"Thanks for seeing what I couldn't"
Stepping out of our own way | Creative confidence in life and art | Write with us this week (scroll down for calendar)
I’m a big fan of confidentiality. Obviously I am. It’s the foundation of everything: how we’re able to think aloud; why (like therapy but more, if you like, utilisation-orientated) the right coaching relationship means we get to hear the insights and solutions our minds already hold. It’s how we’re able to step around our own defences and into our own curiosity: where dreams become goals, goals become habits and habits become everyday realities.
So, yep, an absolute hooray for confidentially. .
But here’s the other thing about confidentiality:
We never get to see how not alone we are.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely worth it: no confidentiality, no thinking partnership. But it’s absolutely why, if you’re one of the clients inviting me to mark the end of the Writers’ Gym’s first year as a membership platform with a quote about how your new year looks nothing like the last because you chose, some say dared, to ask for coaching, you’re doing a huge thing for the people who are almost choosing, almost daring.
Some of these quotes are from 1:1 clients, others are members of the Writers’ Gym; many are both. They share what I do, why I do it and (I hope) how enormously happy I am to be godmother to new stories on the page and off the page: new chapters in life begun though new boundaries, new business and social life choices, new job applications and new ways of looking at the self and the world:
“The Writers’ Gym has changed my life… a shiny place I get to go where I can be fully myself on the page. My writing has undoubtedly improved, but so has my overall confidence and my interactions in the wider world.”
“Looking back, I see huge changes in myself – but they happened so subtly and painlessly I didn’t recognise them happening.”
”The confidence I get at the Writers’ Gym has seeped into other areas of my life.”
“These exercises are like a massage for the mind.”
“Thanks for seeing what I couldn’t.”
Before our final weekly calendar of the year, a massive thank-you. One of the best things about The Writers’ Gym’s first year as a membership platform has been growing its staff. Thank you Bella Barbieri, Holly Gillanders and Vanessa Thompsett. You are wonderful.
Join us this week:
If you’re not in the UK, find your timezone here.
The Writing Room | 11-1pm Mon 16 December
FREE for everyone on my mailing list (if you’re reading this, that’s you!). No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and ten minutes’ (totally optional) chat together at the end. Click here
Writing Feedback Soiree at the Writers’ Gym | 6.30-8pm Monday 16 December
Our end-of-year Writing Feedback Soirée is a chance for Writers' Gym members and new faces alike to share work, set goals for the new year and celebrate their writing. We'll start with an opening exercise, a writing chat and then those who have submitted their work will receive feedback in a friendly and supportive environment. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here
You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session. Just sign up for any session. But if you’d like to access our weekly programme for free, and receive 30% off all our other events, email thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com or download a brochure at writersgym.com
For personal training and creative confidence for life, work and art, email info@rachelknightley.com or visit rachelknightley.com