| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

The first sentence of my debut novel (yet to have a name) is "A broken heart patched back together is more whole than a heart that has never broken." Unintentionally, this seems to be a lesson for my heroine and me.

Do you find it true for you too?

This fall has been a period marked by continuous setbacks, touching every aspect of life - physical, emotional, and spiritual. This experience isn't unique to me; it mirrors the struggles faced by many across the globe in these trying times. Amidst this turmoil, I've found solace and perspective in my yoga and creative practices.

Yoga, in particular, offers a fascinating lens through which to view our responses to life's hurdles. The practice includes numerous complex poses, each requiring a blend of flexibility, strength, and balance. These poses are often difficult and take time to master, presenting an intriguing parallel to the challenges we face in life.

Observing how different students react to falling out of a yoga pose is enlightening. For some, especially when they falter in a pose they've previously mastered, frustration is evident. Others show little reaction, simply getting up to try again. Personally, I often find myself smiling at the silliness of falling out of a pose, an attitude that starkly contrasts with how I confront setbacks off my yoga mat. In the broader canvas of life's struggles, I don’t find the stumbles as amusing, and at times, they feel catastrophic.

However, there's a vital lesson to be learned here. Just like in yoga, where falling out of a pose is part of the journey towards mastering it, life's setbacks are also integral to our growth. In moments of despair, I remind myself that we are inherently resilient and capable of bouncing back. This belief acts as a beacon of hope, encouraging me to persevere.

Despite this, I confess that the recent hardships have tested my resolve, especially in my professional life as a businessperson. The temptation to give up has been strong. Yet, the philosophy I've embraced through yoga and meditation – that of persistence, resilience, and the eventual triumph over adversity – keeps me grounded. It's a reminder that just as we rise after a fall in a yoga pose, we can also rise from life's challenges, stronger and more enlightened.

Il est blessé

"Il est blessé" is French for "It is wounded" or "He is wounded." This phrase, combined with the image of an arrow through a heart, typically symbolizes the pain and vulnerability associated with love. The heart is a universal symbol of love and emotion, and its piercing by an arrow reflects the sometimes painful, bittersweet nature of love. It speaks to the emotional wounds that can be inflicted in love and the vulnerability that comes with opening one's heart.

The arrow in this imagery could have several meanings. It might represent Cupid's arrow, linking to the concept of love, desire, and attraction, while acknowledging that love can lead to pain and suffering. Alternatively, the arrow could symbolize external forces or events that have 'wounded' the heart, like betrayal, loss, or unrequited love.

Historically, this wax seal might have been used to seal personal letters, adding a layer of emotional expression to the sender's message. It could have served as a subtle yet powerful way to communicate one's feelings at a time when openly expressing personal emotions was less common.

Il est blessé Skier, Part of Kathryn Hastings Winter Collection

Journal Prompts Inspired by the "Il est blessé" Wax Seal

1. Exploring Emotional Vulnerability: Reflect on a time when you felt your heart was 'wounded' in the realm of love or close relationships. How did this experience shape your perspective on love and vulnerability? What lessons did you learn about opening your heart and the risks involved?
2. The Arrow's Tale: Imagine the arrow in the "Il est blessé" motif could speak. Write a journal entry from its perspective, detailing its journey and the hearts it has 'pierced.' What stories of love, loss, and longing does it tell?
3. Healing and Resilience: Write about a moment of heartache or emotional pain that you have overcome. How did you find strength and resilience in the face of this 'wound'? What practices or thoughts helped you heal and move forward?

Letter Prompts Inspired by the "Il est blessé"

1. A Letter of Forgiveness: Write a letter to someone who has 'wounded' your heart, whether it's an ex-partner, a friend, or even yourself. Express your feelings of hurt but also explore themes of forgiveness and understanding. How has this experience contributed to your personal growth?
2. Expressions of Unrequited Love: Pen a letter to someone you have unspoken feelings for, detailing your emotions and the metaphorical 'wound' their unawareness has caused. You can choose to send this letter or keep it as a personal catharsis. (or burn it).
3. A Note of Gratitude for Painful Lessons: Write a letter to a past version of yourself, during a time of emotional hardship. Acknowledge the pain you experienced, but also express gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained. What wisdom would you share with your past self about love, pain, and growth?

Global Warming Wax Seal from Kathryn Hastings' Winter Collection

The fast skier from Kathryn Hastings' Winter Collection

My first chapter(s)​
As I go through the recent challenges, I'm reminded to find solace in my creativity, particularly in my writing.

Are you interested in reading the first part of book?

It is an unedited, historic romance novel, and this is just the very take. There is already much I want to change, and I'm not sure if I will call it a romance once it's fully complete. Time will tell. You can read the first part here. (And of course, I'd love to know what you think and if you want another chapter). ❤️

With love,

Kay