Weekly Round-Up

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.

Today is the last of the twelve days of Christmas. Here it in Ireland it’s “Nollaig na mBan” which is Gaelic for “Women’s Christmas.”

This is an old Irish custom. Tradition had it that each year, after the hard work of the Christmas festivities, the menfolk would give women a break from the housework on January 6th. Women would go out to celebrate the day with their friends, sisters, mothers, and aunts.  Although the tradition is dying out, I still love it as a way to celebrate female friendship. Today, I’m getting to spend it with my friend Deirdre.

Another tradition at this time of year which I love is the three-word mantra to guide the year ahead. Philippa shares hers in her latest blog post.

A lovely reflection on welcoming the new year from Yvonne.

Dee shares her hopes and plans for 2019.

Connie explains why the hashtag #stepforwardfrom has such powerful resonance.

Barbara reminds us of the power of living in the moment with her latest post.

Juliet is confronting and learning to accept the emotion of anger in her life.

A horrible start to the new year for Audrey – please join with me in sending loving, healing thoughts her way.

I’m not usually a big fan of affirmations but if anyone can persuade me to change my mind, it’s Karin. Her latest post on chanting and affirmations is certainly worth a look today.

Wonderful post from Cathy on accepting and celebrating “you” exactly as you are right now.

The miracle that is your body deserves your love and respect, because it is exactly this miracle that will get you through treatment – whatever that holds and looks like for you.

This week I got to interview Terri Coutee about the role social media plays in her advocacy  – you can catch the interview here – and also check out her blog where she interviews plastic reconstructive microsurgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo on the topic of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) and breast reconstruction.

Carolyn shares her most popular posts of 2018 – a chance to catch some great writing again.

Isabel celebrated her birthday this week and I love the words she celebrates with.

My age is a badge, a prize that I get every year. My age is a badge, a prize that I get every year.

Becky is in healing mode this week.

Hope springs in Johanna‘s heart as she too continues to heal.

A beautiful reflection from Amy Camie on the threads of connection and the power to transform any health care encounter into one of comfortable, compassionate care.

And finally, this week’s writing prompt inspired by female friendship. You may like to write about it on your own blog, or simply leave a comment below.

Until next week,

Yours with much love always

Marie xxx