Taking an Inward Turn

Free Annual Reflection Template | Reflecting on 2023 | Writing Community Pre-Launch | Travel Musings

Kon'nichiwa from Osaka, Japan!

You opened this... even in that Christmas to end of year period…

In case you only have 10-15 seconds of attention today before your next digital happening, might I suggest taking just 15 seconds to ask yourself:

What’s 1 intention you can bring into your final week of 2023?

If you have 2 more minutes today, here’s 3 quick updates to round out the year:

#1: Family + Writing Time in November

In November, I enjoyed spending time with family in Florida, celebrating my mom’s birthday, and soaking up the sunshine before spending almost all of December traveling Japan.

Two professional highlights were co-hosting a themed Salon Dinner and leading a mini writing cohort for 20 people (see #3).

Bringing together likeminded folks is rewarding, officially became a dog uncle to Harper, Medicare rocks (does it?), and might have discovered a golf hack that takes my game to a permanently new level…

---

#2: Reflecting on 2023 + planning for an even better 2024

If you’re into taking an inward turn, but not sure where to start, you’re in luck…

Here’s a link to my free Year End Review after analyzing 15+ others.

A look at the template’s home page… if it’s too detailed, I suggest this 7 question review.

I’ve gone full reflection mode and have enjoyed the process over the past several weeks. This has been a helpful, rewarding process the past 2 years I’ve done it, and hope to keep this ritual up for the rest of my life. After all…

Experience + Reflection = Growth

Hope you find it as helpful as these partakers 🤓

#3: A focus of 2024: Helping Others Discover Writing

While we’re on the topic of writing… In November, I lead 20 people through my first “14 Day Reflective Writing Challenge”, and it was so damn rewarding.

I knew I was onto something after hanging up on our Kickoff call at 630pm on a Wednesday night. Despite running late for an event after a full day of work, I felt like I’d taken a triple espresso shot.

This led me to realize that I get fired up helping people integrate writing into their already busy lives for the endless use cases it serves. This includes simply writing for the most important audience, yourself.

I’m eager to help thousands leverage writing to step into the best versions of themselves… I’ll have more updates for you soon in 2024 ;).

Until then, enjoy your end of year and:

• Be present, transforming the ordinary moments into extraordinary

• Tell your loved ones you love and appreciate them (I love you Mom, Dad, Elliot)

• To my friends in SF, Florida, and “Internet friends” whose relationships have blossomed into fuller friendships - I’m grateful for you.

• To my readers - thanks for letting me share some parts of this life with you and supporting along this journey

“The life of expression is the tuning fork by which we find our way to the sacred” remains truer than ever.

Wishing you your best year ahead.

Adam

---

✨ Endnote: Traveling with Intentionality

I’m publishing this from Osaka - currently 15 days into 20 days in Japan.

As I’ve turned inwards and wrote purely for myself to savor the exploration of the other side of the world… I’m seeing a few categories emerge. and now that I’m seeing a few of the categories / patterns emerge,I’d love your feedback.

Should I write a full essay on any of these themes once stateside again?

1. Mindfulness and Zen Beliefs: Lessons from Zen practices and mindfulness in everyday life. What ancient human truths are waiting to be rediscovered when visiting shrines, learning about the rich history and culture here?

2. About Japan + the World outside of my American bubble: Observations on cultural differences, the power of rituals, attention to detail, global connectivity, and more.

3. Traveling Well / Travel Hacks: Tips and experiences using AI as a travel companion and other travel insights, from a place of gratitude for modern technology in 2023 making travel seamless and accessible

4. About Writing + The Creative Process: Experiences and realizations about the writing process and content creation process while maintaining a full-time job as I gear up to launch on TikTok to drive traffic for a new brand...

   

If you enjoyed this edition, would you mind giving the heart below a click and share it with a friend? They and you can always unsubscribe using the link below.

How can I make these more insightful to you? Let me know in the comments, by email, on Twitter or on LinkedIn.