This is it… My last gift to you for 2022.
To recap the year I’ll be taking you for a spin of the 6 posts I’ve created in the last 9 months that most resonated with you, the readers, and the ones that required me to master new depths as a writer.
And as a festive thanks ahead of the new direction of this newsletter in 2023, you can now grab a 25% discount on becoming a paid subscriber & community member before the launch on 6th Jan.
So, if you’ve enjoyed my writing this year, please do consider going paid. I’ll be reinvesting everything into the community experience in 2023 and have big plans that I’d love you to be a part of. If money’s tight and you’d still like to get involved, drop me a reply to this email and we’ll figure something out.
Anyhow, let’s get into it…
Most Liked by You, the Reader
Success in the newsletter game can be measured in many ways - open rates, views, likes, comments, ratings… But, what truly matters is the impact the words have on those that read them. And from all the above metrics, here are the three that stand out above the rest…
1) Guide #12 - Creating
Creating was the final Guide in the original twelve week series and stands leagues above the other posts in likes & comments. There’s a few reasons for this. Firstly, it was the post that epitomised the style of the Guides after I’d learnt how to write over 3 months of emailing you every week. Secondly, I followed my own advice and collaborated with other creators, strengthening my metaphors with their actionable tips. And thirdly, it’s a post I send to people all the time when they ask me how to start creating online, meaning it’s often the first piece they read from me. So, based on your feedback, I’d say it’s definitely worth checking out.
2) Going Part-time in Your 20s is More than Okay
This Discussion piece was a great collaboration between
& I, where we re-wrote the assumed path to success in your 20s. We brought a fresh take to why part-time work isn't just for students, retirees & parents, but is also a viable option in your "peak" working years. With actionable advice, a custom graphic and practical places to start, it was well received by many of you. If you're sick of your parents telling you to get a "good job", have a read of this article to reframe what that might mean for you.3) Diary #4 - Dancing With Change
This Diary was a sharp contrast to the previous overly practical and long winded reflections that I’d been sharing with you all. It marked a change to a storytelling style that focused on threading together the most important parts of the journey. But, I believe it truly resonated because I got real with you on the trials and tribulations of processing the emotional rollercoaster of a break-up. So, if that kinda thing rocks your boat, give this one a read.
Most Liked by Me, the Author
Creating is as much about the audience as it is about the creator. And these posts were the ones that required me to dig deeper into my own emotions, mental models and skills as a writer the most…
1) Guide #20 - Love
Writing this one felt cathartic. It was the week after the break-up, everything was fresh in my mind and I wanted to get all that I’d learnt down on paper before the memories inevitably became too painful to reminisce on. They say you often produce your best work when the emotions are high and I have to say I somewhat agree. Enough feelings and it’s easy to create relatable metaphors, but too much and you’re trapped in overwhelm. Have a read of this one and let me know if I’ve managed to strike the right balance.
2) Guide #14 - Relaxing
You wouldn’t catch me creating a guide to relaxing a year ago. But, after a transformational experience with Unplugged in July, out went the obsession with productivity and in came a slower, more sustainable approach to life. And it wasn’t just me who this post helped. There were so many of you who told me it had landed at a perfect time in your inbox and that you used it to redefine the busyness of the Summer months in the city into a manageable experience that grounded you back to your full self. If you’ve been struggling to switch off this Christmas time, it’s well worth exploring this one.
3) Launching A New Life Quarter
This was the first of the Discussions series, where
& I co-authored a piece on the differences (or more accurately the similarities) between those in their 20s and those in their 60s. It was the first piece I'd ever written with someone else and taught me the joys of co-creating together. And what better person to learn from than the true multipotentialite that is Avivah and the lifetime of experience she brings. If life is running away from you, this post could be the reminder that it's not the destination that matters, but the journey you go on to get there.Some Kind Words You’ve Shared
Given that this newsletter all started because I half wrote a book in 2021 and wanted to hit publish more regularly, the feedback loop of your comments and direct messages has truly meant a lot. They’ve been the motivation that enables me to sit down and write even when there a million and one other better paying projects screaming for my attention.
So, thank you to every single of you who dropped a well meaning message, liked a post or added a comment, I really appreciate you.
Here’s a little snapshot of what you’ve said so far…
“Great piece, Charlie! 2 ears 1 mouth is such a good reminder :)”
“Great article. Change can be difficult but is the very definition of being alive. For me good writing is less about format and more about storytelling and emotional depth. Both well conveyed in this article. 5/5”
“I thought that I wasn't the right audience for your newsletters at first, as I have gone through the research on similar topics myself. But the number of resources you pack into these allow me to keep coming back and brush up on that knowledge. So, alight alright, count me into your subscriber list ;D”
“Thanks for the much-needed reminder to prioritize and schedule R&R time. Appreciate the actionable tips!”
“Charlie, this is super helpful, and I really liked the breakdown on social media channels.”
Your words mean more than you know.
Thank you so, so much for your support.
I’ll see you for more in 2023 ❤