Last week, I had the joy of joining the wonderful Kate Tremills for a live conversation about making room for joy.
We explored the clutter that blocks creativity, how we know when something is ready to be released, and the quiet practices that help us come back to ourselves.
One part of our conversation has stayed with me ever since.
Letting go isn’t just about clearing space in our homes.
Sometimes it’s about releasing the identities, expectations and projects we’ve quietly outgrown.
And when we can do that with gratitude instead of guilt, something begins to shift.
This month I also joined Kate’s Joyful July community challenge (and I've got my eye on Michelle Reeves Arty August next!)
It couldn’t have come at a better time.
July was beautifully full.
Travelling across the world. Precious time with my parents. Coming home. Catching my breath.
A lot of emotion, connection — and very little routine.
Normally I’d tell myself I should be creating more.
Instead, the challenge invited me to soften.
To notice how I actually work, rather than how I think I should.
My creativity doesn’t thrive under pressure.
It needs spaciousness.
Tiny moments of rest.
Permission to stop forcing.
One of Kate’s prompts captured that perfectly 👇
Looking back, none of those small moments were wasted.
Every act of self-compassion.
Every walk.
Every pause.
Every expectation I quietly set down.
And here’s the magic behind it, since we are on Day 29 now.
All those small seeds — the compassion, the rest, the letting go — meant that when the right conditions finally arrived, I was ready!
Four whole days to myself (thanks to my thoughtful husband!)
And the creativity poured ♥︎
I found myself creating a collection of interactive Edinburgh city guides—including a sensory guide for those of us who experience places deeply.
We host family and friends throughout the year, and I wanted to create something that would help people slow down, notice more, and experience the city with a little more joy.
I wasn’t creating because I had to.
I was creating simply because it was joyful.
And I think that’s the difference.
The more I practice gratitude, the more freely creativity seems to move.
Gratitude doesn’t conjure inspiration.
It simply helps me notice what’s already here.
So - thank you, Kate. For the prompts, the encouragement, and the reminder that we’re allowed to do this gently.
Grateful for you! 🌼
If this resonates, I’d love you to join me next month.
Two 3-week courses in August, for anyone longing for a little more space, clarity and calm amidst the noise of the world:
✦ Finding Calm in Cluttered Times — Starting 17 & 18 August
✦ Joyful Legacy Decluttering — 18 & 19 August
And if you’re looking for ongoing, gentle support, the doors to my Circle of Joy membership are always open!
Come exactly as you are, it’s never too late to begin.
With joy,
Rebecca
Circle of Joy is my gentle membership for highly sensitive people seeking more calm, clarity, and connection.
Join for £20/month (cancel anytime) or £180/year (save £60) and join Weekly Reset co-working sessions, bi-weekly Joyful Gatherings, monthly themes, audio courses, practical resources, and a supportive community to help you create a life that sparks joy.
✶ 1:1 Virtual Power Flow Sessions
Sometimes you don’t need a whole program - you just need space to be seen, supported, and gently guided forward. That’s what the Power Flow Session is for: a one-off session designed to bring clarity, calm, and momentum.
