A Year of Reflection
Lessons from 101 Essays by Brianna Wiest
Early in 2024 and up to the last week, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through daily writing inspired by Brianna Wiest's "101 Essays." Initially, the book didn't resonate with me. I honestly didn’t quite get it or was in the wrong mood… However, as I revisited it towards the end of 2023, I found it to be a valuable companion.
I found "101 Essays" to be a powerful tool for self-reflection, particularly during a time of personal growth and change. The book resonated with my own "mid-life change" journey, encouraging me to question my assumptions and embrace new perspectives.
The daily writing practice became a powerful tool for introspection and personal growth. By distilling the wisdom from the book and some of it’s essays, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. I posted these nuggets on a pretty much daily basis to my Mastodon profile - have a look!
Key Takeaways from 101 Essays:
Here are some key lessons I gleaned from the book and implemented in my life:
Prioritizing Physical Health: I embraced a more active lifestyle, prioritizing physical activity. Cycling, particularly gravel biking, has become a passion, allowing me to explore new places and connect with like-minded individuals.
Living in the Moment: I've learned to appreciate the present moment, finding joy in the simple things. Mindfulness practices have helped me reduce stress and increase my overall well-being.
Cultivating Meaningful Relationships: I've focused on building strong, reciprocal relationships with people who support and inspire me. These connections enrich my life and provide a sense of belonging.
Embracing Authenticity: I've learned to be true to myself and to let go of the need for external validation. By embracing my individuality, I've gained greater confidence and self-worth.
Appreciating the Balance of Pain and Pleasure: Recognizing that challenges are an inevitable part of life, I've learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth. By overcoming obstacles, I've experienced greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
The insights gained from "101 Essays" have had a profound impact on my life. I encourage everyone to explore the power of introspection and personal growth.
A Year of Joy: A Personal Journey
Inspired by the lessons from "101 Essays," I embarked on a personal project called "A Year of Joy." This involved creating a mind map with one branch for each month, outlining experiences and activities that would bring me joy and fulfillment. By focusing on intentional experiences, I was able to prioritize my well-being and create lasting memories. Whether it was a weekend getaway, a creative project, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, each experience contributed to a richer and more fulfilling life. This practice has also helped me to better understand my values and aspirations. By reflecting on the experiences that bring me the most joy, I've been able to make more informed decisions about my future.
A Call to Action
Have you ever tried a daily writing practice?
What benefits have you experienced?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's inspire each other to continue our journey of self-discovery and personal growth.