2022 you tricksy rollercoaster of a year! I think I’m going to stop expecting each year to somehow be magically smoother than the last. We’re living through majorly transformational times Nicola – buckle up and get used to it!
With all the ups and downs this year has brought, it feels even more important to reflect, so here goes, my 2022 in a nutshell.
Emerging
As 2022 began, we were definitely still experiencing the hangover from a global pandemic. I had a retreat booked with the wonder-full Meghan Field in Cornwall and thankfully it was able to go ahead 🙌
The theme of the retreat was Gentle Emergence and it was such a beautiful start to the year – we danced, wove, spoke and released our way into the year, setting a powerful theme of sisterhood which would continue throughout 2022.
In January, I also started a year-long journey with my 1:1 mentor, Clare Roche. I worked with Clare in 2017 as I was writing UNBOUND and I had a sense that this year would be just as transformational. I’ve been so grateful to have her by my side as I’ve journeyed through the magic and mayhem of this year. I’ve learned from experience that the true nature of what’s transformed won’t become clear for months, or even years, but I know that something big has shifted over these past 12 months.
Early in the year I had two bouts of the lurgy and was laid low for weeks at a time. My body wanted to rest and I had no choice but to listen. At the beginning of the year I’d started a daily sharing practice on Instagram, using the hashtag #unbound365 and for a while it seemed like every post I shared was a selfie of me in bed, having to surrender to sickness #youarewelcome
Being sick twice in quick succession was definitely NOT part of the plan, particularly as I was in training for my first half marathon, which leads me onto…
The desire to feel STRONG
Over the past five years or so, as I’ve journeyed with peri-menopause, my body stopped wanting to do anything strenuous. Whereas in my 20’s and 30’s I was a regular in the gym and usually training for some kind of running event, my 40’s were more about yoga and walking.
That all changed in 2022. Suddenly my body started to call me back to the gym. She wanted to feel strong 💪
After completing my half marathon in April (somehow managing to get round even though my training plan was reduced to 8 weeks, rather than 12), I re-joined the gym. I wasn’t drawn to the cardio; my body wanted the weights.
In September, I found the most amazing personal trainer who was setting up a small group training program for women – Strong Girls – centred around weight lifting. Oh my goddess, I LOVE it! I’ve discovered that the deadlift is my jam and my body ADORES the strength that’s building.
It’s interesting because I’ve talked to other women in the unbound community who have also felt this call to get back into training and build strength this year. I wonder what we’re in training for? 🤔
Mayhem
2022 felt like a continual year of lessons at Unbound HQ. It became clear that the books we’re releasing often stir up a ton of deep magic and that can look like mayhem when it comes to interacting with the systems we get to use at The Unbound Press.
With each book launch we’d wait with bated breath to see if our distribution company and Amazon would play ball! Often there would be glitches and we’ve had to learn to be ultra-resourceful in order to dance with whatever’s been arising.
The lesson to trust and let go has been a continuing one. I’m so grateful that we have both an amazing team at The Unbound Press AND a family of authors who get that whatever unfolds is perfect (even when it doesn’t feel like it!)
These books are feisty ones!
Magic
But amongst the mayhem there was plenty of magic this year! I got to retreat in Glastonbury with the Shakti Fart crew, co-host the Unbound Writing Wilding Retreat with my dear friend, Brier Heart, in West Wales and have a personal retreat in Spain with my mentor, Clare.
We also got to host the Unbound Zone at the Awakening Festival on the Isle of Wight in September. Being together with a magical constellation of unbound authors blew me away. I know I’m always banging on about, when we come together, we come more, but wow, the big message for me this year has been community is EVERYTHING.
Of course, I have no idea how 2023 will unfold, but one thing I’m planning for is many more in-person gatherings.
Closing out
Towards the end of the year, we celebrated our 4th anniversary at The Unbound Press. Four years! I can’t believe that we’re heading into our 5th year – watch this space for opportunities to celebrate together.
I also ended the year with the release of the #unbound365 journal. Yes, I actually did it! You might remember from my 2021 review that a journal had been on the cards. I’d started and drifted away from the process. But the message came though loud and clear whilst I was hosting the Unbound Writing Wilding Retreat in Wales that my next book would be a journal. So, based on my (intermittent!) #unbound365 daily sharing practice, it came together 🥳
So, there we have it. I’m sure I’ve missed so much – it’s a challenge to put 2022 into words – but these are the experiences that have bubbled up to be shared as I’ve been writing, so I’m trusting that. Let’s see what next year brings!
The year in numbers:
New authors signed to The Unbound Press: 17
Books Released: 15
Revenue to Date: £121,140
Podcast Episodes: 48
Invested in:
1:1 Mentoring with Clare Roche (Having someone who gets me has been invaluable this year. I’ve known Clare for years and she’s been a big part of my journey. Her space-holding is exquisite!)
Shame Clinic & Summer Camp with Simone Grace Seol (I ADORE Simone’s work – if you’re not already following her on Insta, do it! Her 2-week virtual Summer Camp activated me to launch The Story Sessions, which is set to become an annual community event and the Shame Clinic she co-hosted with David Bedrick was life-changing.)
LOTS with Elizabeth Goddard (I did SO many of Elizabeth Goddard’s courses this year that I can’t share them all! Her approach is so simple and implementable – I highly recommend checking her out. You can see all of her offerings here – please note this is an affiliate link.)
The Infinite Receiving Portal with Suzy Ashworth (Towards the end of the year I joined this new offering from Suzy Ashworth. I went to one of Suzy’s events back in 2019 and she’s been firmly on my radar ever since. This 12-month container ticked all of my energetic boxes and I’m excited to build my receiving muscle over the next year.)
How you can be involved in 2023:
Unbound Writing Mastermind – doors are now open for our. next season which starts in January
Join the Abundant Author Mastermind – currently in pre-sale. Find out more and access special introductory pricing here.
