10 Things Helping Me in 2023

A list kick-starting my year: thoughts, books, diet & creative suggestions.

Jim Kroft

Jan 14

Viktor Frankl’s enduring message:
- Frankl lived through hell to bring us the message that no matter how bad things get on the outside, you can determine how you react to it.
- I memorised the following quotation which brings me strength and solace when I’m struggling (it’s from Man's Search for Meaning)
“…everything can be taken but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances…”
Recognising that the best things in my life have their roots in my deepest failures:
- If there is a tonic to growing older it is this: the ways life smashes you contains the opportunity to become something more
- Click here to read my thoughts on daring to Reach Beyond Hope
Joyous things
- I am filming a short documentary with one of Germany’s supreme jazz talents. At the end of one session she said -
- “Remember to give yourself to joyous things, just for the sake of it”
- In 2023, things that have no future intention may bring the deepest reward.
Music
- Hania Rana and Dobrawa Czocher’s Inner Symphonies
- I cannot quite express the majesty, perfection & mastery of this album.
Keto Diet*
- After dislocating both shoulders in 2022, I’ve decided to get back to my “fighting weight”.
- Stripping all alcohol, sugar and carbohydrates from my diet has boosted my energy and deepened my sleep.
- Moreso; it’s empowering to remember one can live for a period with profound self-discipline.
- Call upon your warrior spirit in 2023! (*I have no expertise on diet whatsoever!)
Revolutionising my Artistic Life
- Every year we are presented with unique challenges: something I explore in - In the Jaws of Renewal
- For me this is the recognition that - since the pandemic - I am in a dog fight for my musical life.
- The tour last year was one of my great experiences; but on return I realised I needed to adapt with the times.
- I feel emboldened & inspired by the challenge of reinventing.
- If you’d like to support and follow this journey please subscribe to my paid newsletter:
Doing Something New!
- I started a podcast!
- It feels really exciting to stop over thinking and just start something for the fun of it.
- Click here to hear my Theory on Love's Creation - it’s set to music.
  … read on for a book recommendation, my suggestions to artists for 2023 and how to make peace with social media.
  …if unsure please reply to this mail - I will send you a 3 month trial to the paid subscription (I don’t need anything except email address)
A Book
- I’m loving Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg
- I recommend this to anyone in the arts and beyond; it’s application is universal:
“But if you accept that writing is hard work,
And that’s what it feels like while you’re writing,
Then everything is just as it should be .
Your labour isn’t a sign of defeat.
It’s a sign of engagement.
The difference is all in your mind, but what a difference.”
Suggestions for Artists in 2023
- Get rid of expectation.
- Create for the love it, not the result of it.
- Concentrate on your message.
- Discard the idea that art is about you - think of offering gifts instead.
- Ask a question that interests you - then set out to answer it.
- Stop over thinking: the best stuff comes when you discard the demons.
- 30 minutes a day beats 3 days a week.
My Challenge to you:
- Find a way to make peace with social media.
- If you feel tormented by it, delete it all and live new.
- If you know you would like to use it for your work - but are blowing hot and cold: empower yourself and make a decision.
- How do you want to use it? Activate your intention.
- Social media can be positive, if you choose to use it on your own terms.
- Whatever happens - get out of grey zones.
- This book helped me reinterpret my approach and rediscover its fun, potential and capacity to connect.

Thank you all for your continuing support, especially everyone who has subscribed! It will help me keep going.

With so very much love

x Jim