Hi folks,

As you are bombarded with the end of your emails full of retrospectives on how 2023 panned out, I'd like to invite you to answer this question.

How do you rate your 2023?

Chances are, you will focus more on the negatives rather than the positives. Our brains are wired that way, which means it takes way more effort to recall the positives.

If you are anything like me, multifaceted, with more than one thing going on, in my case, business owner, artist & fledgling writer. I definitely get to this time of year and think of all the things I HAVEN'T achieved.

But this 31st December is going to be different! 💪🏽

Those of you who have visited this year will have seen my tableau of brightly coloured PostIt Notes on the kitchen wall, right where I can keep an eye on them, and easily access to add new notes accordingly.

My head was getting too full. As a project manager, I am used to running a daybook, with the never-ending To Do List.

But this wall turned into much more.

A top-down wall of aspirations, manifestations, and desires, mixed with the To Do List of all the projects, big and small. And OMG did it feel good to get it out and up on that wall!

Around the same time, I saw a post by @jayshetty about creating a #gratitude jar.. and dropping in pieces of paper with all the things one is grateful for to be reviewed at the year’s end.

I took this idea and amended it slightly to become my #jarofdone.

CONNECTION(S)

To be honest, I had intended to take all the Post-its down and relocate them to a more private space, but I had forgotten about it until the first group of writers arrived. "What's all this?" they asked.

Whoops.

Too late now to take it all down and bluff my way out of it.

Deep breath.

"It’s basically the entire contents of my brain, all the wants, dreams, desires, manifestations, things to be done, long term, short term, etc., my most private inner dialogue there for all to see, I meant to take it down, but it's too late now.. So that's your first insight into me, your host!" Add nervous laughter and my inner voice .. "Yup.. they're gonna think you're bat shit crazy, Nat".

I felt a little vulnerable in that moment, but as it turns out, the idea of getting it all out of one’s head onto a wall and bit by bit making it into #The Jar of Done really, really resonated with people. So I left it up for all to see for the remainder of the year.

#JarofDone got its own mention in Holly Tucker’s (Holly & Co) Newsletter, after I commented on Holly’s Instagram post where she spoke openly about overwhelm.

And when Kate & Jack from @We Are Makers Publication visited in August, they loved the concept also. In fact, they have made it into a 2024 challenge for the We Are Makers Creative Community! I love this!!!

If you decide to give it a go, please do tag @themillfrance and @wearemakers and #jarofdone - and let us know how it grows!!

Have fun!

I am super excited to open my own #Jar of Done on New Year’s Eve, and give myself a big cheer for all the achievements, big and small!! Great way to enter 2024 with positive energy and a reminder of what we are all capable of!

Community

We have some super exciting events planned for 2024 - more to be revealed early January - too excited!

Our ever-popular Raku Ceramics Course has some availability remaining - be quick! Run by Helen Ashton from the clay studio, the course takes place on the 14th-20th May.

We will be hosting self-directed writers retreats on these dates:

14th - 21st June

23rd - 30th June

2nd - 9th August

In addition to our summer retreats program, I am super excited about the launch of our…

Co-Living for Creatives Program

An opportunity to be part of a small creative community for a month-long stay in a truly inspiring environment.

Applications are now open for all creatives! - writers/ artists/ potters/ sculptors/ printers/ comedians/musicians/ performing arts.

Come stay at The Mill, solo, as a couple, or as a collective - all are welcome to apply.

This is an opportunity to work on your passion project/ new idea/ collaboration for 4 whole weeks of dedicated time, in the home of a fellow artist and writer, surrounded by stunning natural landscape, with walks & hikes into nature on the doorstep, and direct river access for cold water swimming.

There are a maximum of 7 places available - single occupancy rooms per month.

2024 Dates: