Welcome back everyone to our goal-setting week!
This session runs until mid-August, which makes it a 12 week session (mid-point = 2-3 July, last goal setting post = 13-14th August, wrap-up session = 20-21 August) - useful to keep in mind whilst setting goals.
Last session we created a dream cabin to retreat to. After the last couple of years, I think we all really need those cabins or other mental spaces! Reading over last week's comments, I felt there was a common thread around self-kindness and refinding ourselves and our directions, in our academic and/or personal lives, whether that is building a garden, readjusting from crisis mode to something more sustainable, or re-evaluating our personal research landscape and journey. That led me to conclude that this session is not the right time for exploring landscapes or going on journeys, and that focusing on gentle, thoughtful preparation for the semesters and years ahead - so let's get back to basics and think about the supplies we need for thinking and writing, whether that's physical supplies, inspirational touchstones, or valued advice.
For this week's prompt, if you choose to respond. let's start off high-level. What sort of writing are we collecting supplies to tackle in the next few semesters, and how are we currently getting on with our writing, professionally, personally or both? Is your relationship with writing an easy partnership, like picking up a well-practised instrument, or like luring a shy and potentially bitey creature, digging around a dusty attic for something you're sure you used to have, or towing a stubborn toddler up a steep and rocky hill?
As Dame Eleanor explained last week: The format will be the same as ever. Goals can be in any aspect of life although the key focus is often research and writing tasks that are personally and professionally important but that never quite tip over into important AND urgent. Urgent things sometimes find their way in here too, which is completely okay, and process goals are also most welcome. Each week we'll try to have a discussion topic or prompt to write about if you feel so inclined. We’ll remind everyone of their big session goals about midway through the session.
Anyone new or old is welcome to join. It would be great if you invited a friend or acquaintance or colleague to join in. We would be thrilled to welcome new guests and expand our circle. So if you've been following along silently and wondering about joining in, please do!
And finally, don't worry if you miss a few check-ins. Life happens. This is a supportive, generous space with no intimidation factor so enjoy it!
