10 Things Helping Me in 2023

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

1. 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…”

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Music

   • Hania Rana and Dobrawa Czocher’s Inner Symphonies

   • I cannot quite express the majesty, perfection & mastery of this album.

5. 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!)

6. 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:

7. 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.

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     … 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)

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8. 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.”

9. 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.

10. 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.

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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

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Have a great weekend everyone!