There's no certainty at the start of things
the best adventures start off shaky and weird
Doing something differently can feel off — even when it’s a step forward.
My 2015 journal is helping me remember this truth as I’m embarking on new 2025 journeys, feeling excited yet unsure.
In that journal, ten years ago, I was chronicling a major career transition: shifting from editing academic articles to facilitating international research teams.
I was a wreck during that period, writing:
I don’t know how to express the degree to which I’m in over my head work-wise.
I can’t even look straight at it.
I have to take glimpses from between my fingers, one-eyed, then shut both tight.
My nose was to the grindstone but I couldn’t tell if my efforts were producing anything. For three or four months, I wrote some version of:
Who knows if it had any value, at least I got it done. This seems to be my f_ing refrain.
As today’s reader, my memories now flash to peak experiences that trace directly to that grind-period, like an amazing meal in an Indonesian warehouse after kicking off a wildly collaborative project of coastal ecosystem management.
But at that starting point, all I had was my heart in my throat and the fear I would fail.
What new adventures are you starting in 2025?
If you’re having trouble trusting the hope over the feelings of uncertainty, remember:
You didn’t know you would succeed at anything you have accomplished.
Not knowing doesn’t mean you’ll fail.
This is what beginning feels like.
If a regular journaling practice is among the things you’re ready to start, I would love to welcome you to my annual January Journaling course. This 21-day guided experience introduces a range of journaling approaches, enabling everything from stress reduction to vision crafting to decoding dreams. Weekly live sessions build momentum and support, with carefully curated prompts in written and audio format arriving each day to your inbox.
Past participants have shared, “I really liked how some prompts spoke to each other and how some days build over the others” and describe the course as "extremely helpful" and "perspective-altering." In just 10-15 minutes a day, you’ll build a lasting habit and a suite of tools for self-care.
If you're looking for space in 2025 to honor your heart and welcome new clarity and insight, I'd love to help you find it in your journal. This year's course kicks off on January 11 (and won't come back around until 2026).
Details at a glance:
Starts January 11, runs through January 31
10-15 minutes per day
Wide range of journaling tools and approaches
Written and audio prompts delivered daily
Weekly live guided sessions (will be recorded)
Printable prompt library at course completion
For Navel Gazette readers, I’m extending Early Bird pricing: click here for your $50 discount.
For more information, testimonials, and a rundown of the science-backed benefits, visit my website: https://elisabethandrews.com/journaling.
Questions? Feel free to email me directly at elisabeth.andrews@gmail.com.