Day 31 – December 31, 2024

Day 31

... We've almost arrived!

Welcome to Day THIRTY ONE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

We’ve almost arrived!!!

It is just 1 day until the New Year.

The number 1 is all about self-determination, exploration, independence and self-sufficiency – words that often sum up introverts pretty well.

How do you feel about those words?

This is the day that thoughts often turn to resolutions but I feel such resistance even to the word resolution that I go with intentions.

Yesterday I asked you to think about 1 thing you are really setting your sights on for 2024.

As you might imagine, I’m cheating and have more than 1 thing, so my first things in 2025 is publishing my book.

It’s fair to say that it’s not the book I thought I’d be writing – it’s better.

I don’t expect you to cheat like me though, and I’d love to hear about your 1 thing, so please do share.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of Seasonal Sanity Savers throughout December. It’s certainly helped with my sanity, and I hope it has helped yours too.

For now – here’s to a happy 2025, whatever it may bring.

My word for 2025 is VISIBLE so expect to be invited to be VISIBLE with me, authentically, unapologetically and joyfully!

Quietly, and aspiringly yours,
Joanna

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 30 – December 30, 2024

Day 30

... 2 days to Year 2025

Welcome to Day THIRTY of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Can you believe it – now it’s just 2 days until the New Year.

The number 2 signifies peace and balance in both relationships and things.

Think diplomacy, tact, with harmony and teamwork.

Just reading and internalising those words helps me to relax – interesting isn’t it?

So today, it’s about identifying 2 things you’d like to attract into your life.

My 2 are

  1. Balance in all things as I’m often out of kilter. This includes things like sleep, nutrition and self-care.
  2. Playfulness as I can get too serious. Those who know me well will know I have a playful side but it gets lost sometimes.

How am I going to make these two happen?

Well, now I’m letting go of other people’s expectations, being hard on myself and following the pack, I have plenty of room for balance and playfulness in my life.

I feel excited at that prospect too.

Day 30 CD2

What I will need to do is recognise that I am surrounded by opportunities for this and I just need to shift my focus to spot them. This recent podcast episode focuses on just that: Listen here.

We finish our countdown tomorrow when it’ll be just 1 day to go. I have to admit, I feel a little sad at the thought of these posts ending. I feel my sanity returning when I create them to share with you.

With just 1 day to go though, it’s time for the big question.

What 1 thing are you really setting your sights on for 2025?

Quietly, and playfully yours,
Joanna

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 29 – December 29, 2024

Day 29

... only 3 sleeps to go

Welcome to Day TWENTY NINE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Not long before the New Year is here – only 3 sleeps to go.

The number 3 is associated with growth, creativity and communication – all important to Flourishing Introverts.

We humans seem to love the patterns of 3, think of language patterns, symbolism and structures.

And, I’m no different.

My True Self, or maturity number is 3 (The Empress) in my Prosperity Code and you may have noticed that many of my hints and tips come in 3s.

So today, with our #3, I’m asking you to identify 3 things that you would benefit from letting go of.

Day 29 CD3

Here are 3 things I’m letting go of

• Living up to other people’s expectations
• Being hard on myself when I don’t achieve as much as I had hoped to
• Following the pack. I love being a bit of a rebel and finding my own introverted way to do things.

I know the benefits of each of these because I do a sort of cost/benefit analysis.

After all, our subconscious doesn’t like losing things or letting things go, so knowing the benefits is vitally important to me.

What will you let go of?

Quietly, and peacefully yours,
Joanna

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 28 – December 28, 2024

Day 28

... 4 days until the 2025

Welcome to Day TWENTY EIGHT of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

The countdown is on and it’s 4 days until the 2025 is here.

Let me start by declaring that 4 is a really significant number for me.

I engage the services of an amazing business Numerologist, Frea O’Brien, who herself is an introvert. (You can explore Frea’s work right here: https://www.mynumerologist.co.uk/)

I really don’t mind if you believe in numerology or not but when Frea shared my Prosperity Code with me, it contained triple 4s; my Life Path, my Day Number & my Personality Number 4 – The Emperor.

As such, 4 is significant as it is the root of my success. It represents my ability to connect with an idea and make it happen. It’s part of what fosters respect, credibility and trust in those who work with me.

So, 4 is significant indeed.

Day 28 CD4

Here are 4 things linked to my success that I will tend to today.

  1. I will be finalising the launch schedule for my book as Jan 22 will soon be here.
  2. I will continue my early-to-bed regime so I build better sleep hygiene habits.
  3. I’ll either be walking by the sea, in the woods or if the weather is too inclement, I’ll be having a dance break.
  4. I’ll be doing something crafty like knitting or sewing as it utilises a different part of my brain.

So let me ask – ‘what 4 things will you tend to today?‘ as we head towards our New Year?

Quietly, and curiously yours,
Joanna

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 27 – December 27, 2024

Day 27

... zap the 'ugh'ness out

Welcome to Day TWENTY SEVEN of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

There comes a time when we need to zap the ‘ugh’ness out of our lives. You guessed it, for today’s letter Z the word is Zap. Let us zap into oblivion the stale, irrelevant, and draining to feel fresh, ready for the new and exciting!

I take great joy in playfully but intentionally zapping any lingering negative or stale energy from my surroundings and my mind. Today, I encourage you to do the same. Whether it’s tidying up after the festivities, opening windows so fresh air can blow through, or lighting your favourite candle, take a moment to revitalise your space. I’ll probably even wave my smudge stick around the house a few times. Notice how these small acts of renewal can bring clarity and calm to your day. Clearing the external clutter often works wonders for mental clarity, too, leaving you recharged and ready for what’s next.

And let’s not forget the restorative power of rest.

Today might call for an indulgent lie-in, an early night, or even a cheeky afternoon nap. You can’t convince me otherwise.

Day 27 Z

Listen to your body’s cues and allow yourself the downtime you need. By creating a refreshed space and prioritising rest, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome the new year with energy and intention.

Speaking of the new year, tomorrow marks the beginning of the countdown!

Stay tuned as I share what each countdown number signifies.

What are you looking forward to as the year winds down?

Quietly, and zealously yours,
Joanna

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 26 – December 26, 2024

Day 26

...Are you running on empty?

Welcome to Day TWENTY SIX of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

There are moments when surrender becomes the ultimate power. Hence, for today’s letter Y, I am choosing the word ‘Yield’.

It’s Boxing Day for me and mine, and while festivities continue, let today be about tuning in to yourself.

Listen to your body and mind.

Are you running on empty?

By this time into the festive season, I wouldn’t be surprised a bit if you were.

That is why this is the right moment for we introverts to recharge unapologetically.

Take a moment to assess your energy levels, and do not even for a moment hesitate to prioritise rest if that’s what you need. Whether it’s a quiet hour with a book or a full day in your pyjamas, yielding to your personal needs is a way of showing up authentically. It is honouring what your body and mind need, pay attention, listen and support them.

Remember, it is absolutely fine to leave an event early or even say no altogether.

Day 26 Y

There’s no rule saying you must exhaust yourself to keep others happy.

Of course be gracious but firm as well if you need to change plans, and trust that honouring your boundaries benefits everyone in the long run. After all, when you take care of yourself, you show up as the best version of you – authentically, energetically and unapologetically.
–
WOW, we are at the end of the alphabet journey. Tomorrow let us wrap up this joyful journey with letter Z, as the countdown to new year begins.

Oh I am so curious what your guesses for the letter Z will be!

Quietly, and sensibly yours,
Joanna

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 25 – December 25, 2024

Day 25

... Xmas day is here!!!

Welcome to Day TWENTY FIVE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

I pretty much guarantee that you saw X being for Xmas day from a mile off, so we can eye roll together today.

If you have youngsters in your household, there will probably be much excitement so let’s infuse the day with moments of calm and healthy dollops of gratitude wherever we can shall we?

For many of us, this is the big one – the day when all the plans and preparations come to fruition. Whether you’re hosting, visiting, or simply taking it easy, remember that you don’t need to compromise your well-being to make the day meaningful.

For your own sanity, honour your commitment to self-care by carving out those moments of quiet reflection or relaxation, no matter how busy the schedule. Perhaps it’s a solo morning coffee in the kitchen, a walk after lunch, or even just a moment to breathe deeply as you move from room to room.

These small pauses are vital for keeping your energy balanced and your spirits high. Trust me, you will need it and the day will be over soon enough.

Day 25 X

As far as possible, let this day be guided by our choices, not other’s expectations. If you have promised yourself to show up somewhere, pre-charge and do just that. And be the fullest expression of yourself.

Remember though, you are still allowed to say no to what doesn’t align with you and your energy but do so positively and without excuses.

You’re navigating this festive season beautifully, and I am in your corner rooting for you!
–
As the end of the year comes closer, we are meeting letter Y tomorrow. What do you think Y will be in the Sanity Saver toolkit? In fact, what will you choose your Y to be?

Also,

During this festive season Pause, Be Kind, and Understanding.

I wish you peace and love this Christmas day.

Quietly, and peacefully yours,
Joanna

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 24 – December 24, 2024

Day 24

... Walk in nature comes to mind.

Welcome to Day TWENTY FOUR of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

We live in a world today where being sedentary has become far too common. Hence, for today’s letter W, the word, and the phrase, ‘Walk in Nature‘ comes to my mind. Because a walk outdoors is a therapy and act of refilling your cup in itself.

There is no doubt that festive season can be overwhelming for we introverts, and a walk outdoors can do us a lot of good. Fresh air, irrespective of the weather can be incredibly soothing, a sort of mental and physical recovery of sorts.

I know for sure it can help slow down our busy mind.

Be it a woodland trail, a riverside path, or even your local park, immersing yourself in nature has a way of grounding you and bringing a sense of calm. The rhythm of your steps, the sounds of birdsong or rustling leaves, and the feel of the breeze on your skin can be surprisingly restorative.

I’d declare you a powerhouse if you leave your phone behind and just soak up the moment.

You can do it!

If you’re tempted to skip it because of rain or cold, remind yourself how invigorating it can feel to brave the elements.

And to quote Alfred Wainwright, The famous English fellwalker and guidebook author said,
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

Wrap up warm or grab an umbrella and savour the contrast between the crisp outdoors and the cosiness you’ll return to.

Day 24 W

You know, just a quick 15-minute stroll can shift your mood, clear your head, and boost your energy.

Feeling brave and want to take it a step further?

Bring along a journal or a sketchbook and note down anything that catches your attention. Melodic birdsong, a giant or striking tree, (you’ll find a whole series on my YouTube about how the changing of the seasons teaches us beautiful lessons.), or just watch the wide, free, boundless sky.

Walking in nature doesn’t have to be a grand event or take up hours of your day.

It’s about stepping away, finding stillness in the natural world, and letting it recharge your energy. Think of it as a way to reconnect with yourself amidst the festive chaos. Make it your little escape when the buzz around you feels too much.

I will go as far as to say that it is a gift to yourself that keeps on giving.
–
And now, for tomorrow’s of course the letter is X. This one’s always a bit of a wild card, or is it?

Quietly, and warmly yours,
Joanna

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 23 – December 23, 2024

Day 23

... visualise your best day.

Welcome to Day TWENTY THREE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

What will your ideal day look like?

Today’s letter is V and I am gifting you the ability to visualise your best day so you can then invest yourself into make it a reality.

I know the festive vortex can be a lot for we introverts. While extraverts derive their energy and cheerfulness from all the noise and exuberance, we introverts need to balance our socialising with effective pre-charging and re-charging.

So how about we take a quiet moment away from the mayhem and visualise our ideal day.

Close your eyes.

Imagine this day in as vivid detail as you can.

What would a calm, fulfilling, and truly joyful day look like for you?

Picture how you would feel, the pace of the day, the activities you’d choose, and the energy you’d carry. Maybe it’s an afternoon walk in the crisp air or a relaxed gathering with close friends. The thing is, that visualising isn’t just daydreaming, far from it.

It is an intentional practice and investment to set the tone for how you show up and what you create.

Day 23 V

To make this vision even more powerful, I suggest you write it down as though it’s already happened. For example:

“Today, I embraced peace. I enjoyed a slow morning, felt grounded during conversations, and ended the day feeling replenished.”

I don’t know about you but when I write things down in my own hand writing, it helps me clarify my desires and nudges my brain to focus on the steps to bring it to life. It helps me craft my day, my intentions, my vision into a synergetic symphony to create a flourishing day of my choosing.

So I invite you to try doing this little exercise too. Once you have that picture in mind, ask yourself:

“What small actions can I take today to move closer to my desired reality?”

Maybe it’s saying no to a draining invite or scheduling an hour of solitude to recharge. It does not have to be a long list of to-do’s you know!

You have the power to create the experience you want, even during the festive chaos. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that your vision will guide you towards flourishing on your terms.
–

On that note, tomorrow we venture into the world of letter W. What word would you choose to keep your peace intact? I am curious to watch what your word will be, and no, my word is not ‘watch’. *chuckles*

Quietly, and visually yours,
Joanna

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 22 – December 22, 2024

Day 22

... it is time to unplug!

Welcome to Day TWENTY TWO of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

It is that time of the year, isn’t it? To unplug.

That’s right, today’s letter is U and the word is Unplug so you can power down and find true calm and peace. We introverts need it at this time of the year.

The festive season can be a sensory whirlwind, leaving even the most resilient of we introverts craving quiet. That’s where the art of unplugging becomes your secret weapon. Whether it’s stepping away from the noise of social media, turning off notifications, or carving out an hour to be gloriously unreachable, unplugging allows you to breathe, recalibrate, and return to yourself.

For some, this might mean yoga, meditation, or soaking up the stillness of nature.

For others, it could be as simple as curling up with music that soothes your soul.

This reminds me of the beautiful piece by Emily W,

Unplug

My heart finds comfort in the growth and happiness of others.
I am at peace in the feel of my fingers against the smooth keys of a piano.
I am proud of the people who inspire others even when they have no inspiration.
I love playing in the rain and looking at the smiles of my friends.

But most of all, I love that I can pick up a pen and some paper and unplug myself from the world.
I unplug myself from the outlet of negativity,
Unplug myself from all this senseless worry,
Overwhelming the circuits of my heart with a burst of electric peace.

The words I write become a gateway to my soul.
They create a universe where I can hear the beat of my heart and know I am still alive.
A place free of expectations that I cannot reach.
A world where I finally feel that it is okay to be me.

I can lose the voice in my head telling me there’s no point in my existence.
I can ignore the feeling that I will never live up to everyone’s expectations.
I finally break free of the weight that has become accustomed to my shoulders.
All that remains is my words, freeing me; mind and soul.

I find peace in the sound of a pen scratching along a piece of paper.
I find joy in the words that I never knew I had inside me.
I celebrate when I am able to unplug from the cold world we live in,
And plug in to my beating, feeling heart.

Day 21 T

What’s your favourite way to unplug and unwind?

Make time for it today. A little unwinding time for ourselves is not a luxury, but a necessity, a responsibility even, towards our own wellbeing.

Give yourself permission to disconnect from the external chaos and reconnect with your beating, feeling heart.

It is not about shutting the world out completely.

It is about creating space to listen to what you truly need amidst the season’s demands.

Do this so you can emerge feeling more centred, authentic, and ready to navigate the festivities on your own flourishing terms.

–
So, tomorrow’s letter is V. What would it be for you? Can you guess what I have chosen it to be?

Let me know if you have one in mind!

Quietly, and unapologetically yours,
Joanna

  • 3 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish