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The season of taking everything outdoors in Berlin is ON.
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In June, the long sunny days in Northern Europe reach their height. There's light in the sky after 10 at night, and a quick run to the loo at 4:45 this morning jolted me awake, as it was already broad daylight.

Walks down the canals near our house reveal gobs of people playing bocce in dedicated courts, walking, and sitting on every possible surface while chatting over Aperol spritz, beer, or a bottle of wine. There are as many Berliners as birds covering the banks, and even those who take the party into inflatable boats and float down the waterways to stay cool.

People travel here specifically for the long days and festive summer. While I enjoy the easy breezy feeling, I am also often a walking zombie in summer. Being jolted awake at 4:45 required over an hour to get me back to sleep. Sometimes it doesn't happen. For those who have asked how I read so many books a year, this is why.

When entering a new season, ask what you need now.

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Each time the temperature changes, each time we turn to clothes more suited to that time of year, as the light shifts in its path across the sky, we change, too. Part of the reason we moved to Berlin from LA was missing these shifts. I wouldn't give them up for anything, but I've also learned to re-evaluate my schedule and plans each time a new season begins.

This week, take some time to notice what seasonal shifts are occuring where you are in the world. For some of us the days are at their shortest, for others of us, their longest, and for some there isn't such a big shift at all.

What is your energy like in the season you're currently in? Is this a time when your creative self thrives, or does that self need some TLC? Taking time to create a virtual care package for the turning of the year serves us each so well.

Keep a list of what you love doing most in each season.

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We all have more and less favorite times of year. I come to life as the temperatures go down in September / October, and am most alert and energetic through the colder months of the year. You may be the opposite.

When my brain isn't at full power in the summer I turn ever more to the things about that time I enjoy to top me up: evening walks, when it's cooler but light; outdoor cafe dates; wearing lots of dresses; reading picnics and sitting on the balcony with the kitties, now that we finally have safety nets up for them.

Making a list in your journal of activities you love during each season and prioritizing doing them regularly is a way to keep your inspiration topped up.

What is one thing you love to do in the current season where you are? Please hit reply and tell me -- I'll gather a list together for all of us so we always have inspiration no matter the weather. I'll share a link here when it's ready.

xx,
Caroline

PS. Looking for some writing support this summer? I've got a couple individual coaching spots opening in June / July. Learn more and book a consult to discuss working together here.

Updates on the writing retreat.
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I was delighted to get such enthusiastic replies from everyone last week about the in-person retreat we are planning. Thank you for your replies!
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The latest: we have found a gorgeous location in Wales, easily accessible from London by a pretty train ride. It has a fireplace, and a hot tub under unbelieveable stars as it's a protected dark sky area. (see above)

We are in love with the spot. The one catch is that the hospitality industry is very conservative and would require full, nonrefundable payment for the space three months in advance. I'd hoped to run this event in October, but that would mean rushing people to decide in the next couple weeks, which isn't the energy we want to create.

We're now planning to look at dates for March/April. This would allow for a longer payment plan and additional time dreaming up ideas as well. Stay tuned for more details soon.

Caroline Donahue
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​A Writing Coach, host of The Secret Library podcast, and a writer of fiction and nonfiction myself, I'm ready to help you build the writing life that works for you. Let's talk about your book, your routine, your dreams and take you from dream to finished manuscript. Let's get you writing!​