- Resumed full-time hours at work
- Completed CBC’s 30-day writing bootcamp
- Promoted to Senior Copywriter
- Moved house
- Alistair started sleeping in his own bed!
- Took on a new job as Content Marketing Lead
- Climbed up the 1000 Steps – twice!
- Signed up to BBC Maestro
- Amy and Alistair went for a Challenge camp – without us!
There were a few more other personal events. But overall, it’s been a big year. It’s been a good year. I’m grateful.
Do you have a similar list? I encourage you to try having one. It doesn’t have to be only about groundbreaking experiences or achievements. Anything you’d like to remember or celebrate. Sometimes I also write down defining, difficult or challenging moments. It sort of gives me a better perspective when I look back, if you get what I mean.
If you’d like to follow me on Substack, you can subscribe to my newsletter.
Thanks for reading. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays. Take care!