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Write Your Journey
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Do you desire more calm and focus in your life?

Download your FREE singing bowl meditation here.

Yes please!

Hi!

I am Kerstin Pilz, PhD.

Writer, teacher, world traveler, yogini, meditator and photography enthusiast.

I am here to inspire YOU to bond with your inner writer so that it can lead you on a journey of creative self-exploration.

We are the authors of our lives. We are in charge of the stories we tell ourselves. Let’s craft our own bold journeys. It starts by stepping out of our head and into our passion.

I am so glad that you’ve found me!

I offer you what I know about the healing power of writing. When I got lost in the dark woods of grief, creative writing made me find my way out.

Let me share with you what I’ve learned about the craft of writing and storytelling, about words, meaning and language, in 20 years as University lecturer.

Read my story

Check out my Writing for Well-Being Courses

FREE Online Writers Group with Live Zoom Workshops

Join me in the FREE Writers Group I run on Facebook.
We write, connect, share (optional), support & inspire each other.

You’ll also have the opportunity to join a monthly writing workshop with me via Zoom.

Step into a community of experienced writers and people who are new to writing.

 
Click here to join via Facebook!

7-DAY LIVE COURSE

.

Experience the joy of creative self expression & the healing power of writing. A FREE online live 7-Day Writing and Meditation Course.

Press pause and become present to yourself. Course starts October 19.

Sounds great!

CALM & RESILIENCE

.

Are you feeling a overwhelmed as the world slides into uncertainty? Many of us experience fear, anger & stress.

Mindful writing & meditation will help you find calm, connection & inner strength.
Course starts November 9.

I’d like to join

SINGING BOWL MEDITATIONS

.

Experience the benefits of our original singing bowl meditations – guided & non-guided.

Select your meditation pack for a boost of creativity or calm during your day, wherever you are.

Yes Please!

Come on Retreat with me

What’s new on the blog

home page feature, latest posts, Writing Advice

5 Ways to Use Writing to Build Resilience & Inner Calm During Difficult Times

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June 16, 2020
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home page feature, latest posts, Mindful Living

10 essential life lessons this decade has taught me

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December 13, 2019
https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/10-essential-life-lessons-this-decade-has-taught-me2.jpg 788 940 Kerstin Pilz https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yellow-logo.png Kerstin Pilz2019-12-13 15:57:502020-06-20 11:15:1910 essential life lessons this decade has taught me
Self-directed life in Hoi An
home page feature, Lifestyle

Why luck had nothing to do with my self-directed life

11 Comments
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May 8, 2019
https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Life-in-Hoi-An-6270450.jpg 3263 4350 Kerstin Pilz https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yellow-logo.png Kerstin Pilz2019-05-08 10:23:502020-10-08 13:35:57Why luck had nothing to do with my self-directed life
No mud, no lotus. Simple mindfulness wisdom when things are tough
home page feature, Mindful Living

No mud no lotus: simple mindfulness wisdom when things are tough

2 Comments
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April 24, 2019
https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Vietnam-5231406.jpg 3456 4608 Kerstin Pilz https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yellow-logo.png Kerstin Pilz2019-04-24 17:31:012020-06-20 11:16:26No mud no lotus: simple mindfulness wisdom when things are tough
5 writing prompts to declutter your head for more clarity & joy
home page feature, Lifestyle, Writing for Wellbeing

5 writing prompts to declutter your head for more focus, productivity and happiness

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March 17, 2019
https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/declutter-your-head-1.jpg 866 1154 Kerstin Pilz https://www.writeyourjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yellow-logo.png Kerstin Pilz2019-03-17 23:56:072020-06-20 11:17:035 writing prompts to declutter your head for more focus, productivity and happiness
home page feature, Writing Advice

Do you feel the urge to write? Why you can’t afford to wait.

4 Comments
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February 18, 2019
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writeyourjourney

Kerstin Pilz

writeyourjourney

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Will you join me for this month’s free Zoom writing session? ✍️ . This will be the 5th zoom writing meeting since the pandemic disrupted all our lives and each one I’ve seen more and more of you, my wonderful writing community, come in and open yourself up to the healing and transformative power of writing. It’s such a joy to share this supportive and inspiring space with you! . There will only be two more free sessions after this one, so do take advantage and get some writing done and, most importantly, make time for an hour of precious self-care! . You’ll find the zoom meeting details in this month’s newsletter, which I sent yesterday - sign up now to get access through the link in my bio! . #writinggroup #writingcommunityofinstagram #writinginspiration #writeaday #writerswrite #writenow #powerofwords #yourwords #writersofinstagram #writeyourstory #writeyourjourney

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Had to share this quote today. We are using it today on day two of my free 7-Day Writing & Meditation course and it happens to resonate with how I felt about going on stage and delivering my TED talk. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I sure was vulnerable telling my story to an audience I couldn't even see. And this morning I felt how Brene Brown felt after her first TED talk "The Power of Vulnerability" at TEDx Houston. I had a vulnerability hangover.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But it only lasted a minute, or maybe 60. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am grateful to Brene Brown for paving the way for all of us to own our vulnerability. I might feel differently about this once the talk is actually up on YouTube and ready for public viewing. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But today I had to remind myself that vulnerability really is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How do you deal with vulnerability? Join me in the comments. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #brenebrown #tedtalk #tedxtownsville #townsvillewomen #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving #vulnerability #inhershoes2020 #writeyourjourney

writeyourjourney

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I did it! Stepping into that red circle was one of the scariest moments of my life, but also one of the most empowering!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My knees were shaking and I couldn't see the audience because at TEDx Townsville that red circle wasn't an actual carpet but a red light that shone from above. In order to avoid us all looking like we'd dyed our hair pink, a white light needed to be shone from the front. This meant that I had to deliver my 15-minute speech looking at a bright white light unable to see the audience. I had no idea how many people were staring back at me as I shared a very personal story about my life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "The truly brave are those who allow themselves to be vulnerable," was one of the things I shared. As I said those words, I felt more vulnerable than I ever have, and yet speaking my own truth and sharing my idea about the healing power of writing was also one of the most empowering things I've ever done.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How did I deal with not being able to see or connect with the audience? And how did I deal with the stress of being the last speaker? Join me this week for a FB live session. I learned so much from this experiences, it deserves a live session.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I still don't know how I did it, but I managed to get through it without looking at my palm cards and without a single blunder. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spending the last hour before it was my turn to walk on stage in meditation sure helped. Thanks to my TED sister Peace Mitchell co-founder of @ausmumpreneur for reminding me how the Dalai Lama would prepare before he goes on stage. Connected to the breath. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I learned what I already knew: believe in yourself. Own your voice, speak your truth and share your story. We all have a story to tell. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thanks to Kylie from @leadloveleap for capturing this moment.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💛 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💛 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💛 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #tedxtownsville #tedtalks #ted #believeinyourself

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With all the excitement around my upcoming TedX Talk here in Australia, I’ve hardly shared anything about our last 7 day writing course of 2020. . This will be the last course we run this year that is totally free so if you’ve been wondering about our courses and want to try your hand at writing, then this is your chance! . We start in less than one week, on Monday 19 October, and here is what you’ll receive: • daily writing prompts • daily mini-lessons on writing • daily guided singing bowl meditations • 7x live Zoom meetings with me and the other course attendees • a supportive private Facebook Group . Discover the healing power of writing and experience the joy of creative self expression with us! . Find out more and sign up using the link in my bio! . . . #writingcommunity #writingprompt #writingtip #writershelpingwriters #writeyourjourney #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge

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Writing my newsletter today. It will go out next week. I am rarely this organised, but since I've got to write a TED talk, I thought I better get the regular things out of the way.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am so happy every month to see readers of my newsletter come into my living room to write with me for an hour! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Will you join me next week for our monthly FREE Zoom writing session?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These session will remain free until the end of this year. Take advantage and get some writing done before this strange year winds up to the final months...as a friend of mine put it, 2020 will not end on the 31st of December. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is the time to sow new seeds, to document what the new normal looks like for you and to find joy in gloomy times by writing things down.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To make sure those who work full time can attend, I have scheduled next week's meeting for a Saturday. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To join, send me an email: kerstin@writeyourjourney.com or sign up to my newsletter (link in bio).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I look forward to writing with you! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir

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Maybe there is a reason I am stuck in Australia...excited and a tad scared! Less than 30 days before my talk. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The irony is that the venue for the TEDx Townsville ,where I will be presenting my talk on October 17, is right next door to the hospital where I discovered the healing power of writing as I sat by the bedside of my terminally ill husband. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It will 10 years on January 1st since his death and this is a fitting way to close a decade that brought pain, healing and transformation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The universe certainly works in mysterious ways...🙏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✴️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✴️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✴️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #covid-10 #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving #tedx_official #ted #tedtalks

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I love this quote by Annie Dillard. I need to use it every once in a while as a writing prompt to remind myself that everything accumulates over time.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A decade ago I left a perfectly good job as a tenured, career academic. I'd just witnessed the fragility of life when my husband died, and it was time for a change. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I didn't want to be doing a job every day that I didn't love anymore, despite all the benefits it included (ie. a great salary, frequent overseas travel, job security, flexible working hours etc). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Taking the plunge into the unknown wasn't easy. That's when I realised that I needed a routine to really achieve what I wanted to do with this precious life. That's when it dawned on me that how I spend my days, including the minutes I have dedicated to writing this post, is how I will end up spending my life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It all accumulates over time. The pages I write every day, the sun salutations I do in the mornings (when I don't skip them), the conscious, mindful breathes I take, the miles I walk every day (since there isn't much else to do where I live), the vegies I eat, the hours and days I spend procrastinating, it all results in how I live my life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How do you wish to live your life? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✴️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✴️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✴️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #covid-10 #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving

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“The single most sacred pilgrimage you will ever make is the one right where you are.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ― Molly Kate Brown⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is the place where I've gone on the most important journey of my life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is the place where I have gone through some of the darkest times in my life where I have found a new version of myself.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Come join me in this magical spot for our monthly FREE Zoom writing session and let's go on an hour-long inner journey together.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Details will be in the next newsletter. Link in bio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #covid-10 #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving #writingprompt #writingcommunity #writingclass #writersofinstagram

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“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I find it hard to write in public spaces. I can bash out a draft of a blog post or chapter in a library or a cafe, but to do the deep composting, to get to the real gems, I need a room of my own. I need to be able to close the door on the world so that I can focus on my inner world, retreat into my inner cave and let the ideas fly.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What kind of writer are you? Do you need a room of your own to write or do you prefer to write in public spaces?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ By the way, that's one of the rooms I am offering at my tropical writers retreats.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I've had an entire house to myself for the last six months and now I am opening it to offer 5 women a room of their own. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This one can be yours! Link in bio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #amwriting #writingcommunity #authorsofinstagram #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #writersretreat #writingretreat #innerpeace #creativetime #writeyourjourney #transformationalretreat #retreat #retreatlife #wellbeing #wellnessretreat #followyourbliss #gratitude #heartcentred #innerjourney #fnq #missionbeach #farnorthqueensland #tropicalfarnorthqueensland #selfcare #wellness #selflove #queensland #australia

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“Do not try to save⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ the whole world⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ or do anything grandiose.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Instead, create⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ a clearing⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ in the dense forest⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ of your life⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ and wait there⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ patiently,⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ until the song⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ that is yours alone to sing⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ falls into your open cupped hands⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ and you recognize and greet it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Only then will you know⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ how to give yourself⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ to this world so worthy of rescue.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ― Martha Postlethwaite ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One spot left on my retreat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's a way to clear the dense forest of your life for 5 days. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✒️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #writersretreat #writingretreat #meditation #innerpeace #zen #mindfulness #yogaretreat #creativetime #writeyourjourney #transformationalretreat #retreat #retreatlife #wellbeing #wellnessretreat #followyourbliss #gratitude #travel #journaling #heartcentred #innerjourney #fnq #missionbeach #cairns #farnorthqueensland #tropicalfarnorthqueensland #selfcare #wellness #selflove #queensland #australia

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Life's beauty is in its fragility. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ First light outside my house. I never tire of watching the sunrise. Every morning a new spectacle. Every day a chance to be present for life's beauty which comes in so many different shapes and forms.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Yesterday I found beauty in a new recipe that I am trialing for my retreat. The day before that I found it in short bursts of sunshine tearing through the clouds. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How did life's beauty reveal itself to you today?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #covid-10 #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving #sunrise #missionbeach #tropicalfarnorthqueensland #fnq

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"The only journey is the one within."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Rilke⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is my happy place, but I don't often allow myself to just rest and do nothing. But I am getting better at it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I was surprised last year when I led my annual September retreat in Hoi An, that leading the retreat was actually restful for me. I had to slow right down so that I could hold the space for others and I was surprised how calm and relaxed I felt after an entire week leading nine women on their inner journeys. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There is something so powerful in slowing down and journeying inwards...⠀⠀ Do you ever give yourself permission to do nothing? To simply be? 🏝 🏝 🏝 Ps: If you are in Queensland this spring, join me for 5 glorious days of slowing down, writing and journeying, both within yourself and in the world around you. And there is much to explore in this World Heritage site.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have one spot left in my October retreat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Link in bio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #writersretreat #writingretreat #meditation #innerpeace #zen #mindfulness #yogaretreat #creativetime #writeyourjourney #transformationalretreat #retreat #retreatlife #wellbeing #wellnessretreat #followyourbliss #gratitude #travel #journaling #heartcentred #innerjourney #fnq #missionbeach #cairns #farnorthqueensland #tropicalfarnorthqueensland #selfcare #wellness #selflove #queensland #australia

writeyourjourney

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In case we haven't met, here are five things about me:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. am writing a memoir about digging my way out of the darkness. It's taken me 10 years to finally write it. Why so long? Grief is a process and you can not put a time limit on it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. Writing in a second language is another process I had to learn. First I had to unlearn writing in academic prose, then I had to allow myself to write a messy first draft and learn how to craft a good story.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. I am a recovering perfectionist. Letting go of my compulsion to strive for perfection is seriously the most liberating, life-changing event. It allowed me to evolve and grow rather than remain stuck...rather than polishing the same sentence over and over...it applies to any area in life of course!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 4. Ageing is liberating. You become invisible, but there is great freedom in that. The clock is ticking down now irreversibly and that's a great catalyst to get things done.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 5. I used to be a night-owl. I don't know how many all-nighters I would have pulled at university. These days I go to bed with the roosters. It get's earlier and earlier, which is a bit scary, but so good for mind body and soul.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How about you? What would you share about yourself in 5 sentences? (I know I wrote more than five...I guess I love writing). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #writinglife #writeeveryday #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving

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Since I wasn't able to return to Vietnam to hold my annual retreat this September, I am opening the doors of my home in Mission Beach.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One spot left on this retreat.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you can't join me in person, join me on Zoom this September. I will run 4 more FREE writing sessions this year. To join, sign up to my monthly newsletter. Link in bio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you happen to be in Queensland, then listen up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This women-only, small group retreat is suitable for beginning writers, emerging writers, published authors and anybody who loves to write.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There will be more retreats in November and next year. Fingers crossed for a benign wet season (the forecast isn't good, but I keep my fingers firmly crossed). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hope to meet you via Zoom or in person! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 #writersretreat #writingretreat #meditation #innerpeace #zen #mindfulness #yogaretreat #creativetime #writeyourjourney #transformationalretreat #retreat #retreatlife #wellbeing #wellnessretreat #followyourbliss #gratitude #travel #journaling #heartcentred #innerjourney #fnq #missionbeach #cairns #farnorthqueensland #tropicalfarnorthqueensland #selfcare #wellness #selflove #queensland #australia

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Scored a second-hand couch today! I think I manifested it. Part of me doesn't want to believe that such things can happen, but happen they do.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I really wanted a second hand sofa like this. My friend had been sending me links for weeks, but nothing was ever right. The idea of the couch was starting to drain my energy. I was thinking about a couch when I should be thinking about my book. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So last week I took things into my own hands. I visualised exactly what I wanted. I got really clear on it. I sat with the intention for a few breaths, then I opened the second hand page on FB and started scrolling. Third time lucky I found the one pictured. It was perfect. But it was already on hold for someone else.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I let it go for five days and stepped away from Facebook. Then on Wednesday, I said to myself, just focus, you know what you want and you will find it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I kid you not, in that moment, I got a message from the vendor of this sofa. The original buyer hadn't shown up. Did I still want it?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Of course I did!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As I said, I am actually a skeptic. I was raised by a father who only trusts in hard science. I have an in-build bias against believing that these things can happen and yet, they continue to happen.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I guess it means that I am very aligned this season⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Maybe I should be manifesting bigger things. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What do you think? Do you believe in the power of manifesting things? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖋 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #covid-10 #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving

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I finally added a new shirt to my new wardrobe!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I came back to Australia with only a carry-on filled with summer clothes and books. I've spent 6 months here now and I've gone through three seasons wearing more or less the same clothes every day (on my washing days I wear my pjs): my yoga pants, one of two black t-shirts I had bought to take back to Vietnam for my partner and a black hoodie. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It was time for some colour! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thanks to my friend Patricia @ibuandbean for this beautiful addition to my wardrobe. I feel ready for spring now! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My jeans and most of my clothes are in Vietnam but I haven't really missed any of it. I've spent the pandemic virtually in my yoga pants. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have friends who dress up for Formal Friday. I like the idea, but I haven't bothered. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How have you spent the pandemic? Dressed up or in your pjs?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🧚🏼‍♀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🧚🏼‍♀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🧚🏼‍♀️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gratitude #happiness #selflove #covid-10 #stayhomestaycreative #noticewonderconnect #timeonmyhands #consciouscreativity #creativelifehappylife #forgeyourownpath #wholeheartedliving #theslowcollective #alifeofintention #seeksimplicity #theartofslow #mindfulness #calm #innerpeace #zen #innercalm #happy #wellness #goals #instaselfcare #instaselflove #wholeheartedliving

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Want to hear something spooky that happened to me yesterday whilst working on my memoir? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let me begin by saying that I didn't really register that it's September already... because you know, this strange year has gone so fast, I am barely catching up...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So, yesterday I was working on a chapter in my book and I'd just transcribed a bit of lame dialogue from my original journal that I'd kept in 2009. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's the bit of dialogue (yes, I know it's lame, but it's only a first draft): “The first of September is a Tuesday. It’s the first day of spring. The perfect start date for our motorbike trip around Australia,” Gianni said. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Then I opened Google to check if the 1st of September had really been a Tuesday that year. That's when it dawned on me that it is September already, not only that, but yesterday was in fact Tuesday 1st of September! Uncanny synchronicity, to say the least.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And yes, it was Tuesday September 1st, 11 years ago when I'd written the bit of dialogue into my diary...spooky I thought. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Then one of my writing buddies @juliegates.artist.writer asked if I had heard of the 11. 11 club. I hadn't, but when I thought about it, I suddenly got goosebumps, because the man I am writing about in my memoir, my late husband, died on January 1st, 2011, which is 1.1.11.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spooky or what?! I take it as a sign from the universe, to finish that goddamn book! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you believe in signs from the universe?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖌⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖌⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #magic

writeyourjourney

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The beauty of the world is its fragility. This kind of sunrise only happens a few times a year and I was lucky enough to be awake for it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Actually it wasn't luck, I make myself get up for sunrise every day because it sweetens my day, no matter the weather. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Will you join me tomorrow for a live writing session via Zoom?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We will write about the sweetness and the joy that can be found in a cloud and stormy world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 9 am & 6pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ send me an email to register: kerstin@writeyourjourney.com⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is sweet in your day today?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #writingsession #writingcommunity

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What lights you up? What makes you feel alive?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In these difficult times I find solace in nature and in the wondrous things that I notice when I am present to see and to listen to what is around me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In the past I've often cursed this place for being so remote and quiet but right now it's a blessing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Yesterday I realised that having been away from exhaust fumes and streets crowded with scooters for almost 6 months now has heightened my olfactory senses.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I pick up on scents so much more easily—of people walking past, sunscreen perfume, but also the salty ocean and the scents of the rainforest around me. Not all of the scents are pleasant, but it makes me feel alive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What makes you feel alive?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir

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Join me this week for a FREE Zoom Writing Session.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As we near the end of another month of this strange year, there is so much to be processed, recorded and untangled.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Join me for an hour-long writing session and:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✅ find calm and resilience by writing things down⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✅ discover the healing power of writing⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✅ find joy by connecting with your creative potential⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✅ release difficult emotions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✅ connect with your voice and to write your story⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✍️To sign up email: kerstin@writeyourjourney.com⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you are signed up to my monthly newsletter you will automatically be sent an invitation to this free event.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who is joining me this week?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's what Shelagh from the UK had to say about our last session:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "It is great to hear other writers' voices and to be able to link across the world in a supportive community It is true, writing is a solitary process, and finding and developing your voice is a life time's work and commitment. Yet, in sharing our experience, feeling, and oral and written story, our voices expand to include and help make community."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Connect with yourself through writing and connect to a supportive community!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #onlinewriting #zoomwritingclass

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Come join me at my beach bar this Friday for sundowners...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I know, I know, I wish we could meet here. But the weather is meant to change, rain is on the way and I have a better idea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I come to your place, you byo your favorite beverage and I provide the writing prompts.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How about an hour-long Zoom writing session with a supportive community of writers. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We are nearing the end of another month during this crazy year and there is much that needs to be processed, untangled and released. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here are the meeting times:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. Friday 28 Aug 9 am⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (Australian Standard Time)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PDT: Thursday August 27 - 4pm⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ EDT: Thursday August 27 - 7pm⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ***⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. Friday 28 Aug 6 PM⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (Australian Standard Time)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ United Kingdom: 9 am⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Germany: 10 am⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Vietnam: 3pm⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To sign up, send me an email: kerstin@writeyourjourney.com⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ or sign up to my monthly newsletter to receive the meeting ID directly in your inbox every month (and bonus inspiration).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I hope you will join me!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #onlinewritingclass #zoomwriting

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Sunlight has been my source of nourishment to get me through these dark days.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ After spending almost a month in my dark granny flat whilst Airbnb guests enjoyed my home, I was back in my happy place all week last week and I wrote like my life depended on it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 10,000 good words in a week. That's a new record for me. It was the agonising part of the book, the part of the story I didn't particularly wanted to revisit, but it's at the heart of the dramatic conflict of my memoir and it had to be written down and I finally did it!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's windy today and rain clouds are on the way but I filled with a week of sunshine. Like the solar cells on our roofs, I hope to have stored enough sunshine to get me through the next bit of my memoir. Rain, hail or shine!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How do you re-emit the lessons absorbed in the sunlight when darkness comes to visit?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✍️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✍️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✍️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir @juliabaird

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"Many of us have made our world so familiar that we do not see it anymore. An interesting question to ask yourself at night is, What did I really see this day?" �― JOHN O'DONOHUE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I saw two boys chase each other on the beach throwing handfuls of sand at each other. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I saw children blow bubbles into the sunset, so many sparkling globes decorating the jungle outside my home like a Christmas tree. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A spectacle only for me to behold. The bubbles remained invisible on my camera. It made me stop and take a breath and really look. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Not everything I see needs to be shared on Instagram. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Really looking, being present to watch what is unfolding in the moment, is the healthy option. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And so I watched glistening bubbles dissolve and turn into something else. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For this I know. Everything changes all the time.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I saw the first ink-and-paper newspaper I've bought in many months disperse into so many loose leaves along the beach. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I watched my bare feet leave imprints on the sand as I chased the news that I would never read. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I watched the crumbled, wet pages of The Australian disappear in my wheely bin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tomorrow there will be new news. That’s one of the few certainties we have. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In these times of uncertainty it makes me feel better when I focus on the things I can really see. When I am present to what is.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What did you see today?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Or maybe, what did you fail to see today? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #gratitude #uncertainty #smallpleasures #slowingdown #photoaday2020 #quietmoments #itsthesmallthings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #thesmallthings #simplethingsmakemehappy #simplethings #reflecting #lifeinlockdown

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I love my long and solitary beach walks between writing sessions. Listening to the sound of the ocean, feeling the sand between my toes and inhaling the earthy flavor of the rainforest after the rain helps to me to change my focus and to open my mind. Sometimes whole chapters suddenly fall into place.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Many famous writers were ardent walkers. I've always been a walker, but these days, when a year of solitude suddenly looms in front of me, I am not so sure I like this as a permanent state of being.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But there is serenity in solitude and I've started a new Scrivener document on my laptop with daily scribbles about "My year of living alone." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hopefully it won't turn into a year, but it's 6 months already...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I know that resilience requires the ability to go with the flow and to accept what is. So this new journal is about capturing the serenity and clarity that comes with solitude and also to allow the sadness and the vulnerability it brings to speak their truth. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let's see where it leads. That's the beautiful thing about writing. It's a journey of discovery and transformation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Why do you write?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🖊 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir

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“One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.”― CLARISSA PINKOLA ESTES ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I picked up my journal again this month to get back into a regular routine of Morning Pages, I wrote about how grateful I am to have my writing practice as a way to show my soul to myself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ By revealing to myself what's inside, I manage to show up better for those around me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We are all vulnerable at this time and we have to find ways to go on and be a good parent, a good partner or good at our job. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I used this prompt in my writers group to brainstorm what the soul needs in this stormy world and how it can show up to shine a light for others, including yourself.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How do you show up in a stormy world?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PS: that was my writing spot last Saturday. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📝 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #pinkolaestes #selfcare

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"Without darkness there is no light." Rumi I watch the darkness reveal the golden light of the morning sun on most mornings. It helps me to remember to shine my own light as I digest the difficult news that I might be trapped here, in this safe, vast and empty space for a long while. Australia's borders are set to stay closed until the next year. We all experience this current pandemic in different ways and there are many shades of darkness. I was heavy with my own inner darkness this week and I have missed the sunrise on most mornings. But I have been to the depth of my own darkness before and I know that after darkness follows light. Life is a cycle, like the seasons and the moon's monthly journey around the sun. And so today, on the first of July, the first day of winter, I remind myself that the winter solstice also marks the transition back into the light, Right now my light is turned down into a tiny flicker, but it never goes out. We all carry our light inside of us, even during the darkness. Writing is a way to illuminate our darkness and to shine a torch on our deepest emotions. And so today, I have returned to writing my memoir which describes my journey out of the darkness. As the current crisis continues to unfold, I want to get my memoir finished so that I have space to process this new story. There will be many shades of darkness and there will be many moments of light. Let's make space for the light, let's give gratitude for what is good in our days as we surrender to the uncertainty of the current crisis. I am grateful to my writing practice today. What are you grateful for? ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ #health #happy #mindfulness #wellness #goals #mentalhealth #instaselfcare #instaselflove #authorlife #amwriting #authorconfession #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip, #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir

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What kind of ancestor do you want to be? This month I have been challenged to think about my unearned white privilege and the need to be actively anti-racist. Reading is one action I can take to educate myself about racism. I have started to work through the writing prompts in @laylafsaad book "Me and White Supremacy". One of the concepts that struck me was the idea of ‘becoming a better ancestor’. In Vietnam, where I usually live, every house has a special altar and ancestors are worshiped with daily offerings and regular ritual. The practice of ancestor worship is based on the belief that each individual’s behaviour in life has a direct impact upon the quality of the lives of their children and grandchildren. We create our legacy as good ancestors every day. With every action, thought and word we speak or write, we are impacting the lives of those who come after us. It got me thinking about my own ancestors and the legacies I have inherited. My parents were born into a country at war, and they bequeathed an emotional legacy that celebrates the ability to armour up, hide their wounds and walk away from our vulnerability. I am becoming a better ancestor by choosing to do the hardest work of all. Inner work. Writing is my key to becoming a better ancestor and this month I've used it to explore my unconscious biases in a private conversation between my journal and my (un)conscience. What kind of ancestor do you want to be? Join my online writers group (link in bio) or sign up to my newsletter and receive a complimentary guided singing bowl meditation to help you find focus and connect with your voice. ✍️ ✍️ ✍️ #authorlife #amwriting #blacklivesmatter #writingcommunity #amreading #writingprompt #writingtip #writershelpingwriters #authorsofinstagram #writeyourjourney #nextdraft2020 #writinggoals #writinglife #creativewriting #writeeveryday #writingchallenge #memoir #linkinbio

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Looks like all I ever photograph is the sunrise. That's because nothing much changes in my world these days. The most visible changes in my days is the weather. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Apart from that, I've been in the same spot, living alone, with only a bicycle for transport, for 4 whole months now!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I am not complaining, solitude is good for the soul and it is the secret sauce to kickstart your creativity, but some days it feels like I am on a never ending repeat of Groundhog Day.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What's your life like these days? Are you still in lockdown? Have you returned to your routine? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ☀️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #covid19 #selfisolation #staythefuckathome #meditation #zen #inspiration #calm #innerpeace #resilience #guidedmeditation #writingprompts #amwriting #writingtherapy #wellness #coronavirus #workingfromhome #remotework #writeanywhere #retreat #writersretreat#smallpleasures⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #slowingdown⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #photoaday2020⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #quietmoments⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #itsthesmallthings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #thesmallthings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #simplethingsmakemehappy⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #simplethings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #reflecting⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #lifeinlockdown

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Will you join me today for a Solstice Writing & Meditation Facebook Live Session?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To join sign up to my private online writers group on Facebook. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Link in bio or find my FB page @writeyourjourney to join.
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