Stories from the body. Notes on the edge of too much—messy, alive, and true.

I’m Janelle Hardy, and you’re getting this weekly-ish newsletter about memoir-writing, embodiment, and the kind of healing that doesn’t ask you to be good.

Over the next week and a half, I’ll be sharing invitations to join my free Stories From the Body Writing Challenge, starting July 7th. Not your thing right now? Click here to opt-out of related e-mails.

Your body remembers what your brain forgot

People often tell me that when they sit down to write their memoirs, they get stuck trying to access memories.

They also tell me they’re craving deeper embodiment—but don’t quite know how to begin (unless it involves long, downregulating exhales, bubble baths, tarot cards, and staring at the ceiling wondering what it all means).

For years, I’ve taught writing and healing from a body-centric perspective.

Because in my experience, when we put the body at the centre, memories—some vivid, some surprising—start to rise to the surface. Like mischievous otters surfacing from underwater, blinking and ready.

You know that saying, “the body keeps the score”? Well, it does.

And our bodies—those magnificent story-keepers—are often just waiting for the right moment, the right support, to start releasing what they’ve held.

• 🌿 Memories you thought were lost
• 🔍 Experiences you couldn’t yet make sense of
• 💫 The sweetness, the tension, the wonder, the ache

When we write with the body, it doesn’t all come spilling out at once. Your body knows how to pace things. It offers you what you’re ready for—story by story, tremble by tremble, laugh by laugh (and possibly a few full-body sighs or ugly cries—you know, the good stuff).

Your body is kind like that.
It waits until there’s a little more room.
Until there’s safety. Until there’s a container.
Until there’s a circle, a guide, and some gentle structure.

That’s why I created the Stories From the Body Writing Challenge.

It’s a 5-day invitation to:

• 🪶 Tap into memories you didn’t know you had
• 🌿 Reconnect with your body as your first home (because, surprise! You live there.)
• 💫 Write 5 personal stories in 5 days—with ease, flow, and definitely some sass

✴️ Join the FREE challenge now — July 7th to 11th​

Not sure how to start? That’s my job.

Each day you’ll get a fresh writing prompt and body-based practice to warm up with. We’ll always start with our body, sensation, surprise and delight. Like, for example, a mouth-focused prompt that surprises you in the best way.

We’ll gather in community. We’ll write. And you’ll be amazed at what your body offers.

Here’s what past participants have said:

This challenge isn’t just about what you write. It’s about what you feel in the aftermath—the clarity, the warmth, the creative sparkle that stays with you.

The challenge kicks off with a welcome call on Sunday, July 6th—and I’d love to see your lovely face there.

✴️ Save your seat now—it’s completely free​

xoxo,
Janelle

Tl;dr: Struggling to access memories for your memoir? Your body might be the missing link. Join the free 5-day writing challenge (July 7–11) to learn how to write 5 personal stories—by starting with your body (and possibly laughing, swearing, stretching, or dancing as you go).

PPS – Not into it? Click here to opt out of challenge emails.