Take a deep breath with me! Ready? Inhaaaale… hold. Exhaaaale. That’s better. Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, here you are safe. I am so very grateful you exist!
Celebrating 500 Readers!
This month, we reached 500 readers! My heart is SO full. I would love to use this milestone to highlight the wonderful creatives I know are in this communi-tea. If you would like to be featured in our monthly Communi-tea Spotlight, please use this form to let me know what you would like to collaborate on and how you would like to be featured!
This is not limited to creatives, if you have any project or something you would like to bring more attention to, or even something like a YouTube video you think everyone should see, please use this form to let me know or email me at teawithhb@gmail.com
I would also like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself, and I hope you’ll reply so I can learn more about you too!!!
My name is Blossom, and I created the podcast Tea with HB back in 2020 to help people learn how to look after their bodies and minds. The 'HB' in Tea with HB stands for my full first-name Holly Blossom. Spikey and Sweet. Winter and Spring. Looks 'healthy' and deals with 'invisible' chronic illnesses and disability. My dream is to provide the education, support, and comfort that I wished for as a child. To create a more compassionate world. Over the last 5 (!!!) years, we have grown into an international communi-tea of almost 10,000 people who share that dream. Thank you!
In case you missed it, you can take our 2024 survey here I want to hear your thoughts! Plus, it’s just 5 minutes! :)
New Year… No Pressure!
It seems that in recent years there has been a trend to give up ‘resolutions’ and have more patience with ourselves, understanding that in the midst of winter, productivity is probably the last thing we should focus on. With that in mind, my next Creative Writing Workshop, Girl Moss: Rest as Rebellion, is all about taking things gently! ALL creatives are welcome, and we offer tiered pricing (as well as free tickets on request.)
However, I know many people still struggle with the pressure of a New Year, particularly when it comes to body image and creating goals surrounding that. I believe we should raise awareness for important issues even if they don’t impact us personally. Even though I have never struggled with and eating disorder, I can relate as someone with a body that often feels alien to them (hi, chronic pain!) and who is constantly comparing themselves to others and trying to stop (hi, social media!)
I wanted to share two resources that I have found educational as someone who knows what a struggle body image issues can be, the first is a Kurzgesagt video on exercise, and the second is a student survey on body image, exercise, nutrition, and how you can decide how it impacts your life! I hope at the very least this lets you know you are not alone, and that millions of us struggle with comparison, negative thoughts, and more.
It feels ironic that people are so negatively impacted by the ideals of society when it is the same people who make up society. — Creator of the survey
Pour A Cup of Compassion
This is new section I am considering adding to my monthly love letters. Share something we can contribute towards to make the world more compassionate and I will feature it next month!
This month we’re pouring a cup of compassion for tax inequality! Rutger Bregman (author of Human Kind!) is exploring a way to recruit a SWAT-team of 12 brilliant tax specialists, legal experts, policy wonks, communication specialists and investment managers to fight for Tax Fairness and a global billionaire’s tax. You can support taxing billionaires here!
Discord Community
From sharing pain management tips, our favourite books, tv shows, films, and creating crafts together, to asking each other for advice, playing games, and making new friends, there’s nothing like the solidari-tea you’ll find on Tea with HB discord. The first 10 people to click this link will be able to join the discord communi-tea for FREE and we can’t wait to get to know you. Otherwise, you can join by donating on Ko-fi or becoming a patron
Love,
HB x
January Favourites
☀️ Good News: CENTER PARCS! The first truly relaxing holiday I have had in yearssss! Greeted by two deer upon arrival, the forest views were idyllic. They even had wheelchairs in the subtropical paradise so I didn’t feel left out at all! A balmy escape at nearly 30 degrees, the subtropical paradise is an indoor dome filled with tropical plants, hot tubs, slides, and pools was the highlight of our trip! Well, except for my niece’s cuddles— nothing tops that!
📚 Book: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
📺 TV: The Traitors, Desperate Housewives, XO Kitty
🍿 Movie: The Wind in the Willows (Terry Jones’ Version!)
🍜 Recipe: Turmeric and Ginger Shots! Perfect to boost your immuni-tea this time of year. Take the juice and zest of one lemon, a large knob of ginger, two small roots of turmeric, two large tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (this does wonders for soothing a sore throat- add to any hot drink!) and don’t forget a generous helping of black pepper!! Add to a blender with small amounts of water until a paste like consistency is reached, then freeze in an ice cube tray. Place an ice cube in a mug and add hot water when needed or forego freezing and add an apple, carrot, and stick of celery to your blender to create a refreshing juice! Enjoy!
🎶 Music: wilt in winter, a playlist to help us get to spring!
Joining the girl moss workshop was the highlight of my week. Thank you for hosting and fostering just a beautiful community, blossom 🥰❤️
You are a delight!