Oh my goodness where is the year going? May has been and gone and we are hurtling towards June and mid-year!
In my recent Newsletter, ‘Your Weekly Boost’, I wrote about ‘Living a Tapas Life – one joyful bite at a time’ and May has certainly proven to me that I have adopted a Tapas Lifestyle. A Tapas Life is about intentionally choosing variety, slowing down to savor the moment, and allowing yourself to sample the many flavors life offers — without the pressure to do it all at once.
When I starting looking back at my month, I was surprised at how much I had done and enjoyed. It was lovely revisiting May.
Celebrating my darling’s birthday with a special lunch
Stepping out of my comfort Zone – Being a Guest Speaker at the Silver Sirens Redefining Ageing Event
May started with me facing my fears and speaking at an event with 100 women. Such an inspiring morning and I received a beautiful testimonial from Faith Agugu, Founder of Silver Sirens as well as some professional photos. Silver Sirens is an organisation that celebrates Women Over 50. You can find more information about them at their website.
Images courtesy of Silver Sirens and Renee Brazel Photography
Time with my daughter is always Special
A night at the Theatre
My daughter Rachel, gave me tickets to see The Dictionary of Lost Words at QPAC. We enjoyed some quality mother/daughter time and the play was fabulous. Yep, I wore the same outfit again to the Redefining Ageing event!
The Mother’s Day Run Our Annual Tradition
A Week at Caloundra with my love
Mike and I enjoyed a week’s get away to Caloundra for some relaxation and the weather was stunning. Although it is only an hour’s drive from Brisbane we never really explored the area until late last year. We stayed 5 nights in October and enjoyed it so much we returned last week.
Podcast and Blogging – I wrote my weekly newsletter Your Weekly Boost – Living Life in Full Bloom’, my weekly Sparks of Joy posts shared on the Wednesdays Words & Whimsy link up as well as co-hosting The Wellness Reimagined Link Up, What’s On Your Bookshelf?, the weekly Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot and the monthly Tell Us About. You can find the post links below if you missed them.
No Social Media Sundays: I’ve continued with my NSM Sundays. No computer or phone checking of Facebook and Instagram. It is so freeing and I’m really being faithful to myself.
Regular workouts were maintained and my running is on track for the Brisbane half marathon this coming Sunday. We have also just signed up for another half marathon in August which I will just slip in before our trip to the UK and Norway.
Social connection – Mike and I enjoyed a day trip to Mount Tamborine with our Probus Group.
Book Clubbing – Our regular Stunners Online Classics Book Club met to discuss ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens. We also made the decision to start a Podcast of our Book Club meetings. We would love you to subscribe and here our book reviews. Find out more information and subscribe HERE. You can find what else I’ve been reading in my #WOYBS? What’s On Your Bookshelf? – May 2025 post.
Other Blog Posts you may have missed – Wow! I sure wrote a lot of posts this month.
Your Weekly Boost: Finding Unexpected Joy beyond Disappointment
Meaningful May – Be a part of something bigger
Debut Novel from Judy Smith – The Golden Years Glitch
May is Melanoma Month – time for a skin check?
Wellness Reimagined: 7 Simple Ways to Stay Heart Healthy After 50
Sparks of Joy #31 – Awards, Achievements, a Birthday to celebrate & the Theatre
Celebrating Thursdays – quietly powerful and a reminder to bloom
Ageing isn’t Decline – It’s Expansion – New Book – The 9 Lives of Woman
Sparks of Joy #32 – Day trip, A Tradition and Overcoming Fear to find Joy
#WOYBS? – May 2025 – Something exciting coming!
Listening to Your Body without losing momentum
Sparks of Joy #33 – The promise of blooming
Living a Tapas Life- One Joyful Bite at a Time
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 in 2025:
Last Thursday, 2 pm (PST)/Last Friday, 8 am (AEST). Please note dates slightly different for July and December – aren’t we organised! LOL 🙂
May 29/30
June 27/28
*July 31/August 01
August 28/29
September 26/27
October 30/31
November 27/28
*January 01/02 2025
39 Comments
What a great month you had Sue, with lots of variety and fun things happening. You did so well at the Silver Sirens talk and running and training for your half marathon event this weekend. I can’t believe the year is rushing by so fast either, our trips away will be here before we know it. Thanks for all your sparks of joy, you are a dedicated supporter and a constant inspiration! Also a great co-host!! Enjoy the run and sending good vibes to you for the month of June.
Hi Deb, May was wonderful. Isn’t it a great reminder of what we’ve done in life when we look back over the month. There were some things I had totally forgotten about! The Silver Sirens was an experience for sure even though I was nervous, I was proud of myself when I had finished. I’m looking forward to running with Rachel and Caz on Sunday. x
Sue, what an incredible month filled with family, personal accomplishments, and all those blog posts. Where do you find the time? Can’t wait to see what June brings. Good luck with the new podcast.
Hi Suzanne, taking the time away in Caloundra for some relaxation and down time was the perfect end to the month. I love being busy and engaged in life but I also need my time out as well. That’s what I call the harmony in my life. Lovely to hear from you and I’ve enjoyed seeing your cruise travels. x
Hi, Sue – Your May is a wonderful example of ‘Living a Tapas Life – one joyful bite at a time!’ Congratulations again on all that you have accomplished and all that you have taken on. You are a true inspiration. <3
Happy belated birthday to Mike!
It was a great tapas lifestyle month, Donna and I’m hoping to keep living this way. x
What a full month you had, Sue. It sounds lovely. Thanks, as always, for hosting #WBOYC. I always look forward to it.
Hi Christie, it was a full month but full of joy. I’m very grateful that life is good at the moment and I’m able to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. x
Lots of nice moments and I love the photos from Caloundra. Good luck for the HM this weekend!!
Hi Sharon, Caloundra really turned on the weather. It was a glorious few days spent by the ocean relaxing and recharging. Thanks for the best wishes for the run this Sunday. x
I’m not sure how one month can have so many highlights Sue. A great month for you. I love your Caloundra photos. It’s one of our favourite places to go to when we visit my family up there. You certainly have had your blogging mojo switched on this month.
It was pretty busy, Jen but full of so many good things. I’m very lucky. Caloundra has become a favourite of ours and I know we will revisit every year. It’s so beautiful there. x
A full month of delights! You are such an inspiration!
It was a lovely month, thanks, Barbara xx
Wow, Sue, when you look back at May you can say “that was a big month” and look how well I did.
Lots of personal life challenges there which you carried out so well. I think that you are testament to the notion “never say never” too when you decide what’s going to work for you in your life as it is now. Congratulations on it all.
Take care, and thanks for the link up. I am enjoying getting involved again too.
Denyse x
Hi Denyse, May was a blast for me and although busy I enjoyed every moment. Thanks so much for you beautiful words of encouragement. It is great to see you back and involved again but on your own terms which is the only way to go. Take care, Sue xx
I loved your month (and you know I love those foodie pics). It was such a pity to miss catching up with you this time. Jet lag really is the worst!
It was disappointing not catching up, Jo but I’m not sure I would have made it either after an international flight. There will be other times, I’m sure. xx
What a rich month you’ve had, Sue… a tapas lifestyle at it’s best! I so appreciate the ways in which you find joy wherever you can. It’s something I try to be intentional about, too! I love the concept of NSM Sundays, too! It’s something to definitely consider! Wishing you a wonderful June ahead!
What a beautiful way to live, Sue: “intentionally choosing variety, slowing down to savor the moment, and allowing yourself to sample the many flavors life offers.” Congrats on stepping out of your comfort zone to be a guest speaker. That takes a lot of courage! I’m glad it paid off for you and I’m sure for all who got to hear your words of wisdom.
Also good for you in doing the NSM Sundays. I tried that for awhile a year or so ago, and found it beneficial. But I’ve since fallen off the bandwagon. Maybe I’ll reconsider it again…
Hi Lisa, May was certainly full on but I proved so many things to myself. I’m loving the NSM Sundays although I know sometimes it is difficult to keep it going. Maybe try again for a month and see how you go? Have a lovely June. Sue xx
What a fabulous month you’ve had! That trip away looks lovely and you looked like you completely rocked your public speaking appearance.
We had such a relaxing time away, Joanne and perfect timing for a busy month. xx
What a fab month. I thought I’d already commented here but I’ve just been following along over the month. Ha! YOu really had a lot on but still time to enjoy the sunrise and ocean walks! Beautiful
Hi Lydia thanks so much for being you! You always write something to make me smile. Have a great month of June. xx
What a full and fulfilling month you’ve had, Sue! I’m so glad you and Mike are celebrating life like you do. I’m looking forward to that with my Mike in the coming months! Congrats again on being a speaker…I’m sure you were wonderful! You are so inspirational!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I’m so happy for you Marsha that Mike is improving and soon you will be enjoying life together again. x
Congratulations on speaking to 100 women! A very busy, and joyous as always, month for you. Retirement is the best!
Hi Gail, I was nervous but overcame my nerves because the audience was so warm and welcoming. You are right. Retirement is the best and I can see you cycling all over the place staying fit and seeing places. Go You! x
What a fab May you’ve had, Sue. Congrats on your public speaking appearance! Thank you for hosting #WBOYC and linking up with #WeekendCoffeeShare. Have a lovely June!
Thank you, Natalie for supporting our link ups and have a great month of June. xx
What a heartwarming reflection! It’s so refreshing to see someone take the time to appreciate the small and big joys that fill a month. Your May sounded truly fulfilling—whether it was time spent with loved ones, achieving personal goals, or simply soaking in seasonal moments. Posts like these are a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate our own day-to-day lives. Thanks for sharing your journey—definitely inspired me to look back at my own month with more gratitude!
Hello Arielle and thank you for stopping by to leave such a lovely comment. I’m so pleased you enjoyed my post and you feel inspired to revisit your month. I’m sure you will find may sparks of joy. Have a beautiful month of June xx
Goodness, Sue. You have had a busy May!
I love this idea:
No Social Media Sundays: I’ve continued with my NSM Sundays. No computer or phone checking of Facebook and Instagram. It is so freeing and I’m really being faithful to myself.
Although for me it would have to be another day of the week.
Thanks Carole it was a busy but enjoyable May. You can select whatever day suits you for your NSM and it really does make a difference. Hope you are well. xx
That is so cool you do No Social Media Sundays. What I have done is not log on to social media on my computer and that has made a difference. I spend more time on my computer anyway — writing a blog, writing e-mail, researching. Not having social media on my browser creates an inconvenience and I realize I don’t need it. I keep social media on my phone, but I don’t write posts from there. I hurt my hands many years ago — I use to do the social media in one of my last jobs — though that wasn’t my primary duty at my job. I spent so much time doing social media on behalf of that employer including doing live tweeting from conferences. Of course, all of that required using my phone. It’s no surprise that I hurt my hands.
If I feel compelled to write something long on Facebook or Instagram, I’ll draft it on my computer and send it to myself to post — but that’s very rare that I do it.
I’m late commenting from last week. What a great month you had. I read the book Dictionary of Lost Words. I bet the play would be interesting. Yay for stepping out of your comfort zone and speaking to all those women. I need to read a few of the posts you listed.
Looks like you had an event filled month. Caloundra looks so beautiful!
Caloundra is a lovely spot, Amy and perfect for a quick getaway for some R & R. x