Greetings, Sunny Optimists,
This week is my year anniversary of starting The Sunny Optimist. I cannot quite believe I am here and that I have 52 posts under my belt. Big smile! I can honestly say that this adventure has been an absolute delight for me. I now have a library of lovely memories that captures my experiences and musings.
I have reconnected with old friends and have met new friends along the way. I have delighted in the comments you have sent me. I so appreciate it when you tell me I have made a difference to your day.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
Insights from the Year.
My first post, on the 28th of September 2020, was called Lockdown Breakout. At that time, we had entered our second COVID lockdown in Scotland, and I could feel my spirits dropping. I realised that my wellbeing would be nurtured by finding new ways to connect with my family and friends. My closing words from this original post were;
‘I will write about things that I think are interesting, funny, poignant, and hope that I get responses back that make life a bit sweeter, a bit more fun, and takes me into new relationships and learning.”
Life is undoubtedly sweeter, and there is more fun in the creative flow I now have each week. I am out in the world in a new way.
In terms of learning, there are three insights from the last year that I would love to share with you. These have opened up new pathways that I am so excited to follow.
I am a Writer
I now know that I am a writer, and saying this gives me a deep sense of inner satisfaction. To be a writer has been a lurking ambition for many years, and I recognise that The Sunny Optimist is the right vehicle to respond to this yearning. I have my own writing style and voice now. My hesitancy has gone, and I know to keep going. There is a deep sense of contentment when I push the publish button each week.
Becoming Tech Savvie
As I look back at my life, I have always enjoyed the computing aspects of my work. As the newsletter developed, I gained expertise in techie things like Garageband, iMovie, Canva, and Vimeo. AND I knew there was much more for me to discover.
Back in March 2021, I wrote;
‘I need to find a person who could guide me technically. Perhaps a young person who has all the techie skills that would like a project to work on. Or someone who appreciates The Sunny Optimist and would like to help me develop it further.’
To my delight, Tim Uffindell arrived in my life. He is my coach. Over the last six months, he has responded beautifully to my curiousity and diligence. He knows I will keep going till I get it. I can ask him any ‘daft’ question, and he always has an answer. We laugh a lot.
My Voice as an Instrument
What has been a surprise is the lovely feedback about my voice. People who know me say they can hear my voice when reading my words. Another aspect is recording mediations for you. When I am recording, I imagine you sitting there, and this helps with the flow. I have so enjoyed finding poems and readings that have optimism at their heart. The creation of Dorothea Brietzer-Kings seasonal meditations with Tim's piano accompaniment has been particularly joyful.
Say it with Love
One theme that has been with me during this Sunny Optimist adventure is my love of music with meaningful lyrics. This week the song that has been in my mind is 'Say it with Love' by The Moody Blues. I have danced to this many times over the years, and I find the beat and the words wonderfully energising. I share this with you in a heartfelt appreciation of this adventure and the insights I have gained.
Click here or on the image to listen.
Enjoy!
Here are my favourite part of the lyrics.
I've been thinking the way people do
'Bout the things that matter to me and you
I've decided to do what I can
And to find the kind of man
I really am.
I can see the world from here
And it sometimes makes me want to disappear
Back to nature that's where we belong
And with just one truth I've found you can't go wrong
Wherever you go, Whatever you do, Whatever you say
Say, say, say Say it with love. (Full lyrics here)
I feel the going ‘back to nature’ and ‘say it with love’ have been at the heart of the Sunny Optimise all the way through. They hold the essence of the Sacred, the Divine and open us to be more connected, and appreciative of all we are and have. Just lovely.
Questions for this week
And so, here are my questions for you this week.
Is there a ‘back to nature’ place where you belong?
How has ‘speaking with love’ changed your experience?
What ‘matters’ to you at this time in your life?
As always, I would love to hear from you.
Ann
PS My next techie adventure is to explore hosting a Sunny Optimist community space on a platform called Discord. I hope this will be a space where we can share sunny resources and get to know each other better. If you would like to help me pilot the community space development, please email me at ann@conscious.me.uk.
Happy Birthday to Yooooou!
I so much appreciate the inspiration in your journey told Ann as I enter with grace into my own personal descent as a door closes before another opens.
Big hug to you and Thank You for doing what you are doing.
Happy Birthday to Sunny Optimist!!!
I am another grateful recipient of your weekly messages. Though I may not post comments every week, know that I reciprocate with gratitude and love flowing to you.
So many nature spaces I love. Last week I grieved the loss of an large ash tree across the road from us that was taken down. The one I greeted every morning as I sat on the sofa drinking my coffee after meditation. I was nearly one of those activist types ….chaining myself to the tree to stop it coming down. It looked perfectly healthy. I did question the workers before they took it down, but refrained from more drastic action. We lost a total of 28 mature trees in the neighborhood. Sigh.
On a more optimistic note, the lake 3 miles from us is now renewed and safe to swim in following a massive project to drain, dredge and refill over a span of three years. We volunteer to maintain the gardens in that park. Death and new life.
Thank you, thank you for your weekly messages. They are reminders of the companionship of like hearted folks on the journey.
The song is great. One that came to my mind… also an oldie, “Come on People Now Smile on Your Brother (Sister)” by Turkeys
❤️❤️🌈🌈❤️❤️