Weekly Round-Up

Welcome dear readers. I’m so glad you’re here.

After years of waiting for the right moment to walk the Camino, Connie finally set out—alone—on the Portuguese Coastal Path last August. What began as a deferred dream became a journey perfectly timed in what theological writer Henri Nouwen calls kairos time: the fullness of the moment.

The SBC blog has 20 Sleep Hacks For A Better Night’s Rest with practical tips to help restore energy and wellbeing.

In her latest post, Barbara examines why trust can be so fragile for breast cancer survivors. She explores how the unpredictability of the disease, flawed healthcare experiences, strained personal relationships, and societal pressures can leave survivors wary—not just of the medical system, but even of their own bodies.

Nancy reflects on a lifetime measured in beloved dogs, from her first dachshund puppy Penny to Elsie and Sophie, the steadfast companions who saw her through cancer. After the heartbreak of losing their young Frenchie, Titus, she and her husband hesitated to open their hearts again—until Luka, a cautious but spirited brindle boy, came into their lives. In a tender, funny, and honest account, Nancy shares how love for a new dog doesn’t always arrive instantly, how each pet carves their own place in a family, and why dog joy—like grief—is worth every bit of the heartache.

Beth, moved by the deep divisions in her country, writes candidly about how political and social fracture has stifled her creative energy. Yet a simple act—photographing flowers—rekindles her will to paint, reminding her that art can be both an anchor and a path back to hope.

Gabby unpacks how everyday skincare products can harbor hormone-disrupting chemicals that pose risks to survivors and those navigating menopause and offers safer alternatives and emphasizes small, practical swaps as a respectful way to care for bodies already carrying so much.

In Better Older than Dead, Lisa celebrates another birthday milestone by challenging a culture obsessed with fighting aging—reminding us that growing older can be rooted in wisdom, humor, and presence.

And finally, this week, Abigail marks eight years of living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer—an anniversary she quietly passed in June while navigating new signs of progression on her PET/CT scan. Her commitment to staying engaged, informed, and hopeful, even when the path ahead is uncertain, is a beacon for us all.

Until next time,

May we continue to encourage—and lift—each other up in the days ahead.

Much love always

Marie xxx