Oh hi. I've missed you. I've really, really missed you.
Been a minute since I've posted. Here's why — and here's what's coming up!
Oh hi. I’ve missed you. I’ve really, really missed you.
It’s been a minute since I last posted, so I wanted to fill you in on why…and to let you know what’s coming up in 2023.
But first, I hope you’re having a decent holiday season. Note that I didn’t say, “I hope your holidays are GREAT,” cuz that puts a whole lotta pressure on, dontcha think? I mean, as long as we can GET THROUGH this crazy season, that’s a win in my book. And so, I hope you’re getting through. That’s more than ENOUGH.
So, the last time I posted was at the end of November, and here we are at the end of December. What the serious H is that delay all about?
Well.
On December 11, I came down with Influenza A, and it was far worse than the awful virus I had in July (and just as bad as the COVID-19 infection I had six months prior to that).
Three major infections in one year really did a number on my body — particularly my energy levels — so I’ve been pacing my 54-year-old self, prioritizing everything from my memoir coaching clients’ projects to navigating holiday plans. Most mornings these days I wake up in a massive fog, rarely having slept through the night. The lingering cough comes and goes at random times, and my irritability with the whole situation is abundantly clear. I’ve been doing what I can to hydrate, rest, and remind myself that it takes time to recover from so much illness in one calendar year.
Still, I’ve been busy.
Owning my own business has been such a joy, and I’ve embraced the freedom to explore new ways of doing things. I love my clients and their inspiring life stories, and though I regularly wake up exhausted, I still can’t believe I have the honor of helping people bring their writing projects to the publishing finish line.
And yet, as any small business owner will tell you, there’s more than a little bit of terror involved when you know there’s always a chance that everything *could* simply grind to a startling halt. Maybe that’s a little bit of COVID-19 PTSD showing up?
These days, I remind myself that many of the traumatic events I’ve gone through have taken years to fully process. In terms of the pandemic itself, I suspect that many of us have only barely scratched the surface of processing what we’ve collectively gone through. Though I’ve tried to be mindful and intentional about not *burying* or *downplaying* or *shoving down* my raw emotions when they arise (often out of nowhere), it’s been fascinating to acknowledge my post-pandemic feelings — and my gratitude — as they all show up. It often feels overwhelming, yet here we all are — survivors of a global pandemic — living and breathing in this post-pandemic world.
I can’t help but look back and reflect on all the hope I had this past summer while training for my 5th Chicago marathon, only to have to bow out due to lack of energy. On the day I made the call to stop training, I snapped this photo (below) as I sat in my car, hoping to preserve the moment so I might look back on it someday.
Why was I compelled to do that? There was no way I’d forget the disappointment and the sadness I felt. And yet, something told me to document that moment — perhaps as a way of reminding my future self of the agency I had in what otherwise felt like sheer weakness and defeat. The act of snapping a stupid photo was my way of taking action in circumstances that otherwise felt out of my control.
Throughout the fall of 2022, I worked harder than ever imagined I could. I put the finishing touches on my forthcoming political biography and turned in all my research materials to my publisher. I met with clients and read and provided feedback on their manuscripts.
I also traveled to my sister’s home for the very first time. This is the sister I never knew existed until a 23andme test heralded our previously unknown connection. The visit was surreal…and incredibly emotional. I’m still in disbelief that we walked this earth for more than five decades before discovering each other. While I was there, we took long drives, ate delicious food, and spent an incredible morning learning how to blow matching glass bowls. Spending time in her home and meeting her (our!) extended family just cracked my heart open wider than I ever thought possible.
Like glassblowing, the journey of discovering an unknown family member has been at times intense, delicate, and utterly expansive. It’s required immense patience and mindfulness from both of us, and it’s literally transformed us as human beings. Like glassblowing, the process of welcoming a new sister into my life has reshaped my entire existence.
In the small package of Christmas presents I sent to my new sister and her family, I included a tiny Christmas ornament in the shape of a teapot and made of Polish pottery (our biological father was Polish. I included a note explaining that the teapot represented all the tea parties we never got to share as little girls — as well as all the pots of tea we’ll share in the years to come.
My sister wrote back, “Your note touched my soul, and I have to admit I cried a lot. Good tears, because I would have loved a little sister to have tea parties with, seriously. I have to hear your voice and thank you for being in my life now. Thank you a million times over for being who you are, for coming into my life and making me whole. I love you.”
Just like glassblowing, there’s no one right way to craft a relationship; we can only use the tools we’re given and stay as present as possible, stopping every now and then to witness the wonder and intricacies of what we’re shaping together.
Gosh, there’s so much more that I’ve been up to, but that’s some of the BIG stuff. And now, here’s a little bit about what’s to come…
Upcoming News & Events
1. Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers’ Conference (March 2023):
I’m excited to announce that my business, Writers’ Haven LLC, will proudly sponsor the Chicago Writers’ Association’s Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers’ Conference in March 2023.
2. DNA Surprise Retreat in Tucscon, AZ (May 2023):
In May of 2023, my sister and I plan to attend a conference called the DNASurprise Retreat in Tucson, Arizona, during which I’ll be facilitating a Write-to-Heal workshop:
3. WRITE-TO-HEAL Retreat in Carefree, AZ (May 2023)
In May, 2023, I’ll be running the first-ever WRITE-TO-HEAL retreat at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona. Details are still being finalized, but I’m thrilled to partner with this incredible facility, and I can personally confirm that Civana delivers on its mission — to provide every traveler a wellness experience that empowers them to stay happy, checkout changed, and to leave with more than they arrived. The WRITE-TO-HEAL retreat at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa will be designed for memoirists (new and experienced) looking to nurture their spirits as they explore their deepest memories and their most authentic reflections. It’ll be a concentrated experience of community, compassion, courage, and creativity. As I fine-tune the programming, I’m offering a discount to anyone with a paid subscription to this newsletter. If you’d like more information about this upcoming retreat, let me know in the comments here:
If you’d like to subscribe to this newsletter, click here:
4. Writers’ Haven Online Writing Salon
2023 will also see the launch of the Writers’ Haven Online Writing Salon — structured and dedicated time to write from the convenience of your own space in the company of other writers. Subscribe to this newsletter (or leave a comment that you’re interested) and I’ll send you all the details on dates and times and how to gain access:
5. Be A Part of My Memoir!
As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, I’m writing a memoir of my own, and I’d love for you to be a part of it. As a paid subscriber, you’ll receive behind-the-scenes details of the process, snippets of my work-in-progress, and your name on a SUPPORTERS page in the published book. To become a paid subscriber, here’s the link:
6. Journals You’ll LOVE!
I’ve decided to partner with Switch Research, a company that offers incredibly useful and impactful journals. I only partner with entities I deeply believe in, and the science behind these Switch journals is incredible. They’re unlike anything I’ve ever used before, providing a level of compassionate self-care and opportunities to transform your confidence, self-esteem, and outlook. Four separate journals offer tailor-made approaches to the topics and issues most relevant to you, including Self Love, Emotions, Self-Talk, and Boundaries. These science-backed journals are designed to support mental and emotional health, and I’m thrilled to offer them at a discount to my paid subscribers. If you’re interested in one or more of these journals, let me know — either in the comments or via email (christine at christinewolf dot com).
7. Discounted Consultations on Your Works-In-Progress
Are you at a stuck point in your writing journey? Are you looking for feedback on structuring your manuscript? Wondering how the publishing process works? Feeling overwhelmed by the ideas and scraps and notes you’ve been gathering? Trying to figure out a realistic gameplan to get your manuscript across the finish line? I offer a discounted hour for first-time clients and would be happy to set up a time to Zoom with you about your project. Whether you’re an established or wet-behind-the-ears writer, I’d love to help you identify your story’s strengths and move beyond its challenges. Feel free to reach out, either in the comments or via email (christine at christinewolf dot com) and we’ll set something up.
WHEW!
That’s all the news for now.
I cherish you, and I’m honored you’ve taken the time to read my newsletter. Stay healthy, stay as sane as possible, and please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Christine
Hi Christine. I feel your frustration at being knocked out by 3 bad infections. Well done for prioritising your most important work. As you know, this has also been a frustrating time for me. I wonder what perspective we'll have on this in a few year's time. Take care. Happy New Year x
Wow! I hope you’re feeling better. I can relate to some of that after having Covid over the summer. I’m absolutely interested in your new online program. But before that we have SO much to catch up on…. Let’s try and do that soon!