Sparks of Joy: Moments That Brightened My Week

A few weeks ago I wrote about When Life Feels “Okay,” but Something Isn’t Right. I shared how I was feeling and although I was reluctant to publish the post, with encouragement from a dear friend, I did – and I’m so glad I did!

The responses were amazing, supportive and also helped me to realise I am definitely not alone in feeling this way. Many of us are doing it tough and can’t put our finger on what’s wrong. It doesn’t help that there is so much upheaval in the world at the moment and people are suffering.

After taking time away in North Queensland I’m still not fully settled but am on the way. I closed the WLA50 Facebook Group and now just have a FB page and Instagram as my socials.

I have decided to keep my Living Well This Week Letter on Substack in the form of a free newsletter which people can subscribe to. The aim is to provide a weekly/fortnightly or even monthly (to be decided) newsletter that is dedicated to women over 50 who are committed to living well and enjoying life. Here, you’ll find inspiration and practical tips to enhance your health, wellness, beauty, and overall lifestyle. That’s the plan but I’m still mulling over how I will proceed with this idea.

The blog will remain the same with my usual link ups and I realise I have a good balance of link ups which include books I’m reading, fashion, health and wellness and what I’ve been up to.

This week I decided to blow away the cobwebs and focus on Sparks of Joy for the Wednesday Words & Whimsy link up. This helps to put the focus on finding those little glimmers or sparks of joy that we sometimes just brush aside without really appreciating their worth. I hope you will join me in sharing your sparks of joy too. I’ve gained inspiration from other bloggers who do similar posts and it is a great reminder that life does have sparks of joy even if they are small at times.

Sparks of Joy: Moments That Brightened My Week

Australia Shines at the Olympics

Watching our Aussie athletes give their all at the Olympic Games has been nothing short of inspiring. Their hard work, dedication, and incredible performances filled me with pride. Our medal tally is a testament to the strength and spirit of our nation. Although our population is small compared to other nations, we certainly made up for it in our performances. So many feel good back stories with many of the athletes and as always sport brings people together.

Did you have a favourite Olympic moment?

Spring is on the way…..

Spring is almost here bringing colorful blooms and strange creatures.

I was enjoying a lunch out on the patio on Sunday, and was surprised to see my orchid, which has been quietly growing but dormant for two years, is now about to bloom. The anticipation of those delicate flowers opening up is a reminder of nature’s beauty and the simple joys of nurturing life. I find myself checking every day to see when the ‘magic’ happens and the flowers are in full bloom.

There is colour everywhere plus a strange creature on our outside wall, which I discovered was a Bagworm Moth – it came from nowhere and it certainly has a good camouflage.

Volunteering for Share the Dignity

This week, I had the opportunity to do some volunteering with Share the Dignity, a charity dedicated to ending period poverty. We are well under way with the August Dignity Drive and have support from all Woolworths stores as well as some businesses. Educating young women about this important issue was incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that we can make a difference in someone’s life brings a deep sense of purpose and joy. I’m looking forward to having future opportunities to present the Share the Dignity message.

I met a lovely woman, Danielle, who is on staff at San Sisto College and is co-ordinating the Share the Dignity August drive at the college. Danielle, explained that the girls are learning about period poverty in their Health & Wellbeing classes and are horrified that this exists. They are getting involved helping others by donating period products to our drive as well as learning gratitude, to give back and awareness of how others who are not as fortunate live.

It’s a small world….

I was chatting to a Team Lead in Share the Dignity and discovered that she teaches Highland Dancing on Brisbane’s northside. In another life, you may recall I had a dance studio teaching ballet, tap, jazz and highland dancing in Sydney. We realised that we were probably dancing around the same time way back when and she would have come to Sydney for the Australasian Championships. It certainly is a small world isn’t it?

Staying Active with the 30 minutes daily Exercise Facebook Group

Staying active has never been more motivating thanks to the 30-day exercise group I started on Facebook. The camaraderie, encouragement, and shared goals keep me on track, and it’s a daily reminder that staying fit can be both enjoyable and rewarding. I also feel that I’m making a space that provides information, motivation and encourages others in the group to share their healthy living or to ask for support when they just aren’t feeling it.

Delicious Food

Food can bring joy whether it is preparing for loved ones or enjoying a meal with family or friends. Over the last week, I enjoyed making healthy fruit salad with my grandson, lunch with my darling and a post run breakfast with my running buddy.

Engaging with Women Over 50 via the Podcast

The Podcast is now fully booked until mid-October and I continue to enjoy meeting women who share their story, inspiration or advice on living well after 50. My guest this week was Kathy Marris from 50 Shades of Age. I’ve know Kathy since I started blogging although we only keep in touch occasionally on social media. I was dismayed to discover that Kathy had been through the roller coaster ride of a marriage breakdown but heartened to see that she is coming through this difficult time stronger than ever.

Kathy shared her story as well as providing advice on Surviving a Midlife Marriage Breakdown.

Something to look forward to

Whilst it is important to live in the moment, I also realise my need to have something to look forward to with the excitement associated with travel. This week we booked a 4-night cruise from Brisbane to Sydney for February 17th, 2025. It will be an enjoyable break before our big trip to Norway and the UK September 2025.

These moments, big and small, have filled my week with joy. What sparks of joy have brightened your days?

Have a beautiful week! and remember…..

Sometimes the little things in life can bring the greatest joy.

Women Living Well After 50

Living Life Your Way