💬 Sunday Reflections #48 (a trip?)
Plus 'this time last year', August round-up and I'm looking for guest writers!
🎧 You can catch me presenting this week’s episode of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme called Food Waste: New Answers for Old Problems — listen via BBC Sounds or wherever you usually get your podcasts from.
Hi! This is Leyla from A Day Well Spent, a newsletter seeking pathways to more purposeful living.
Hello there, September 🌽
I like September not because of that back-to-school feeling but because it marks the last quarter of the year — there’s a whole three months still to play for.
I also revel in the abundance this month brings. Sure, I now need to wear a jumper if I’m out in the evening. But the tomatoes are finally ripening, the plums and apples are ready for picking and I’ve started making the wine from August’s elderberries.
Plus the light, the light!
There is still much to do this month and I’m here for it.
Welcome to Sunday Reflections ☕
For new subscribers, welcome to our twice monthly gathering! This is our intimate and friendly space for community and accountability. And the last (or first) Sunday of the month is always a juicy one.
How it works
On two Sundays each month I pose a prompt or question which we discuss (and say hi) in the comments. Topics tend to cover self-empowerment and personal growth and these regular check-ins allow us to share our wisdoms and get to know ourselves and the other members of the A Day Well Spent community better.
Feel free to have a browse through previous Sunday Reflections to get an idea of the stuff we talk about.
Before we begin, the August round-up
In case you missed them, here are all my published pieces from the month in one handy list.
1. An honest ‘day in my life’
I recently recorded what I did over the course of a day and at what times, for a ‘work’ day and a ‘rest’ day, and how I carve out time for the things I like to do. This is an honest ‘day in my life’.
2. How to grow kilos of raspberries
My raspberry harvest this summer was unprecedented, reaching a spectacular 5.5kg (12lbs) from just 7 canes. I shared the 5 tips that allow me to organically grow such a bonanza of raspberries in such a teeny tiny space.
3. How do you create everyday joy?
A conversation with Emma Gannon for her shiny new podcast Creative Coffee, where we talk about my newsletter and ‘all the twists and turns’ of my creative career, from working in a software company to BBC presenter and writer.
4. This 15min podcast is improving my life
They are bite-sized episodes of dazzling, doable and scientifically backed ways we can better our bodies and our lives. I’ve been telling everyone I know to listen to them!
5. How to relax
Easier said than done. Myself and community members share the ways we do it.
This time last year
Here are the pieces I published in September last year you might also enjoy this month:
5 of my favourite brands doing good #2
A conversation with lucid dreaming teacher, Buddhist and bestselling author, Charlie Morley
Exploring secret Tuscany on foot
Sunday Reflections: ask me anything, new beginnings and self-care
I’m looking for guest writers to write pieces for A Day Well Spent!
I am due to be travelling for a few weeks and I’m looking for some brilliant writers to write pieces for this newsletter during this time.
I am alas not yet in a position to pay with hard cash, but I’d be delighted to offer a year’s subscription to A Day Well Spent in exchange for successful pitches. And your piece would go out to over 5000 inboxes.
Please read this note for the full details of what I’m looking for and how to pitch.
I’ve already received some excellent pitches but if you’d like to throw your hat into the ring, I’ll be accepting them for a couple more days and making my selection shortly after. Thank you!
A big WELCOME to new community members
Should you join this community and leave a message when doing so, it would be a lovely thing to read and I’ll be sure to share it in these monthly round-ups.
To Denyse and all other new members this month, welcome!
Sunday is for awakening the mind, body and spirit 🧘
Now let’s begin.
Today’s topic: a trip?