Welcome to What’s Been On Your Calendar? 2024! I hope you have had a wonderful month and if you are linking up, I can’t wait to hear about what you’ve been doing. If you don’t blog I’m still interested in what’s been happening with you and encourage you to leave me a comment and tell me your news.
So let’s pause here, go and make yourself a cuppa and take your time reading through what’s been on my calendar? #WBOYC .
Lately, I’ve found myself in a bit of a creative lull and haven’t written as much on my Women Living Well After blog as well as pressing the pause button on the Podcast. Life has been busy, pulling me in many directions, and I’ve been feeling unsure about what path I want to follow next.
As a friend remarked – ‘You go through this occasionally, Sue, questioning your purpose and your direction’. Reflecting on this, my friend is right. I do go through phases where I’m not enthusiastic about anything and perhaps I’m not alone in feeling this way.
When this happens the energy and inspiration I usually tap into seems to have faded, and in many ways, I have felt as if I’ve lost my ‘mojo’. I’ve been navigating this pause, reflecting on what truly excites me so for this month’s #WBOYC? I’m sharing ways that I’ve regained my mojo and the highlights of my month.
Recently, I commented on Cathy’s post which she linked up to the What’s On your Bookshelf? link up. In her reply she wrote:
It’s amazing the amount of fun I’ve had from what began as an idea to regain my reading mojo – Cathy from Still Waters
Her answer made me think that we can lose our mojo in life in general or in various aspects of things we enjoy. In Cathy’s case it was reading. Her solution? She came up with a challenge to read books with titles starting with A and working through the alphabet. Cathy had found a way to regain her reading mojo through a fun challenge.
Rediscovering my mojo through #SparksofJoy
Over the last couple of months, I’ve been putting the focus on a weekly #SparksofJoy post. Reflecting on my week and the daily sparks that bring joy into my day. It is amazing when you take the focus of your negative thoughts and onto small things that bring joy or a smile, how much better you feel.
Joining a new social group and entertaining neighbours
This weekly reflection also highlights just how much I’ve been doing in real life, rather than the blogging world. I’ve been expanding our social connection as Mike and I joined Probus (a community group based on Friendship, Fellowship and Fun). We have enjoyed an outing to the Bay Islands around Brisbane an in November we will be accepted as members – we even get a name badge LOL 🙂
We also invited neighbours over for drinks and a chat and they stayed for 4 hours!
Gardening project
We’ve completed our garden project and I just love sitting outside and enjoying the tranquility. Although I’m the assistant gardener, there is something calming and rewarding about nurturing nature.
Working out with a friend and finding support in the WLWA50 Daily exercise FB group.
A few months ago, I started a Facebook Group – WLWA50 30 minutes daily exercise. The basis of the group is to support and encourage each other to do some form of movement or exercise each day. You do your own thing and check in to help keep you on track. Although small in number, the group is committed to the cause and it has been a great source of keeping me on track.
Come join us! It is free, no pressure just support and no judgement. A couple of the ladies have set their goals for November and we are getting right behind them as well as being inspired by them.
WLWA50 – DAILY EXERCISE CHALLENGE | Facebook
I have a friend I don’t see often, so we decided to get together via Zoom and workout together. We’ve done three weeks and it is fun to see each other but also to get a strength workout in. I come up with the program and we do it together – gotta love Zoom.
Wearing Colour
Nothing helps my mojo more than wearing colour and putting on some lippy. I recently purchased a lovely dress in orange and white with purple swirls which instantly lifts my mood. Do you have a favourite outfit that lifts your mood and makes you feel good?
Spending time in nature
Of course, spending time in nature is always good for the soul and my nearby park and lake always brings me joy and a sense of calm. I also enjoy running with my friend each Saturday by the Brisbane river. The bouganvillea arbor at Southbank is just gorgeous at the moment.
The Women Living Well After 50 Podcast is resuming transmission!
I’ve made the decision to resume interviews for my Women Living Well After 50 Podcast. Having pushed the pause button, I realise how much I’ve missed it. I’ve learned though that trying to do too many interviews in one week leads to burnout and overwhelm so I’ll be taking a much more balanced approach. Over the coming weeks I’ll be organising interviews and then pressing ‘play’.
If you have a story to share about Life after 50 or you know someone, send me your details and we can look at the possibility of an interview for the podcast. Email me at sue@womenlivingwellafter50.com.au or just leave me a note in the comments section below.
Rediscovering my creativity with the New Ways November Calendar from Action for Happiness
A new month means a new calendar and theme from the Action for Happiness Team. November is all about cultivating our creativity with daily prompts. You can find the calendar and tips on rediscovering your creativity in my recent post New Ways November – #ActionforHappiness
I’m certainly getting back to feeling good and motivated to live well and enjoy life plus I might have also discovered my WOTY for 2025! Now that is organised!
What’s been on your Calendar this month? I’d love you to share what you have been up to.
I’m sharing my co-hosts’ links as well so remember to pop over and visit to see how their month progressed.
Debbie Harris
Donna Connolly
Jo Tracey
Enjoy your month and I look forward to next month’s WBOYC? edition. Please note link up dates below.
What’s Been On Your Calendar? #WBOYC
What: 2024 Monthly Wrap-Up Link Party.
When: Last Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Last Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere). The link will be open for 48 hours
Why: A space to share highlights from your past month.
Where: Link Party, Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other social media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
Dates for the Diary:
Last Thursday, 2 pm (PST)/Last Friday, 8 am (AEST).
• Oct 31/ November 1*
• Nov 28/29
• Dec 26/27
• (October Linkup will take place on the 1st of the following month for the Southern Hemisphere).
The next #WBOYC will be Thursday November 28/Friday November 29. I’m looking forward to seeing and reading What’s Been on your Calendar? during the month.
26 Comments
Oh this made me smile Sue! Hearing the enthusiasm and joy in your words makes me happy. You are such an inspiration for others but can’t be ‘on’ all the time. It’s good to take a pause every now and again as you have shown and also to share your vulnerabilities with readers takes courage. A fabulous post!!
Thanks, Deb! I’m feeling much better but taking a more balanced approach. xx
Hi, Sue – It makes great sense to pause every now and then to reflect on our activities and ensure they match where we want to put our energies. You do this so well. I love your sparks of joy. As an added bonus, they I find them very encouraging and motivating – which you always do for others.
Hi Donna, I’ve accepted that I need to press pause more often these days and not overcommit myself to others or overcommitting to life in general.
I definitely feel we have seasons in our life where sometimes we just change and need to reassess what’s important. I’m currently battling with deciding what creative activities to prioritise. I feel I don’t have enough time but this is only because I’m trying to squeeze too much in. I’m realising it’s better to just focus on one thing at a time, rather than a pressurised halfhearted attempt at too many.
It’s so lovely to see you have begun to re-spark your mojo – time in nature, exercise and relationships do really help. I love seeing your sparks of joy and your colourful clothes choices
Hi Janine, sometimes it is hard to focus just on one thing when you are itching to do more. As you say though better to do it that way than become pressured or overwhelmed by taking on too many projects at the one time. x
Like Debbie said, it’s so tough to be “on” all the time. Pressing pause though makes you realise what you’re missing and what you aren’t. xxx
Exactly, Jo. I need to pause more often these days x
You are one of the most positive people I “know,” Sue! I’m so glad you’re rediscovered your purpose. I do think, at our age, we tend to lose that mojo or purpose for a bit. It takes a bit, but then we find it again. I’m still searching, but I know it’s just hiding for a bit longer. I’ve linked up my monthly recap. Thanks for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Oh thank you, Marsha. As you know it isn’t always possible to be upbeat all of the time but these days if I’m starting to flag or feel overwhelmed I just press ‘pause’ and then I can return firing on all cyclinders. x
I am certain we go through stages and that we can rest and consider what we may ‘really want to do’ helps to allow ourselves the time…and the grace to be OK with that. I love how you made your choices to turn things around for you and find ‘real life’ connections too. The garden looks superb. great job you two.
Colour in clothing is always my go-to for feeling brighter as well.
Thanks for co-hosting this link up, Sue.
Denyse x
PS I still have my late Mother’s Probus badge…over 19 years since she attended but she did love the social interactions.
Hi Denyse, I’ve recognised that I need regular pauses and that taking time out is not only okay but essential for my well-being. x
A fantastic week. I love those platters and your clothes.
Thanks, Toni x
I have phases when I struggle with my mojo. Often it has to do with my health and not being able to do things the way I’d like to. Trying something new that’s within my abilities at that time usually helps me, but sometimes I just need to let it all rest.
My jewelry forum has a thread for “sharing the good”, that helps remembering that even when things are rough, there are glimmers of good.
Cat
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
I love your ‘sharing the good’ thread, Cat. It does help when the going gets tough to focus on the glimmers. x
There’s so much to smile about here Sue. I love that finding the joy in your day is helping you to feel better about things. I do think we all struggle with our mojo from time to time. My 100 Days of Joy Challenge has helped me to see how great my life is too, and how fortunate I am. It’s those little bubbles of joy that do it, and usually it’s the small things. I’m really enjoying checking in with the FB group. I love seeing what others are doing and soaking up some of their inspiration.
Hi Jen, yes I’m enjoying the FB group because there is a core group of us that do check in and inspire each other. Thanks so much for your lovely comments and I just accept now that these days I need to press ‘pause’ more often than I did in the past. x
Your garden looks beautiful! I love that your sparks of joy are helping you to find your purpose and joy again. The new group you and your husband have joined sounds wonderful.
Thanks, Joanne, we are getting there and when the plants are blooming the garden will look lovely. x
What a great post, I certainly agree with the things that a sparking joy for you this month!
Keeping active and feeling good in what you wear are such mood boosters.
Hi Deb, I’m finding more and more colour finding it’s way into my wardrobe and it certainly does lift my mood. x
You’ve certainly rediscovered your mojo Sue. I’d pop round for 4 hours myself for that delicious platter! Well done on the Probus club. My uncle and his wife belong to that in the UK. I’ll have to look into it, sounds a good way of socialising with the hubster. Very glad you’re resuming the podcast!
You would be most welcome to pop around, Gail. I enjoy putting together platters like this. They are pretty easy to assemble and you can be quite creative. x
Hi Sue, Congrats on regaining your mojo! It’s smart to press pause from time to time and evaluate whether our activities continue to bring us joy and if they don’t, make some changes. I enjoy reading the positive things you did to find your mojo again. Thank you for sharing them and for co-hosting #WBOYC. Have a wonderful November!
I need the pause button these days on a semi regular basis, Natalie. It always recharges me and I come back firing on all cylinders. x