Community, expansion, joy

Reflections from Alnwick Story Fest

What are the environments that benefit you?

Everyone will have a different answer to this question. Perhaps it looks like spending time with colleagues or friends who inspire you. It could be time alone or with others outdoors. Or being part of a community where you experience motivation and learn new things.

One of mine is attending conferences or festivals. They are usually to do with writing, creativity or entrepreneurship, although this year I added the National Running Show into the mix which was new (to me) and super fun. I wrote about here, if you’re curious.

I prioritise attending events like this because I recognize that immersing myself in these environments is hugely valuable. I find inspiration, learning and motivation. It’s one of the ways I fill my creative well and hang out with like-minded people.

I don’t always find it easy. I often go on my own which involves digging out my inner extrovert and talking to strangers, which is brilliant, but I’m exhausted by the time I travel home! Lots of peopling takes a lot of energy, even if they are lovely people who are interested in the same things as me.

Recently I went to Alnwick Story Fest and my experience was a little different. I knew I’d come away feeling motivated and inspired, but I was also dreading the train journey back (going south + engineering works + Sunday afternoon) as I knew I would be exhausted and desperate to get home.

And I was tired, yes. But I also felt replenished and well-rested. My energy reserves had been topped up, not depleted! Not only was it a weekend of inspiration, learning and motivation, but in Alnwick I also found community, expansion and a whole lot of joy.

Community, vulnerability and stories

This sense of community came from different places. Friends from an online accountability group I used to be part of scooped me up into their little circle for the weekend. Thank you, Juliet, Clair, Suzanne, Anna and Annabel. You really made a difference.

I met members of the Heart Leap community for the first time in real life. After the initial do we know each other, yes, I think we do looks, we settled into easy and often profound conversations. We shared our stories with each and listened as others stood up and shared their stories from the stage with breathtaking courage and vulnerability. We cheered each other on and celebrated our successes. Our connections were deepened and cemented.

Curiosity and expansion as antidotes to fear

I found a sense of expansion in Alnwick. As well as going to talks I knew I would enjoy, I also went to sessions I knew little or nothing about. I’ve noticed that heading outside my circle of knowledge or even comfort is often the most enriching place to be.

During the past couple of years especially, I have been trying to choose curiosity and expansion over fear in different areas of my life, and I've found it to be a much healthier way to live. In fact, curiosity and a desire to learn are the perfect antidotes to fear.

So, in Alnwick, I learned about the healing power of plants, cold water swimming and explored my spirit animal. I reflected on how I can write more of what scares me and lean into the discomfort of that. And I loved it all. Next year I will bring my swimsuit.

Perhaps there might be areas in your life or work where you could lean into curiosity and expansion, instead of fear?

Being in nature, books and joy

The weekend was a joyful experience. I was inspired, motivated and I learned a great deal. But the biggest benefit for me was just being there.

Experiencing the natural beauty of the Northeast of England. Wandering around the edges of Alnwick Castle and gardens in the delightful Spring sunshine. Nourishing conversations with new and old friends. Browsing in Barter Books with no particular agenda and buying a beautiful hardback copy of my favourite Jane Austen. Listening to authors talking about their books. Moved to tears one minute and laughing the next. Running and exploring. Coffee. Capturing notes and memories in a fresh notebook. All these things brought me joy and filled up my energy reserves.

What are the environments that benefit you?

Where do you find community, expansion and joy?

It’s not always easy and sometimes might take courage but it’s so worth it. These are the places that can enrich our lives if we choose to step into them. And you might find something there you weren’t expecting.

Thank you to Alnwick Story Fest and Suzy Walker for a truly wonderful weekend. I can’t wait for next year.

With love,

Claire x