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 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 20 – December 20, 2024

Day 20

...Do you stretch?

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

Do you stretch? Well I think we all should!

You guessed it, for today’s letter S I have chosen Stretching, just like animals do, because it is great for our mind and body. So what say you, let’s limber up for festive flourishing, shall we?

Have you ever noticed how naturally animals stretch as they start to move?

Cats arch their backs, dogs stretch out their front legs, and they do it with such ease and grace. If you’ve ever been to yoga, you’ll be familiar with the alternate cat and cow move and the downward dog pose I’m sure. What an amazing way nature has of gifting them something that’s good for their wellbeing.

Taking a cue from them, weaving gentle stretches into your day can do wonders for the mental and physical well-being of we introverts. The thing is, that stretching isn’t just about flexibility. It is a moment to reconnect with your body and calm a busy mind.

When festive demands leave you frazzled, take a minute to stretch. How about you just try and reach for the ceiling, roll your shoulders, or try a simple spinal twist whilst you’re sat in your chair. These small pauses release tension, improve circulation, help you breathe more deeply, and bring you back to your centre, no matter your age, gender or body type.

Day 20 S

This season, why not make stretching a mindful ritual?

Pair it with something you love, like listening to soothing music or standing near a sunny window. Morning stretches can prepare you for the day, while evening ones can signal it’s time to unwind.

Think of it as your secret tool to stay grounded while the festive world spins around you.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow .. Oh I beg your pardon I started singing. Well tomorrow’s letter is T, and I’m curious as to what word would you choose to tuck into your sanity toolkit?

Give it a thought and share if you’d like!

Quietly, and stretching-ly yours (LOL)
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 19 – December 19, 2024

Day 19

...Reconnect, this time with ourselves

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

Today’s letter ‘R’ is so important for we introvert. I am choosing today’s word to be Reconnect, this time with ourselves. Make time for a little check-in on our own wellbeing.

Replenishing your energy is non-negotiable during the festive rush, however the reality is that true recharging starts with reconnecting to your needs.

Pause for a moment today and ask yourself these questions,

“What am I really feeling right now?” And be honest with yourself as a superhero stance when you’re trying to reconnect with yourself won’t cut the mustard.

“What do I really need right now?” This is about seeing where you may need to adjust your plan in order to meet your needs. It’s no crime to look out for your own needs, in fact, it is our responsibility to do so.

It could be as simple as more rest, a nourishing meal, or even a few minutes of uninterrupted and complete silence. Treat this practice like a therapeutic check-in with your inner being. By getting back into alignment with your needs, you can sidestep unnecessary overwhelm and make choices that honour your boundaries. Because remember, explicit boundaries are beautiful!

Day 19 R This one.png

Now, take it a step further and think about your emergency IRK (Introvert Recharging Kit) and yes I totally created that abbreviation right here, right now and I am claiming it as mine. LOL! (No but seriously, I am)

What are the essential go-to tools, activities, or comforts that instantly make you feel centred?

Perhaps it’s your favourite playlist.
A journal to clear your thoughts.
Maybe a long walk away from the crowds.

Make sure you have easy access to your essentials, and please remember that reconnecting with yourself isn’t selfish, far from it. It is your secret to flourishing amid the loud and non-stop festive cheer.

Tomorrow we move to S! If you had to pick a word starting with S to add to your festive sanity kit, what would it be? Let’s see if we’re on the same page!

Quietly, and selflessly 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

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 35

Behind the Scenes - Week 35

Nugget of the Week

I have found my ability to be vulnerable to be transformative. As a deep thinker who craves authenticity, this has to include showing up fully as who I really am. We are surrounded by glossy facades that can have the best of us feeling inferior.

 

But as Eleanor Roosevelt so wisely said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent“. Once you have found your interiority as Caroline McHugh calls it, you will have the courage to be perfectly imperfect.

It’s how I manage to pursue my mission in life, and it can be the key to your future too.

 

This Sh** Really Happened!

I know that being able to hold space so someone can open up can be challenging, but it’s part of the responsibility of any manager or leader. And, it’s what you’re paid to do.

I remember one of the first management models I was introduced to many, many years ago, was Adair’s Action Centered Leadership model and whilst it’s pretty dated now, the principles still hold good. There premise is that there are three ‘action’ centers that a leader or manager needs to balance – Task, Team & Individual.

If you’re a manager or team leader, of course you have your own objectives to meet but without a team who know how to work together and with you, without individuals who feel able to be vulnerable, who have the psychological safety they require to show up fully, you’re never going to build a high performing team who demonstrate the commitment, loyalty and productivity to be successful.

And guess what? This means you’ll have to show some vulnerability as a leader too. Behaviour breeds behaviour.

Coming up, Buttercup!

Team and I have been working for quite a few months now to expand the variety and options on how we deliver flourishing resources to you. New shows, events, exciting vibe in existing ones, is coming your way soon!

We wanted to not only add variety in terms of number of options you can choose from but also opportunities to learn from industry professionals from all walks of life. 

So you will soon have option to watch two different LIVE Video shows, listen to two different podcasts, or participate in LinkedIn Audio Events. Then there will also be multiple self-paced short courses, and my flagship Frustrated to Flourishing Programme. And this is just the beginning – but I’ll share more as things happen..

because..

True to my messaging, I am all about sassy rebellion, or in this case expansive growth together in a calm, quiet, gentle yet unapologetically flourishing introvert style!

Behind-the-scenes: WEEK 34

Behind the Scenes - Week 34

Nugget of the Week

Ok – so I accept that you may feel a little like a jailor carrying around so many key(s), so think of it like this – making keys when you have the resources, the time and when you are inspired, increases the likelihood that you’ll have the relevant key when you need it most.

And, if you have keys to spare, you can offer them to others who could use them. After all, generosity of spirit is a beautiful thing and when we lift each other up, we all flourish.

Now how wonderful a world it will be when everyone flourishes without bias and exclusions?

How wonderful our world will be when everyone flourishes free from experiencing bias and exclusions?

This Sh** Really Happened!

I do get it because we all want our emails to reach and impact the people they are designed for, and I’m no different in that respect. However, deliberately manipulative click-bait subject lines that trick me into opening just leaves me cold and uninspired.

And I particularly mean the subject lines that are designed to raise concerns, invite worry or even trigger a panic response. I could say so much about it not only from an ethical perspective, but also from a wellbeing, mental health and common decency angle. Maybe I will one day!

Subject lines need to be properly informative and sincere as most of us prioritise what we open and in what order by the subject line. That’s why I feel so strongly about this underhand tactic. In fact, I pinky-swear to never trick you, in any way.

Coming up, Buttercup!

You know that feeling when an idea needs to be ‘birthed’? That’s what happened this week and the process of labour ended up being really quick. So, my co-founder, Szebastian Onne G. S. and I introduced our new synergy to the world.

 

We have been working behind the scenes on our joint-venture ‘Intent to Flourish’  and last night, we launched the name-sake show ‘Intent to Flourish’ LIVE on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. 

We invite you to engage as it finds its feet for the first time. In the premiere stream, we explored, how INTENTION can lead to FLOURISHING when SYNERGY is at the heart of our ACTIONS.  You can watch the REPLAY HERE.