Weekly Round-Up: The New Year Edition

Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Don’t forget if you have written a post which you would like readers to see, just leave a comment below. 

The first round-up of a new year and many of our thoughts are on new beginnings. Barbara Katie Catherine Lisa Brandi Dee Lara and Caroline all share their hopes, wishes and plans for the new year ahead.

Eileen looks back on  a year of reinvention and looks forward to her future.

Tracy too looks back on a year of upheaval but faces into the new year more optimistically.

I love that Philippa has kept up a habit she started several years ago – picking three words to guide the year ahead. Check out her latest post to find out what those words are for 2018. And then hop on over to JoAnn‘s blog for her three words.

Some warm welcome backs to the blogosphere to Kathi – though her words and thoughts are heart-breaking to read – and to Wendi, but sad to hear she is feeling blue.

After a year-long hiatus, I was hoping so much that Renn would update her blog before the clock struck the final second of 2017 – and she didn’t disappoint.

Jo updates us on the incredibly busy year she had last year, and despite ongoing health set-backs, plans on continuing to be in 2018 the amazing MBC campaigner and advocate we know and love so much.

Audrey, is another dear friend and tireless advocate, and even though she is starting the year with some very challenging health issues, she too is determined to continue her work to support others and advocate for justice for all.

And speaking of tireless advocates.. Terri‘s mission to educate women about breast reconstruction options is evident again this week with her latest blog.

Someone else who is on a mission this year is Chris – he wants to find out just where your cancer cash goes.

I’m sad to admit it but after my Mother’s death and my multiple miscarriages, I turned away from my belief in any Higher Power. It’s made the journey of grief harder and I’ve struggled to find some way to honor my grief and loss. I found a glimmer of hope reading Connie’s latest post on praying trees – her idea really resonates with me.

I’m a big fan of  Hygge (pronounced “HUE-gah”) a Danish term that cannot be translated using a single word. Melissa writing in The Underbelly, describes it as a word that “combines many of the everyday pleasures we think of when simply enjoying life.”

It’s relaxing with friends, enjoying good, homemade food and feeling warmth and coziness from things like candles and crackling fireplaces. You know that feeling you love when sipping coffee in your favorite socks whilst reading your favorite book as the rain comes down, tapping outside your window? That’s hygge.

 

Super post from Stephanie on PTSD and cancer.

Returning to work after cancer was a big stressor for me (I know not everyone has the luxury of taking time off work during treatment), so I am thrilled to learn from Shine Cancer Support of a new initiative called ASTRiiD which aims to pair up people living with cancer who need flexible or part-time work, with companies that need talented people but don’t need them 9 to 6pm in an office. It’s win-win!

Beth sets herself a challenge, which could be fun for others to try too – create a six-word memoir.

As Maureen approaches her two-year “cancerversary” she faces it with mixed emotions.

Gorgeous post by Karin on the anniversary of David Bowie’s death calling on us to find strength in our shared humanity.

If you’re looking for a new year’s book recommendation, check out Sue‘s review of  Rana Awdish’s book In Shock.

Finally this week, I leave you with a quote from Rebecca, who is weighing up hope against fear as she moves forward in her life.

Yours with much love always,

Marie xxx