Clearing Space, Inside and Out

Hello,

Lately, I’ve been in clearing mode, both in my woodland and here, in this online hub. I find real satisfaction in creating order, whether it's stacking logs or reorganising articles.

At the wood, I’ve painted 16 pallets and shifted a serious quantity of logs. My two old log stores were collapsing, not built to last, and I’d ended up with unruly piles of wood at base camp. Not exactly relaxing. I considered buying a pre-made log store (even tried one!), but it wasn’t up to scratch. So, my friend built two robust new ones, and I’ve been enjoying moving logs.

It’s heavy work, really heavy, but I’ve done it mindfully, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed it. Here’s a photo of one log store I filled in a single day. I’ve also been working with a personal trainer twice a week, and it’s making a real difference: not just strength, but stamina too.

While sorting things outdoors, my mind wandered to this space. I decided it was time to create a better structure here too. I’ve reviewed all 80 of my Substack posts and grouped them into eight categories to make everything easier to navigate, for both of us.

The new categories:

• Ageing: Reflecting on what it means to grow older with intention and dignity

• Retirement: Reimagining retirement as a transition, not an end point

• Work & Meaning: Exploring purpose, identity, and contribution in later life

• Relationships: Belonging, connection, and how our roles shift over time

• Decision Making: Navigating change with insight, clarity, and courage

• Joy: Finding delight and creativity in the everyday

• Nature: Rooting into seasonal rhythms, woodland life, and the wisdom of the more-than-human world

• Book Process: Behind-the-scenes notes as I write my next book

You’ll be able to find what matters to you more easily, and I get a clearer view of what I’ve been drawn to write about.

I also realised I only ever shared the first of my planned ‘Wood Wisdom’ series. There are more drafts waiting in the wings, and I’ll start releasing them weekly.

Should I archive older posts?

I did consider making past posts available only to paid subscribers after a month, but it doesn’t feel quite right, at least for now. That may shift as things evolve 😊

What paid subscribers receive:

You’ll continue to get exclusive updates on my book process, early access to certain articles, and now also:

• Access to the private chat space

• A monthly Zoom session with open Q&A and topical themes

Also updated:

Like any creative project, once you “finish,” you notice all the tweaks you want to make. So, I’ve now refreshed both my About page and Welcome page. I’ve also added links to two personal favourites, articles that reflect who I am and how I live.

I’ve also got a different icon too!

As you read this, I’ll be heading back to the wood at dawn, my favourite time, when the birds are most alive. There’s still one more log store to fill, and I’m looking forward to it. When I’m moving logs, I’m moving logs. My head is clear and I really am in the moment.

It’s not just work at the wood, I love to laze in my hammock and drift

Thank you for being here. Your subscription really means a lot. In a world full of noise, your choice to spend time with my writing, especially on something as personal as ageing, is something I deeply value.

Till next time,

Denise x