Greetings, Sunny Optimists,
This week is my second anniversary of starting The Sunny Optimist. I cannot quite believe I am here and that I have over 100 posts under my belt. I can honestly say that this adventure has been an absolute pleasure for me. I now have a library of lovely memories that captures my experiences and musings. I have reconnected with family and friends and made new friends along the way. I have delighted in the comments you have sent me. I appreciate your telling me I have made a difference to your day.
My first post was called Lockdown Breakout on the 28th of September 2020. We had entered our second COVID lockdown in Scotland at that time, and I could feel my spirits dropping. Below is one of Bob’s Cartoons that capture what I was feeling at the time.
I was in my 70s, and being with my family was so important to me. I still can feel that sense of hurt and grief rising within me even now as I look at this image. I missed them so much.
My closing words from the 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 this experiece that I would love to share with you. They opened up new pathways that I have so enjoyed following.
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. I recognise that The Sunny Optimist is the right vehicle to respond to this yearning. I have my own writing style and voice now. I am amazed that each week a topic appears for me to follow. The well has not run dry! I trust the creative flow now, and I feel deeply contented each week when I push the publish button.
Becoming a Tech Savvy Elder
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. 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 who has responded beautifully to my curiosity 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 speaking voice. People who know me say they can hear my voice when reading my words. Another aspect is recording mediations for you. I imagine you sitting there when I am recording, which helps with the flow. I have so enjoyed finding poems and readings that have optimism at their heart. The creation of Dorothea Brietzer-King's seasonal meditations alongside Tim's piano accompaniment has been particularly rewarding.
Say It with Love
One theme that has been with me throughout 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 remember the first time I heard it, and I feel it has been an anthem for my life. 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.
Here are my favourite part of the lyrics.
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 that going ‘back to nature’ and ‘say it with love’ has been at the heart of the Sunny Optimist all the way through. These words hold an essence of the Sacred and open us to be more connected and appreciative of all we are and have.
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
Congratulations Ann! Happy 2nd Anniversary! Thank you for continuing to inspire!
I am enjoying your questions this week! I am conscious of trying to live in that feeling of belonging in nature as much as possible. When I think about the likelihood of being born here on Earth (next to zero) and the fact that I am still here, I like to think that Earth wants me here and feels I have a role to play and, of course, all of us who are here. With that in mind I am working on trusting Earth to take care of me and listening to her guidance. It's so easy for the human mind to question and doubt and compare. We can learn so much from trees! Sending my love and appreciation!
This is so lovely, Ann. Happy 2nd birthday! I have been in awe of your bravery, resilience, and of course, your beauty. These posts have brightened my life in so many ways. I'm grateful you took the leap to put your thoughts into the world. I too can hear your lovely voice as I read them and they feel like lovely intimate conversations with you. As for 'back to nature', our recent Ireland trip felt like that to me. It was a first visit to my ancestral homeland. The sad stories of the history of that country, married with the sweetness of of the people I met made me cry often. The landscapes did indeed feel familiar—that wind, aromas, the green!!!, the bubbling rocks... all part of my own DNA somehow. It is something I will ponder on for a long while. Sending you so much love - Chris