Gratitude Journal

Adventure 234 ~ Write To Joan Aiken’s Daughter

/ intrepidjane

I’ve been trying to remember Joan Aiken’s name for about 3 months, and last night I sat up in bed and exclaimed it out loud!

The reason I was so keen to remember it is that Joan wrote a book that I loved in the 1970s : it was a book of Eastern European folk-tales. The book was beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated, and I was trying to explain to an artist friend of mine the kind of feel I wanted to create in a book I was thinking about writing. I wanted to use Joan’s book as an example, but the author, illustrator and title eluded me (until last night!)

This morning, I Googled Joan and found that, although she died in 2004, her daughter, Lizza, has created a website in her memory, celebrating her life, her work and her illustrators. I was able to find the book from my childhood (and the illustrator) with ease.

The book was called “The Kingdom Under The Sea And Other Stories” and the illustrator was none other than Jan Pieńkowski . I’d call it a magic book : I don’t know where it came from, I’m not exactly sure when I got it, and I don’t know where it went. All I know is, it left a footprint that has remained after all these years.

For today’s adventure, I emailed Lizza to let her know how I had loved her mother’s book and how that book has remained with me for such a long time.

(Oh – and when I fell back to sleep , I had a dream-and-a-half! … You can hear all about it in today’s video-blog 🙂 ).

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

Adventure 220 ~ Write A Letter Of Thanks [5]

/ intrepidjane

It’s the final day of my letter-writing adventure and today I’m writing a letter of thanks to everyone who has offered support to me whilst I’ve been adventuring! And here it is ….. (it’s for you).

A Letter Of Thanks To Everyone Who Has Offered Support To Me And To My Adventure Project.

Hello you!

When you’re out on the road adventuring , it’s really good to know that you’ll bump into other people as you go (solo adventuring can get a bit lonely at times). If I’ve bumped into you in the last 7 months, this letter is for you because you’ve really made a difference : you’ve offered me the experience of connection, you’ve offered me support, and you’ve shared your time and spirit with me in generous ways.

If I’m honest, I don’t think my adventures would really have been the same without you. So, I just want to let you know that your support has been really appreciated.

If you read my blog : thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to pop by and leave comments . (I know you’re busy, and the fact that you read my words, and watch my video-blogs, means a great deal to me. Yup. You even reading these very words right now is a big deal.)

If you keep up with my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Google+ : thank you! I appreciate the connection and all the retweets, likes, comments  and shares . (You are a fabulous encourager).

If you’ve been inspired to have an adventure or two yourself  : thank you! It’s good to know that there are other  people out there doing their own thing : that makes me smile. (You’ve been in my thoughts).

If you’ve watched my webinars or TV show : thank you! It was good to know that you were watching and it was fun to share the experience with you. (You’ve given me some ideas too : you’re generous in ways that you may not even realise).

If you helped me out by being a guest on my TV show or by being interviewed : thank you! It’s been lovely to discover new friendships and renew old ones. (You really are brilliant.)

If  I’ve written a letter of thanks to you over the last 5 days : thank you! You inspired an adventure. (Wow. Wherever you are in the world : your message got to me. I mean, it really got to me.)

If you are one of my friends, and you continue to listen to me go on (and on) about how brilliant adventuring is : thank you! (No. Really. Because there are another 5 months to go. At least.)

With heartfelt thanks,

Jane (I am just going outside and may be some time, but I do hope to bump into you again).  🙂

 

 

 

Adventure 219 ~ Write A Letter Of Thanks [4]

/ intrepidjane

Today I write a note of thanks to Katherine Bolton, writing coach. Katherine gave me some top tips about getting published ; I really appreciated her generous spirit, her directness and her humour 🙂 .

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

Adventure 218 ~ Write A Letter Of Thanks [3]

/ intrepidjane

Today’s letter of gratitude has been sent to William Buhlman, the creator of the audio programme “How To Have An Out- Of- Body Experience.”  I am certain that following this programme helped to create the optimal conditions for the creation of my choral piece and the writing of my short story.

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

 

Adventure 217 ~ Write A Letter Of Thanks [2]

/ intrepidjane

Today I emailed a note of thanks to Steven Pressfield, author of  ‘The War of Art’ and ‘Turning Pro’. He inspired my 7-day Big Distraction project and I am certain that the influence of his books has facilitated the development of my children’s story from the writing stage, through to submission to agents and publishers.

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

Adventure 216 ~ Write A Letter Of Thanks [1]

/ intrepidjane

Today, it feels like I’m changing direction. Last week was all about retreating from my distractions (which involved retreating from the world of social media). This week is all about reaching out and connecting!

For 5 days, I’ve decided to write letters of thanks to those who have had a direct impact on my adventures and on my life.

Today, I have written to Asia Voight, animal communicator.

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

Adventure 102 ~ Service Superstar

/ intrepidjane

When we think of the words Customer Service Department, often the word “complaint” comes straight to mind! For today’s adventure, I decided to buck the trend and call the store manager of a local supermarket to let him know how brilliant one of his staff is.

Watch today’s video to find out what happened ~

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

Adventure 85 ~ A Message Of Thanks

/ intrepidjane

Screenshot (2)I have to say it feels a little odd not to be extending my memory palace today : it really has become a bit of a way of life! It makes me giggle that when I check my bag for work, the list of essentials goes something like this now : phone, keys, diary, periodic table of elements 😛 .

For today’s adventure, I’m going to say a heartfelt thank you to Josh Foer (he was the guy in the TED talk on day 1 of my memory palace adventure). The message of thanks isn’t just for the inspiration, it’s also for the additional benefits of the technique : a genuine appreciation of the power of the human mind and a new sense of presence , a renewed sense aliveness to the world around me and within me.

I’ve tweeted a big “TY” and here’s  short “thank you” video too :

I am just going outside an may be some time :).

JT

Adventure 45 ~ Gratitude Journal Day 7

/ intrepidjane

Here I am at the end of my first 7-day gratitude adventure and I’m noticing some really significant changes. Just to be “scientific” about it, I re-took the self-test I did on day 1 of my gratitude journal. Even after only 7 days, I’ve gone up 10% points :).  Now I’m more grateful than 85% of the adult, American population!

In today’s video, I record the final part of my journal and share what I’m noticing about my relationship with gratitude.

I am just going outside and may be some time.

JT

Adventure 44 ~ Gratitude Journal Day 6

/ intrepidjane

It’s day 6 of keeping my gratitude journal and some unusual changes are afoot!

I am just going outside and may be some time 🙂 .

JT