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Having the ‘right’ mug for my tea or coffee. It makes it feel all the more special. I think seemingly small things say a lot about how we value ourselves, our contribution to the world and to the lives of others. It all part of the same thing. And of course there’s seaswimming!

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“I think seemingly small things say a lot about how we value ourselves...” YES. Love this, Sarah! It’s hard to not feel self indulgent when we do nice things for ourselves but it’s important to have a high regard for our wellbeing and the things that support it 💛

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And don’t get me started on how we talk to ourselves....

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One thing I’m focusing more on is relaxing energy on my stretching mat right now. Back pain has been tricky recently but lighting a candle and just stretching is bringing me headspace and relief all rolled into one. No other intention than a good stretch ☺️ A lovely post hun xxx

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You inspired me to lie back in bed and pop a yoga nidra meditation on and I’ve just woken back up 😄 so YES to soothing ourselves in the simplest of ways. Sounds like just what you’re needing. Thanks for sharing, Kathryn 💛

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At the moment, my comfort is my lined A5 dark blue moleskine. It goes with me everywhere and it feels like a pillar to my being atm, as I take a long break from work to tend to the stress in my body. I write on it in the morning, when in therapy, when I am walking or just as I sit on my sofa. Like a trusted friend I can tell my worries to and every detail is remembered, so I don’t have to. This sounds like the start of a post, as I digress about your words.

Such a lovely anf nurturing post, Sarah! 🤍

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I’d love to read more about the moleskine. Sounds like a beautiful companion. I’m also glad you’re tending to yourself 😚

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I think you have given me an idea, maybe I only a name for it. Maybe handwritten musings or something along those lines 🍂✨

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Ahhh, I love the small things. For me it is always nature, sitting in the garden watching clouds pass by. Sipping on a freshly brewed coffee. Taking some deep breaths. There is nothing more grounding than reconnecting with oneself in these simple ways. ❤️❤️❤️

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Couldn’t agree with you more. Nature is the best. I miss being close to the sea but the countryside is growing on me. As is having my very own garden. Albeit a rented one. So much beauty in the outdoors 🥰

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After moving house, we’re settling into the new space, just as summer turns into autumn. I’m finding such comfort in the silence of our new home. Sipping cacao, with a purring cat on my lap. I cherish those moments, short as they may be – the cats are both cuddly, but only for a few minutes. Intense gratitude and bliss when one gets blessed by a furry, purring lap guest. 😸

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Ah I can so resonate with this, Klara! Our kitty, Bella, is such a huge source of comfort too. She's been a little distant since our baby boy arrived, so you can imagine my delight when she climbed onto the sofa and snuggled into me yesterday. Are we connected on Instagram? I shared a wee photo in my stories! Happy settling into your new home. A precious time 💛

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Aww, that's really sweet! I just followed you and saw the picture, what a cutie! They're so special and precious, our furry friends. Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!

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So lovely to connect with you over there. Your words were just the tonic today 🥰

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Thank you so much! And I loved your Notelets on Nurture, it was just the perfect thing to read with cat-cuddles on the sofa. Comforting, and beautiful!

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That’s super kind. Thank you 😚

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I love everything about this newsletter, Sarah. So much of you in it, and it's definitely meaningful to share these beautiful micro moments. The creative dates concept I've finally learned is what does and will get me in the headspace to be the writer I want to be. I've had a few amazing cultural days out over the summer that fed my mind for days, but getting lost in a beautiful art book or reading poetry in the garden provide enough of a spark to kickstart my creativity too ❤️

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Thanks so much, Claire! I’m glad creative dates are serving you too, and agree that short bursts of activity can be nourishing too. I used to feel as though artist dates had to be this big event like a day out, and those are lovely if you can manage them, but I’m finding lots of magic in the little moments 💛

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What a lovely post and wonderful ideas to nurture your creativity. The Artist’s Way is my go-to book for when I’m feeling stuck or need creative booster. So I couldn’t agree more about having weekly creative dates, so much that I’ve run creative workshops with the idea of making time for play. It would be nice to explore them again.

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Love the idea of workshops based on play! It’s a theme that’s at the heart of my work and one I hope to explore as part an upcoming notelet 😃

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Ahhh I love these... and my fourth trimester comfort was hot chocolate too!!! Something that felt like a hug for my belly and womb!

I love cacao as a creature comfort... a little ceremony for myself even if it’s just a few moments to smell and intentionally pour it. I also adore a candle!!!! Simply lighting it just brings me so much calm.

A little roll on my wrists with my fave essential oils, having flowers in my home, feet on the Earth... but also feet in cosy socks! So many little moments that help ground me, comfort and soothe me.

I love this letter, such a beautiful way of sharing. I look forward to reading more xxxx

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Thank you, Lauren. You’re speaking my love language! And cosy socks are the best 🥰

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Petting the dogs and allowing them to bring me back to whatever they're interested in in the moment is one of my creature comforts. Literally I suppose - the comfort of creatures.

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I think we can learn so much from our pets! My cat has taught me about the beauty of slowing down and I love napping with her 😀

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My creature comfort at the moment is fluffy, cosy socks - I usually reserve them for Winter but there really isn't anything more comforting than having warm, cosy feet!

I really related to what you've said about sharing what you care about - I'm in the very beginning stages of writing on Substack and find my mind wanders to what I 'should' be writing about but the writing I enjoy most is when I'm talking about the stuff I care about and am interested in so thank you for the reassurance! I think your Notelets are a brilliant idea!

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Oh and I’m in the early stages of writing on Substack here too so it felt a little risky to commit to a weekly format so soon but it also felt exciting so I figured why not. And we get to decide what’s working and if something needs to change 💛

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100% I'm definitely trying to take a different approach here than I have with all other social media which is much more of a curious/experimental approach - 'let's just see what happens!' Your Notelets idea has really inspired me because at this moment, I don't think I can commit to writing a 'full' article every week but like you say, we get to decide so how much and how often!

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I’m with you on the cosy socks! Mine have been out for a couple of weeks now since some mornings have been sooo cold. Let’s not talk about summer 😅

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My eyes immediately rolled in response to your last sentence...🤣

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I love that you have decided to share glimpses into your life alongside the beautiful work you do. Yes to all of your comforts, that candle sounds amazing, the perfect autumn treat!

Since the beginning of the month I have committed to a short ritual of alone time at some point during the day. The amount of time and how I spend it differs from day to day (and very much takes place around the edges of mothering) but I feel like the intention to take a moment to reset and think about what I want from the day hugely helpful in feeling anchored, calm and creative.

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I’m glad you’re carving out a little space for yourself but understand the need to not get TOO attached to that time since it won’t always happen! Love the words “the edges of mothering” 🥰

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So happy to see you back, Alicia! Especially since you’re one of those who inspired me to join. Kitty cuddles are the best. More of that to come over the autumn and winter months 🥰

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