Hello everyone! It has been quite some time since I had a coffee catch up with you. Despite COVID-19 and the restrictions life for me seems busier!
My Focus on Gratitude
Gratitude was my focus for August. I’ve started new projects, making dreams become reality and recently celebrated my 63rd birthday. Life is good and I’m so grateful for all that I have in my life and wrote this month How a daily gratitude practice is the key to self-care.
Birthday Celebrations
During August, I celebrated my 63rd birthday, I was so touched and honoured to receive such beautiful messages of love from so many. I was overwhelmed at the kindness shown to me. Like many of you I don’t actually relate to my age I still think I’m 30! It really is just a number isn’t it? The way we live our life is so much more important. I was listening to the Super Soul Conversations podcast. with Oprah. In this episode Oprah interviews the magnificent Tina Turner who at 73 shared her thoughts on ageing:
I welcome ageing with open arms, my senior life is so much better than when I was young. The wisdom, the way I think, my attitude towards things. Your outlook changes on everything if you are still healthy and are happy with life then the number doesn’t mean a thing.
Tina Turner
Again I’m grateful for my own good health to continue to enjoy life and make the most of every day. These two cuties, Ethan and Elliot made my day and continue to bring joy to my life.
My Virtual Women’s Circle
Virtual and IRL friendships enrich our lives so much. Recently 5 friends and I have started a weekly Zoom catch up which I like to think of as my Women’s Circle. 4 of us are Aussies and 2 from overseas. We just clicked and it is the highlight of the week for all of us. It isn’t just a chat, we also discuss different topics and I’m always amazed by these wise and wonderful women and the way they look at life. It certainly is a wonderful friendship group and a learning experience as well. I’m so grateful to have them in my life. Thanks to Leanne from Cresting the Hill for this meme I saw on her Facebook page.
Blogging & New Projects
My highlight this year in the blogging world was to finally push the button on a Podcast. I’ve achieved my goal of starting a podcast and am proud to say that the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast has launched in August I was so nervous and kept procrastinating even though I had several completed interviews – my self-belief, limiting beliefs and fear of what other people thought kept holding me back.
But Fear can be a good, it challenges us and I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a leap of faith and pressed PUBLISH.
I’ve also revamped the Website during August and would love you to take a look – I even made a Welcome Video! I now have Self-Development online courses available through Candi Randolph of Inspire My Style and I’m revamping the Resource library so watch this space! I’ve revamped two of my e-books for you to download and use to Live Well.
10 ways to Start Thriving in Life Today 
30 ways to make Self-Care a daily habit
It was a bittersweet feeling as the weekly Midlife Share the Love Party (all previous link parties are here) finished this week. Leanne from Cresting the Hill and I have hosted this link up for 2.5 years and have built a very supportive community of midlife bloggers. However, life changes and our paths change. I will still be having a mini MLSTL in the Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group each Wednesday and if you want a full link up party to join Denyse Whelan has one each Monday #lifethisweek.
What I’ve been reading
I had a week where I was down with a cold and a tummy bug so had time to read. When we are sick we need comfort so I turned to my friend, author Joanne Tracey (who will be a guest on the podcast in a few weeks) to help me through. I re-read two of her books Happily Ever After and Baby it’s You. Pop over to Jo’s website and you can see all her books plus pre-order ones that are being published soon.
I also read The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen and Salem Falls by Jodie Picoult (jury still out on this one).
What I’ve been learning
Learning keeps my brain healthy and active and I’m always doing some short course or learning. During August I completed a Sun Salutations Yoga Course and of course had to teach myself how to edit the podcast/youtube videos. My friend Deb from Deb’s World started a creative writing course and whilst she finds it challenging, she is loving extending herself.
Are you learning anything new at the moment? Have you taken up any new hobbies?
How I’ve been staying healthy
Being a trainer for the Strong Healthy Women Virtual Studio is something I look forward to each week. I love connecting with the ladies in the sessions and we all workout together to stay strong and flexible.
I continue to meet my Saturday Sisters each week and we are gradually getting back into our longer runs. I actually finished the last run of the month running 26km so pretty proud of myself! Who knows maybe another Marathon might be on the horizon! I also meet up with my friend Wendy from Wendy’s Way to Health each Thursday for a short run by the ocean where we live – just magic.
In the Women Living Well Facebook Group, we challenged ourselves to #ActiveAugust. Moving in some way every day for 30 minutes or more. The women in the group continue to inspire me and we are building a very supportive community. In September we are participating in my 30 days of Health & Wellness which also includes Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week from 7th – 11th September. Come join us I would love to have you as part of the community.
Okay that is about it for my month of August. Sorry it’s all been about me but I would love to hear what your highlights for the month were.
There is always something positive to find in life and to be grateful for.
29 Comments
You’ve definitely had a busy month Sue. I’ve found life to be busy too, since going into isolation. Not sure how I will find the time to go back to work. During isolation I’ve been attending genie conference from all over the world. It’s been great. I have one today from 4 till midnight from Scotland. Lots of learning keeps the brain alive.
I’ve been very lucky to thrive during the isolation and restrictions and am grateful for that Jen. Learning does keep the brain alive and your conference sounds really interesting. xx
Hi, Sue – You are one VERY busy and EXTREMELY admirable lady! This catchup is filled with so many inspirational thoughts and activities.
Happy 63rd birthday. I completely agree with Tina that if you are still healthy and are happy then age doesn’t mean a thing (other than getting us some nice discounts). 😀
Congratulations on the revamp of your website and your new podcast series. Both are incredibly professional and include very meaningful tips and conversations. I always can’t wait to tune in.
Thank you for including me in your Women’s Circle. It is a true honour.
I support your recommendations of Jo Tracey’s novels. I’ve read four so far and can’t wait to read more.
Finally, how adorable are those grandchildren?!! I love hearing stories about them. They are very cool kids!
See you for dinner on Tuesday (or breakfast on Wednesday)! 😀
Thank you my dearest friend,Donna. It is amazing what we can get through in a month! I’ll see you for dinner but still working out what to put on the menu! LOL:) x
Hi Sue, happy Sunday to you! I loved reading your catchup and thanks for the mention. My writing course has been challenging and I’ve really had to dig deep to not give into my negative voice. I love the women’s circle and everyone has so much to offer. You have done so much this month (and every month) and I am so proud to have you as a friend. You keep challenging and inspiring us with you can-do attitude. All the best for September!!
Hi Deb, I’ve been really excited to read your assignments and am honoured to be part of your journey. Even though it is challenging it makes you feel alive doesn’t it? You are being stretched and proving to yourself that you can do whatever you put your mind to. I’m proud to have you as my friend too. Hope September brings sunshine and happiness for you. xx
Lovely to read your words again Sue, I do enjoy your positive attitude. Being grateful is so important. Your grandsons are so cute 🙂 #mlstl
Thanks Deb, our grandchildren are so special aren’t they? xx
Thanks for the shout out. I’m honoured to be in your circle & grateful that you’re in mine. Weirdly I have trouble reading Jodi Picoult – I think her subjects are usually too confronting for me, but the Victory Garden sounds like my type of read.
Hi Sue, Happy 63rd birthday and congratulations on your numerous achievements in August! Love your photos with your grandsons. They sure grow up fast. I’m with you regarding our focus on living well, enjoying life, and making the most of every day. Have a wonderful week! #lifethisweek
Thanks for the birthday wishes Natalie and yes the boys are growing up too fast for me! Take care and have a beautiful weekend. x
Hi Sue. Popping in again for #lifethisweek Have a good week. Looking forward to Women’s Health Week
Thanks Jen! Your mojo has really returned so good for you! x
Hi Sue – you’ve certainly made the most of August! You always inspire me with how much you fit into your life and how you challenge yourself to keep reaching for new goals. Congrats on the yoga certification – another one to add to your collection! Also glad the podcasts are going well and now e-books and courses – you’re on fire!
As much as we’ll both miss MLSTL in a way, I really think it would have been a squeeze for you to fit anything else in atm! So blessed to have your friendship – thanks for sharing that quote – it was just perfect wasn’t it? xx
Hi Leanne, thanks for your encouraging words of support and yes the quote is just perfect so thank you for posting it so I could share. I was busier in different ways during August and it isn’t until you write it down that you see all that has happened. I will miss MLSTL but perhaps not all the commenting! LOL:)
Happy birthday and congratulations on the podcast!
Thanks Vanessa! I’m really enjoying my new adventure. x
You have had an eventful and positive August, Sue. You are always inspirational and I appreciate how you truly engage in life and share what you learn.
I do like Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations, yet I have not listened to the one with Tina Turner. Thank you for bringing this into my radar. I especially love the photos with you and the grandchildren. Extra cute and the love leaps from the page.
A huge congratulations again for completing the yoga course. A great post, Sue!xx
Hi Erica, yes I’ve just discovered Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations and find them so inspiring. You should check out Tina Turner’s interview such an interesting lady. Our grandchildren bring such joy to our lives, don’t they Erica and I know you feel the same way about yours. Have a beautiful weekend and see you next week. x
haha I loved your comment “sorry its all been about me” sometimes we have to focus on ourselves because if we dont others wont. We have to love ourselves first …..#MLSTL
Hi Bree, you are right we should be able to sing our praises and not feel guilty. Have a great weekend! x
You’ve really been going gangbusters with all the new things going on. Looks like you’ve really taken advantage of the quieter COVID times to really kick some goals. Well done, and happy belated birthday.
Thanks Christine, I think I’ve found my niche – I’m loving the podcast and meeting women who are interesting and enjoying life. I’m pretty proud of what I’ve achieved actually and glad you will be coming on the journey with me as a regular guest. x
Teaching AND learning is contagious as is your passion for this. It shines in every word. I am so glad you have created this for you…and for others too. It’s been a while coming and now, look at you soar.
Thank you for the shout out for my link up now yours has ended. You and Leanne made a beautiful community over time.
Thank you for linking up this week for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is 36/51 Taking Stock #4 7.9.2020 and I hope to see you there too. Take care, stay safe and well. Denyse.
Thank you for your lovely words Denyse and I hope people come over and join your link up. I’m enjoying the ride at the moment and that is really all that one can ask. Hope you are continuing to recover well despite your setback. Take care xx
It’s wonderful to read about how much you have achieved. The whole idea of Zoom and Podcasts overwhelms me. I really need to push myself to learn new things.
Thank you Veronica, I surprise myself sometimes with what I fit into a month! I was very nervous to start the podcast but overcame my limiting beliefs and went for it. I’m loving the experience. x
Hi!
I love the idea of zoom meetings each month!
You had a full month Indeed!
Wish you a great day!
Hi Sinziana, I like writing catchup posts because they remind me of all that has happened during the month.