Thank you for YOUR encouragement
Happy 2024!
Dear reader,
If there’s one thing I’ve particularly enjoyed this year, it's writing. And publishing it. And knowing that you would read it.
I hope you have enjoyed receiving these letters as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
For the last letter this year, I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your subscription.
The image shows the 9 letters of 2023. Feel free to browse through the 2023 Archive whenever you like, to find a fresh perspective or some encouraging words to support your mission.
The joy of sharing
The joy of writing has led to some really meaningful conversations over the last few months. You may have noticed that I have started adding the line “Would you like to continue this conversation?” at the end of each letter.
“I liked that you brought up the importance of not judging each other. Even if I chose to eat meat every day, I would feel welcome in this workshop. ‘No one is better than the other’, I felt that.” - 2023 participant in my Future Proof Lifestyles workshop
Most of the topics addressed in Marleen Mulder’s Letters of Encouragement are relatable yet uncomfortable. Necessary and yet scary. Although we are often unaware of it, we are constantly moving from ‘the "world as it is" to ‘the "world that could be". So it can be a challenge to address these ‘futuristic’ but soon-to-be ‘new normal’ issues in a way that makes everyone feel included and supported.
But it's also a lot of fun!
Forward these letters to anyone who comes to mind and who may also find joy or courage in reading them.
What will the new year bring?
My wish for the new year is that it will bring you its very best! My wish for you is that you will give your best to the new year too.
Let me know what I can bring you in 2024. What conversations are you aiming for in the new year? What topics? What dilemmas? What fears? What obstacles do you still want to overcome yourself? And what do you want "society" as a whole to raise its awareness of over the next 12 months?
Here is a survey to inspire you. Is your topic not included? Leave your topic in a comment.
I have many, many topics up my sleeve. Drafts are in the works! There’s one called “Voices Calling Home”. It is a piece about women who live far from home and write about their homeland and childhood and how this shapes their worldview. And who in turn offer unique perspectives on the (Western) society in which they currently live.
Another draft concerns the vegan lifestyle and the conversations you are bound to have. (And in my experience so far, “good for you” is not one of them).
And, of course, the drafts of words for the sake of words. I'd love to publish more poems and super short pieces (maybe even oneliners) in 2024.
But what would you like to see?
If commenting on Substack (a rather unfamiliar platform perhaps) is not your style, you can always simply send me a reply at future@marleen-mulder.nl
123123, counting the hours…
Today is 123123.
12-31-23.
And after today,
2023 will forever be history.
Tomorrow is the first day of our next orbit around the sun.
2024 begins.
With our 2023 perspective, we now move forward,
the self we see before us is what we become.
Does this help you in any way? Be sure to let me know. I couldn’t think of another reason to write this than for you 🙏 Your thoughts would be much appreciated in a comment or reply to future@marleen-mulder.nl
Would you like to continue this conversation? Or start this conversation with your audience or team? Book me as a facilitator or freelance strategist. Find out more at marleen-mulder.nl
Much love and Happy New Year,
Marleen