Ripe for Reinvention pt. 1
centering myself with a list
I want to thank everyone for downloading The Ultimate Anti-Resolution Guide this year.
It’s almost time for another edition.
My theme for 2023 was strengthen and fortify.
I chose to set themes for the year rather than resolutions because themes seem more inviting and less brutal.
The Anti-Resolution Guide is my answer to all that noise and pressure to succeed, a safe place on paper to connect the dreaming with the doing.
I’ll recap my progress in the next dispatch.
So…what now?
It’s been many months since I last sat down to write. When I started to unpack the reasons why, this message became way too heavy to finish properly.
So instead, I’m just going to share some things that brought me joy this year.
If you’re in a lackluster headspace, I recommend you do the same for yourself. Center on a few simple things you love.
In no particular order or context…
1. Newsstand Merch
I wore the hell of this black sweatshirt from New York’s famed Casa Magazines.
2. Big Bougie Coat
After a weeks-long search I found the perfect winter coat to wear in Belgium. So relieved to discover the structure and simplicity of Seoul designer AMOMENTO.
3. Espresso Soft Serve
Discovering this pairing at Rosslyn Coffee in London is now one of my core memories.
4. Craig Mod’s Books
And their painfully thoughtful packaging.
5. Finally watching a Wong Kar Wai film (two, actually)
No longer a poser, I appreciate this director’s cinematic storytelling first-hand.
6. The South of France
Period.
I’ve done more growing up in the last 12 months than I care to admit.
And what I mean by that is…life really gave me a lot of “me” to handle.
I had to take responsibility for the impact of my words and actions constantly, even as that impact grew in unexpected ways.
I had to feel a lot of feelings that I wasn’t prepared to feel, including positive ones like contentment (imagine that?).
One day I’d be settling into confidence and optimism, the next I’d be wallowing in self-pity and insecurity. By day three, I’d completely disassociate because that’s on brand for me.
Up against a backdrop of macro-economic jump-scares and vivid scenes of war, there were milestone trips and celebrations. Another point of high contrast to deal with.
But I keep telling myself that this is what a dynamic life feels like. Ups and downs.
I’m still learning to ride the waves without losing sight of the horizon.
The next 12 months is all about regaining (or recreating?) that vital vision for my life and my identity.
What about you?
I’m going to press send now.
If something resonates with you, please don’t hesitate to reply.
With love,
JP