Capsule #55: The (late) Summer Solstice Issue

Hello!

Today we are (almost) half way through 2024 and I have a special issue of Capsule for you. It was supposed to be called the Summer Solstice issue but I didn’t realise that was happening a week early this year 💔…so it’s kind of just a mid-point issue but with all that spiritual energy imbued. ✨

In lieu of our normal order, I reached out to our previous special guests who have done Hot & Not lists and asked them this:

Below you’ll find their responses and an invitation to submit your own. I’d love to read them!

See you next week, post-Glasto!

Holly x

"I've realised that spending time alone to recharge is super important for me, often by a body of water. I'm happiest and most calm by the ocean, and spending time here helps me re-set and come back to work with a better sense of creativity. I also tend to take meetings after 11am, as I love a slower morning ritual at home". - Kaiva Kaimins, founder of LADYGARDEN

“Hope is the well from which all change will spring. Rather than a place of outrage, anger, fear, or greed, I try to start everything from a place of hope.” - William Rayfet Hunter, writer and doctor

“Exploration is my takeaway for 2024 so far. I’ve started walking down streets parallel to the ones I normally walk and discovered hidden gems on my doorstep as a result - like an art deco independent cinema!” - Roxy Dunn, author of As Young As This

“This year has been a big lesson in trusting that what’s meant to work for you, will find a way to. As someone who’s not really a go-with-the-flow kinda gal, I’m really trying to do just that, and remember that there’s no right or wrong path for life, just different options with different outcomes. Let’s see what the rest of 2024 brings…(a holiday would be nice).” - Jess Bantleman, social media manager at Hearst magazines

“There is no fixed truth, only the tenderness required to calibrate one's reality with another.” - Daisy Alioto, co-founder and CEO of Dirt Media 

“I've learned that my mind is the wrong tool for most tasks or problems.” - Hannah Ewens, writer and author of Fangirls: Scenes From Modern Music Culture

“I've applied the motto 'don't ask for permission, beg for forgiveness' in the first half of this year. It's brought me so much clarity in my business strategy. It's also been helpful for carving out more time on my own, which I really needed to prioritise this year.” - Nancy Best, founder of Ladies Who Crunch

“I've learned that I'm capable of change, and have done a lot of it this year already. Because it's so subtle, I often forget to take stock of where I started.” - Ruchira Sharma, freelance journalist and podcaster

“Playing it cool is for cowards - be passionate/intense/crazy and whoever stays is meant for you. Also I've only just discovered shandy and I'm obsessed? Cold crisp beer with lemonade like you're a little kid? Yes please.” - Lily O’Farrell (@vulgadrawings), feminist cartoonist and writer

“It’s been six months of building. I’m learning to accept that work takes time, but that if I can be consistent and kind to myself in the process, allow my setbacks and mistakes, eventually I will get through. I am also learning to let people in, and to realise there is a lot of love shared from those around us and that we should never take it for granted or assume it isn’t there. It always is, we are all so loved.” - Rhys Thomas, writer, journalist and editorial consultant

“I have learned to let people in more, and to share my vulnerability with them. I will always remember this year as the year my friends became my family, gently grounding me at times when I have felt adrift.” - Suyin Haynes, freelance journalist and writer

“You really don't have to check your e-mail that often.” - Joel Golby, writer and author of Four Stars: A Life. Reviewed.

“I've learned to return my library books on time so I don't get a fine. And while I'll probably never learn to truly be in the moment, spending time near the sea helps.” - Sophie Lou Wilson, fashion and music writer

“I identify as an anti-wellness culture girly (hello, alt-right wellness loop!), but in February I started going to yoga twice a week. And it slaps. Turns out everyone who said it helped with anxiety was right, god damn it. I draw the line at face yoga though -- that's still far too Goopy for my liking!” - Eloise Hendy, arts and culture writer

“That healing happens in community, not alone. To get out and in and amongst humans who can hold me and who reflect back my brilliance!” - Calypso Barnum-Bobb, self discovery coach, founder, and speaker

“Not to be all “Eat, Pray, Love” but I’ve really been embracing adventure and curiosity this year. I love going places. And by “going places” I mean everything from a new restaurant in Peckham to a country I’ve never been to before. What can I say? Just livin' la vida loca while I’m still here!” - Daisy Jones, writer, editor and author of the book All the Things She Said

“With thanks to a therapist who looks like he has the face of God, I have already learnt so much about myself this year. What that is, belongs to me and my subconscious only. Otherwise it turns out I am made to walk 26 miles every other weekend like a mountain goat, and that raisins are delicious. I have however learnt the hard lesson that if you lie about the details of your life in the Trisha's smoking area, it will come back to haunt you.” - Elise Bell, arts writer

“Great question! I <3 self reflection! In March of this year, I took the plunge and left the UK for Canada, saying goodbye to my friends, family and any job security. I’ll forever remember 2024 as the year of spicing things up (and also maple syrup). I backed myself to try something new and learned so much. For starters I’m awful with paper work, but thrive in new surroundings.” - Megan Lawton, freelance entertainment and fashion journalist

Your turn 🖤

Share your answer here!

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear how you’re finding Capsule - let me know here. And if you have a friend who might like it, please forward on 🥺

See you next week 💋