This week’s Sparks of Joy #18

Welcome to my first Sparks of Joy post for 2025. This week’s Sparks of Joy #18 post is about spending time with my daughter doing something we both enjoy, my WOTY, a new linkup, a thoughtful gift, a donation and more.

This week’s Sparks of Joy #18

My WOTY 2025

The New Year has seen many posts on social media and blogs around resolutions, intentions and WOTY. I gave up making resolutions a number of years ago and now just select a WOTY as my guiding focus for the year. I selected the word late last year and since then I’ve felt inspired by my choice and it makes me smile. Here is my post if you missed it and are curious about my WOTY and why I selected it. It’s 2025 & time to live life in Full Bloom! – #WOTY2025

Health & Wellbeing

I always enjoy running with my daughter Rachel and although it doesn’t happen as often as I like, when we do it brings joy to me. We spur each other on and last Saturday ran 15km which was a great start to our running year.

The members of my Women Living Well After 50 Daily 30 Exercise Challenge Facebook group bring me great joy and inspiration daily. I’m so pleased I started the group. It not only keeps me motivated and on track to stay active and healthy but members are sharing their thoughts, ideas and support. The group is very interactive which I love and there have been many sharing their health and wellness goals which is inspiring and motivating.

This prompted me to approach four of my blogging friends who are also members of the FB group to collaborate and present a monthly link up ‘the Wellness Reimagined Linkup’ as an added way for us to track our progress, thoughts and ideas around our own health journey and to encourage others to do the same. You can find the details here in the announcement post Introducing the new monthly ‘Wellness Reimagined’ Link up. The first link up will be next Monday 13th, Brisbane time and going forward will be the FIRST Monday each month AEST. We would love you to join us.

Trying a new healthy recipe that tasted delicious

As Mike has type 2 Diabetes and a sweet tooth I try to find recipes that taste good but don’t affect his sugar levels so much. I used one from the Noshu brand which is available in Australia. Mine doesn’t look as elaborate as the one on the Noshu website but it still tasted good and will be on repeat in our house Noshu | Recipe – fudgy choc brownie trifle with berries & candied orange

Two thoughtful Gifts

I was delighted to receive tickets to see ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ based on the book of the same name by Pip Williams. I read the book last year and when I saw the stage play coming to Brisbane I mentioned it in passing to Rachel. What a lovely surprise on Christmas Day to open my gift and see that we will be seeing the play together in May.

My running friend gave me these cute runner earrings which I wear each Saturday when we run.

Giving

As someone who has lost both parents and a brother to cancer I’m supporting the McGrath Foundation extending its reach to include all cancers. We’ve all been touched in some way whether it’s a family, friend or even yourself.

What has brought you Joy this week and made your smile?

With love

Women Living Well After 50

Living Life Your Way