Greetings, Sunny Optimists,
This week is my six-month anniversary of The Sunny Optimist. I cannot quite believe I am here and that I have 26 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 over the years. I have reconnected with old friends and have met new friends along the way. It has been amazing to watch my subscriber list grow in a time when there is so much clammer for your attention. 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. If you have any special memories of our time together, I would love to hear from you.
Insights from the last six months
My first post, on the 28th September 2020, was called Lockdown Breakout. At that time, we had entered our second lockdown in Scotland, and I could feel my spirits dropping. I realised that my well-being would be nurtured by finding new ways to connect with my family and friends. The Sunny Optimist came to me as the right way to respond to what was happening to me and others. 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 six months that I would love to share with you. These have opened up a new pathway 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. This has been a lurking ambition for many years, and I recognise that The Sunny Optimist is the right vehicle for me to respond to this yearning.
I now understand how the creative process of writing actually works. When I begin each newsletter, I have an inkling of what I will write. It is a bit of back and forth for a while. It all feels a bit woolly and lacking definition at first. Then something shifts, and I move into a focussed flow until the post is complete.
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. Mmmmmm.
Becoming more tech savvie
As I look back at my life, I have always enjoyed the computing aspects of my work. I was an early adopter of Apple starting in 1992. I have worked on contact management databases, project management applications, and I love my mind mapping software.
As The Sunny Optimist developed, I have ‘mastered’ techie things like Garageband, iMovie, Canva, and Vimeo. I also have a much better understanding of how to reach out now via social media. There were times of what I call ‘a hot headache’ when I was down the rabbit hole of youtube videos, LOL! But again, I persevered and always found my way through.
At heading for 70, I am proud of myself. There is more to come here, but I see that I need a techie ally to help me go further.
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. Before pushing the publish button, my last activity is always to read the words aloud to listen to my writing's cadence.
Another aspect is that people have said they enjoy listening to my voice. I meditate before I begin to record and drop down into connection with the Earth to guide me. 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 guided meditations has been particularly rewarding, and there is more for me to develop in this territory.
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Where Next?
I wish to develop The Sunny Optimist further now. I am considering having my own website to give me more options around communications and holding content. I would love to open up a community space for people to connect more with me and with each other. I will do more recording of meditations and poetry that supports our wellbeing.
I enjoyed creating the two spotlight pieces recently, The Hope Suite with Mark L.Smith and The Grateful Cellist with Dirje Childs. To be with people who are making a difference in the world was very moving. I intend to do more of this.
I need to find a person who could guide me technically to do the above. Perhaps a young person who has all the techie skills that would like a project to work on. Or someone who likes The Sunny Optimist and would like to help me develop it further. If you know of anyone, please ask them to reach out to me at anntroberts@pm.me.
Here’s to the next six months. Lots of appreciation to you for being with me.
As always I would love to hear from you.
Ann
Ann, I’m so very grateful for this wonderful edition of The Sunny Optimist, and for your initial spark of inspiration that lead you to begin this marvelous endeavor 6 months ago. Yes indeed, you ARE a writer, and your voice, both on the written page and in recorded form, is uplifting, supportive and inspiring. What a beautiful example of how when we step forward and share who we are from the heart, we reach and connect with others and create opportunities for growth, learning and positive new vistas. It is exciting to see what is now opening ahead for you on this journey—I know it will invite your current and future readership onward. Thank you for sharing your heart!
With love,
Dirje
Congratulations, Ann! What a beautiful, heart-filled, authentic artwork you have created here. The world is a better place for it. I know I am! Like others, I do hear your lovely voice when I'm reading, which makes is even more intimate. You are doing something really important here. Always happy to lend support in whatever way you need it. Thank you for the weekly blessings. #grateful