Hello Reader,

I'm so sorry for two emails today. I realized I had some mistakes, and wanted to fix them. (Working on your English? You'll make plenty of mistakes too! Do what I'm doing right now - correct and try again! 😁)

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I bet you've noticed it.

I know I have.

Darkness.

Have you noticed it's getting darker sooner now? And darker in the morning when you get up to head to work?

I've noticed it.

And then...the cold.

Have you noticed that happening yet? Dang. The cold is coming. The dark is coming. The snow...and where I live, constant rain.

I'm not complaining. (I actually love something about every season.) But... have you noticed it all?

Like I said a moment ago, I totally am. Enough to write about it.

And there is a point.

The early darkness, falling leaves, empty trees, and nearly constant cold rain (here in Victoria, anyway)has been stealing something from me. I wonder if you've noticed the silent theft happening to you?

What?! Something has been stolen? (Or being stolen?)

Peng pointed this out to me as we practiced his speaking skills for the CELPIP this week. (Thanks Peng!)

He said it, and all of a sudden, I had this 'a-ha!' moment!

I realized what I have been battling with:

Motivation. (Or a lack of it!)

Motivation has been hard to find these past few weeks.

Has that been happening for you too?

Have you been robbed?

Maybe it looks like this: you used to consistently practice for the CELPIP or your English...like daily. But lately it's been rough to even think about doing it.

For me, it's been looking like not wanting to hit record on my podcast, even though I LOVE DOING IT. Lately it's just been feeling...blah. I'd rather sit and binge Netflix instead.

The lack of motivation plays out into other areas of life too, doesn't it?

• Going to work. (Umm...I'd rather stay home today...this week...month?)
• Social life - Netflix and blankets seem far more interesting on cold rainy (snowy?) days?
• Grumpy at all? (Oh dear. I fear I've been feeling mighty grumpy when I'm normally a pretty cheerful guy.)

I could go on. What did I miss?

The point?

If you're having an unusually hard time right now, like struggling to practice your English or to get ready for the CELPIP, then my friend...know you're not alone.

I don't think we're broken.

It might just be a the change in season.

And is there something we can do about a change of season?

Hmm. (And if you know what this little gif 👇 below is all about, you get a million bonus points, and we're instant friends!)

Jedi mind tricks won't help. Like we can't trick ourselves out of a motivation slump. (At least I haven't found a way, yet.)

But I wonder if these little ideas might help?

• Micro practice sessions. If your struggle is practicing for the CELPIP or your English, stop thinking about massive 'how can I fit hours in?' Think 2 or 3 minutes. (The average CELPIP speaking task is 1 minute. (give or take.). Two minutes of practice could help to get you started!
• ☕️ Coffee or tea + sit with a friend. Is your struggle that you feel isolated by the dark? I find these months push towards that. What about if you invited a friend or loved one for something hot to enjoy together. I'm an introvert, but small connections with people over a simple cup of coffee, helps fill my 'motivation and connection' tank. Maybe it will help you?
• Help someone! I work with seniors. They struggle with these things too. Motivation, and "Why am I here?" One thing I've noticed: helping someone else - volunteering - seems simple, but it brings a great deal of purpose to those who do it. Is there somewhere, or someone you can help in some way? Even if it's small? Knowing that you're making a difference for someone else is powerful. Have you tried it?

Not that simple?

But it might not be as simple as any of those ideas. This time of year can be tough.

And if it's tough for you, I want to encourage you to hang in there. Don't give up, and please don't stay alone - if you want to chat, please know that I'm here, just a reply away. Not because I can solve anything, but I can at least listen(read) what you're working through.

And maybe you already have a great idea that has been helping you through this time of year that I didn't mention here. Care to share? (Reply and let me know! I'd love to hear from you!)

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From an RCIC I trust: Don't just fill in that PR or immigration form. Make sure you're telling you full story. A successful application process depends on it.

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We have a class coming up! Will you be there? Please RSVP below, and I'll share the class link with you.

Thank you for reading! Have a great week!

Aaron