Dear Grace,
My brand strategy and related social media plan are bollocks
As I sit here, pouring my thoughts onto the page, I find myself longing for your guidance and presence. Life has been a whirlwind lately, yet somehow, I feel stagnant— caught between the motions of admin crap and deeply missing you.
I’ve been working hard on the blog, shaping it into more than just a collection of updates, but honestly, it feels like I’m forcing myself to do it. The passion I once had feels dulled, and I’m struggling to recapture it. The entries leading up to today feel more like dull, boring, routine diary updates. The brand strategy and related social media plan sounds greater on paper, but really its a load of bollocks in my mind. I need to do something real and authentic.
I noticed something unexpected: even a simple outing to the medical center and post office lifted my spirits. Those brief connections with strangers reminded me how essential it is to engage with people. I’ve been far too isolated, and I see now how much I need those interactions to feel alive. I need to get away from my screen.
Your Photos and Their Place in My Life
Grace, your photos surround me, both a comfort and a constant tug at my heart. Ever since the grief counsellor suggested placing them on the chimney stack, they’ve been my companions—a source of love, inspiration, and bittersweet sadness. But lately, I’ve been reflecting on whether the abundance of them helps me move forward or holds me back.
You remain at the core of me in so many ways. The blog and branding work are centered around you, which feels right but also overwhelming at times. Am I clinging too tightly to the past, to the memory of you, at the expense of finding my own way forward?
Maybe reducing the number of photos could be a gentle way to shift focus—not to forget or diminish your importance, but to allow space for new growth. Rotating them might keep the memories vibrant and give me fresh moments to cherish. This doesn’t mean moving on from you, Grace. It means moving forward with you in my heart.
Connecting with Others
The isolation I’ve allowed to creep into my life has not served me well. Past struggles with depression taught me that withdrawing only deepens the shadows. I need to reconnect—with friends, community, and even with myself. Just as you always encouraged me to embrace life, I know I must find the courage to reach out.
Here are some steps I’m committing to:
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Reach Out: I’ll start small—sending a text, making a call—anything to rebuild those bridges.
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Join Groups: Whether it’s language exchanges or interest-based communities, I’ll seek out opportunities to meet new people.
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Limit Digital-Only Interaction: Face-to-face connections bring an irreplaceable warmth and understanding.
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Be Vulnerable: I’ll let people in, even just a little, because I know now that vulnerability invites support and connection.
Learning Spanish
I’ve been working on my Spanish. It’s slow progress, but I’m pushing myself to practice daily conversations and immerse in the language. The vulnerability of speaking imperfectly reminds me of learning Dutch and those early months of feeling stuck. But I know the rewards will come with persistence.
Immersion is teaching me more than words; it’s showing me the power of patience, active engagement, and cultural connection. I’m trying to stay patient, reminding myself that every mistake is a step forward.
Practical Matters
On a completely different note, I’ve been battling with the property management company for our place in Lo Pagan. They’re utterly useless, as is our community president. I’ve written directly to them, but the frustration feels endless. Still, I’ll persist, because I know you’d encourage me to fight for what’s right.
I love so much,
David.
