Two things I'm actually committing to this year
On idea graveyards, walking clubs, and why I'm finally scheduling a whole year
Well, here we are again. Another year, another grey sky outside, plus countless posts about the year of the horse flooding the respective feeds that I pledged optimistically to leave, yet still find myself locked into. Still, all is not lost. We’re still in the year of the snake, which by my interpretation, means I’ve still got time to hibernate and shed (my phone addiction).
I was practically crawling my way to the finish line at the end of last year, but after 10 continuous days of laptop-free time, wrapped up by the fire in Cornwall, I was struck once again by the amnesia of time and created a new year to-do list the length of my arm. Will I ever learn?
Luckily, in times like these, it’s helpful to have more realistic friends to bring you back to reality. After loftily declaring all the many ideas I had, hobbies I was going to start, goals I wanted to achieve, one friend politely but firmly reminded me that I might have one too many things on the list to make it achievable. Back to the drawing board I went.
Like so many others, particularly in our tech-addled society, I love starting new things. New ideas, new energy, I love it all. Even this Substack comes in real waves. All plans and notes that fall by the wayside when busy comes knocking. But not this year. There’s no room at the inn, as they say - or in my case, no room in the idea graveyard.
Which brings me to the only two things I’m actually committing to this year: consistency and connection. Two things that are essential to so many pursuits, but particularly when attempting to maximise the benefits of being in nature.
For those of you interested in habit formation, social accountability is one of the most effective levers that we can pull, so finding ways to commit to your plans with others often makes it much more likely that you will achieve them.
Here are my accountable foundations for a good year ahead:
The monthly walking club: This is something I’m organising. It’s been in my mind for over six months now and it’s time to get over the fear and do the thing. Part-book club, part-walking club, this group is open to anyone in Bristol. Each month we’ll walk and talk around a chapter from The Blackbird’s Song by Miles Richardson. It’s a gentle, reflective book about noticing more and feeling more connected to the world around us.
You’re welcome to try out the practices in your own time during the month, then join us to share what landed, what didn’t, or just listen in. Creating time for a walk with others is the main thing.
More importantly, I’ve scheduled every session until December 2026. Consistency at its finest. The first walk is 28th January in Bristol. If you’re interested in coming you can sign up using the link below.
If you’re like me, then the gap between knowing and doing feels like jumping from one side of the Grand Canyon to the other, i.e. impossible. This is why I’m hosting a habit building workshop on 4th February.
By then it’ll be cold, likely grey, and those sparkly new year feelings will be a distant memory - which is exactly when we need this most. Winter blues are real, and positive wellbeing takes commitment, not a one-off activity. Getting outside, even for a few minutes daily will make you feel better, I promise. The session is a short one at lunchtime, and online so anyone can join.
The writing club: Not mine but something I have signed up to every Monday 1-2pm for the whole year with a group of around 30 others. It means I have to write, and hopefully this newsletter will be the direct beneficiary.
Morning meditation for my mental health: another area where accountability is key for me. I’m absolutely rubbish at getting up in the morning to meditate, despite knowing how good it is for me. It’s too easy to roll out of bed, check my phone (see addiction above) and either open my laptop or walk straight to work. Between Georgia’s sessions and my new Brick, I’m already feeling more optimistic for my screen free hour first thing in the morning.
Waymarkers:
Gain some EARNT points by watching a Run to the Source on 22nd January at the Sea Containers in London.
My friend Rory and his pal Joe run a community called Concord, for people that build IRL businesses. This month they’ve brought in Oli Broom, the founder of The Slow Cyclist, for their latest event. Join them on 28th January in London
Last night, I ventured out in the rain to the Conduit to listen to Simeon Rose, Brand Director at Faith in Nature talk, alongside Jon Alexander and Jane Davidson. I managed to grab myself an early copy of Simeon’s new book ‘Nature’s Boardroom’. I can’t vouch for it yet but if this quote is anything to go by, I’m looking forward to it already.
“Realise we have the freedom to change it. So much is just make-believe…Stop talking. Get on and do it.”
Your walking club is a brilliant goal ... others will benefit from more than you will for organizing!