Sparks Of Joy this week #9 – #WWWhimsy

It’s time for my weekly sparks of Joy post and finding joy in ‘every day’ things. Thank you for the positive and supportive feedback about my Sparks of Joy posts. I’ve been starting these posts with a quote about Joy and this week it is my own quote which I provided during an interview about Midlife for a new book that has been published.

If people aren’t bringing you joy, if what you’re doing isn’t bringing you joy, you’ve got to have the courage to let it go – Sue Loncaric WLWA50 (Reimagining Midlife by Mary Eisenhauer)

Sparks of Joy this week #9 – #WWWhimsy

Joyful and proud to be included in a new book sharing my midlife story

I’m excited to share a new release Reimagining Midlife by Mary Eisenhauer. My copy has just arrived in the mail and my midlife story is included!

Reinvention in midlife sounds daunting, whether done by choice or necessity. Mary Eisenhauer interviewed dozens of women (including me!) to hear how they did it—and what they learned as they went back to school, embraced their passions, or reclaimed their true identities. Socioeconomic, cultural, interpersonal, and health-related factors have shaped these women and ultimately prepared them for reinvention in midlife. Each story is different, and each is inspiring. Available on Amazon Reimagining Midlife: Women Who Reinvented Themselves For Their Second Act : Eisenhauer, Mary: Amazon.com.au: Books

I’m honoured and humbled to have been interviewed by Mary to share my Midlife experience and my thoughts on ageing, starting over and coming into my own in my 60s.

It just goes to show that whilst me might not think we have a story – everyone has one and others are interested in hearing about it.

Our Gardening project update

Mike and I have almost completed the garden. I say ‘Mike and I’ but it is mainly him doing the work and letting me think I’m helping LOL:). This week we repotted some plants, bought more plants and our fairy lights are up! Next will be fertalizing and fixing some lattice to the fence for our bouganvillea and mandevilles to climb up. Gardening is so soothing and I just love looking at the flowers and other plants growing. The mandevilles are gorgeous and so prolific. The colour we selected was Burgundy which is such a rich colour.

Feeling back in the exercise groove – Working out with a friend via Zoom

Last week I got serious again about working out having been a little off track lately or just doing the bare mimimum. When I don’t feel active, fit and healthy I don’t feel good mentally but sometimes it can seem like a chore rather than something I enjoy. for a few months now, a friend and I have been messaging or emailing each other our workout updates as a way to keep us focussed. I took it a step further and we decided to work out together once a week via Zoom. It as a great way to see each other, catch up and get a workout done. We’ve booked another session in for this Thursday. For a couple of years I did this with three blogging friends which was a wonderful way to stay connected. Unfortunately, I had to stop when I was having a healthy scare last year and we haven’t been able to resume. Who knows maybe in 2025???

Staying fit isn’t a glamorous look but looking after my health and fitness so I can enjoy life is a priority. I want to be able to be an ‘active Nan’ keeping up with my grandsons, enjoying travelling with my husband and just getting the most out of each day.

The unexpected encouragement of others

I was pleasantly surprised when this post showed up in my High School FB group. Out of the blue and it certainly made my day. Have you thought to congratulate someone recently, ‘just because’. It’s about women uplifting women, encouraging and supporting each other.

A ‘new do’ and Wearing a new top in my favourite colour for a lunch date with my darling.

When I finished this post, I realised it was ‘all about me’ which of course we’ve been taught growing up not to ‘shine the light on ourselves’. Then I saw this quote and thought it’s not about me building myself up or showing off, it’s about showing what we can do and achieve in life and hopefully I’ve inspired and encouraged you to do the same.

“Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do. Don’t let the limitations of others limit your vision. If you can remove your self-doubt and believe in yourself, you can achieve what you never thought possible.” – Roy T. Bennett

Have you had sparks of joy this week? Have you achieved something or done something to be proud of? I’d love you to share them with me.

Women Living Well After 50

Living Life Your Way