Year In Review: A Letter from Lauren
A LETTER FROM SELF PRACTICE FOUNDER, LAUREN TREND
Hello everyone,
My, what a year we’ve had!
When I sat down and did our Reflection & Intention Setting Workshop this time last year, like so many if you, I had great big plans for 2020. After the catastrophic fire season in Australia, I took on an even greater responsibility to move Self Practice in a certain direction; one that was focussed, sustainable, and above all — community oriented.
In the very early weeks of this year, it became painstakingly clear to me that a shift on a major scale was needed. Little did I know then, that the following months, had something in store.
Before the pandemic hit, my main focus for this year was to expand our in person events and face-to-face workshops. As we all know.. that really didn’t, and couldn’t, go to plan. So much we’d worked towards and invested in could no longer come to fruition. Such is the theme of this year, I suppose..
Like every other small business, we’ve had to step back and surrender; taking things month by month, week by week, often day by day.
In a time where all we’ve craved is certainty and structure, the lack of it left us flailing about at times — but the one thing that managed centre and ground me, is being of service to this community.
What’s most important for me to express to you today, is my sincerest thanks. Thank you for finding or continuing to follow Self Practice.
Thank you for your continued and unparalleled support. Thank you for being here and showing me that what we do, matters to you. Thank you for participating in our offerings. Thank you for being an active member of this community. Thank you for every email, message, note and order. I read and see them all.
This year, whilst doing my best to focus on all there is to be grateful for — has been a year of many lessons. Some of you might have noticed that I’ve pulled back quite a lot, as I’ve been privately navigating one of the hardest experiences of my life. But through it all, I’ve felt held and supported because of those around me — you included.
As I reflect on my own lessons of this year, and how they’ve stretched me into the person I’m destined to become, I wonder what each of yours might have been?
Where did you go in a year that we were forced to sit stationary? How were you forced to grow? What moments would you give anything to have erased? What would you never ever change, given the chance?
This has been a hard and heavy and traumatic year for so many, and I will always be most proud of how this community has banded together to support one another. If this year has taught us anything, its that community and our well-being, is everything.
As this community continues to mean everything to me — I thank you again for enriching my life so very much.
May you have a warm, joyful and grounding holiday season — however and with whomever you get to spend it.
All my best for the next chapter ahead,
Lauren. x
14 - 12 - 20