Dear Reader As 2024 Draws to a Close, let me share some thoughts Why I write - my gift to youAre you curious about the inspiration that drives my writing? I'd like to gift you 'My Writing Manifesto' that explores my passion, purpose, and personal journey behind every word I put on the page. Download My Writing Manifesto here My main focus this yearI'd love to be able to share that my writing goals have all been achieved this year. That I've written my Eternal Echoes memoir about the common traits and challenges in the lives of the women in my family from my great-great-grandmother through the generations. That I've completed my cosy mystery novel, Threads of Trust. But I can't. Although both projects are dear to my heart still, and very much the subjects of my thoughts, both waking and asleep, my priority this year has been elsewhere. For some time now I have had health issues that I can't seem to resolve. As you know, Self Care is a concept I am passionate about and I slip thoughts about it into a lot of my writings. Finally, as this year draws to a close, I look back and see that it's a concept I've neglected for many years for myself and have been forced into defining how it applies to me in terms of my own health. And as the year draws to a close I am feeling hopeful that the range of activities and health care regimes I am currently implementing are having positive results. I am finally able to spend a few minutes gardening and various household activities. Specifically, I am having regular massages; getting physio; and taking supplements. I am also following a few exercise routines including yoga for 10 minutes a day; an early morning walk for 1-2 kms; and some body strength and flexibility exercises. Although the lesson of Self Care is a hard earned one, I am grateful that I finally believe that looking after oneself, rather than being selfish, is one of the most generous and important gifts we can give our loved ones. I'm sure I'll be around a lot longer as a result of these few things I'm doing to nurture myself! New Year's ResolutionsIt's that time of year again when our thoughts turn to what we plan to achieve in the coming year. I've made some new habits this year, but not as a result of keeping to resolutions made at the beginning of 2024. In fact, I don't believe in making New Year's resolutions - I used to, and then would fail miserably in keeping to them. So, my intent for 2025 is the same as it has been for 2024: to live every moment with love in my heart for every person in my life, for every experience that comes my way, for every opportunity to lighten the load for others (and for myself!). Whatever your tradition for making resolutions, I wish you joy and peace and that you achieve those things most dear to your heart. Till next time, may you find joy in all you do. I'll see you in 2025! With love My thoughts for Living Life in 2024/5 and beyond: "Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing" Helen Keller “Write it on my heart that every day is Ralph Waldo Emerson "Remember that sometimes not getting “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them, please share with your friends and encourage them to subscribe www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com Join my Reader's Group on Facebook. FOLLOW ME Like, post and comment at any of |
I enjoy the fun things of life. And I love to write and to talk about life, mine and yours. Through Memoir, I write about some hard life experiences including dealing with family addiction and finding a sense of place. I write about the importance of connection in building resilience and finding joy and peace in our daily lives.
Dear Reader Daylight SavingsSome thoughts We put our clocks back at 2am on April 6th, and thus Autumn is here, soon to be followed by winter. I don't know about you. I just do not understand the logic (is there any?) of this Daylight Savings practice. I was born in Queensland in Australia. Queenslanders voted not to have Daylight Savings, so in the summer we in New Zealand become three hours ahead of Queensland but only 2 hours ahead of the rest of the Eastern States. In Queensland, there is...
Dear Reader Trees and Water - and Good Company The past two weeks have been a delightful feast of 'trees and water - and good company' for me! Have you ever anticipated something that didn't happen, then, years later, it's promised to you again? Years ago, my friend Tina tried to come visit us - and for various reasons got to the airline gate and was denied her flight. AND Wednesday week ago she finally arrived - bringing her friend, Cathy, with her (now our friend too!) We planned a feast....
Dear Reader Fear - What does it mean? Can you think of a time when something you perceived as a threat was not based on actual danger, but on your own view of the situation as a threat? Have you seen this meaning of fear in your life? F - False E - Evidence A - Appearing R - Real This acronym for FEAR has always intrigued me. And over the years I've drawn comfort from knowing that my fears are not necessarily based in reality. In fact, in hindsight I see that most of my fears have been...