Focus on your dreams

Posted on by Miriam

I had a dream the other night that I left my bag on a tram. The doors slammed shut and I couldn’t get back on. As the tram trundled off I ran after it, frantic, knowing that my purse, my phone and identity had all gone with the tram. And I wouldn’t get it back.

I woke in a sweat, my heart hammering until I realised it had only been a dream. Though I couldn’t shake the feeling it was somewhat symbolic.

A few nights earlier I had an even worse dream that involved my daughter. I woke up crying. Its vividness is only now fading as I force it from my memory.

Lately my dreams seem to have an edge of the desperate in them. It’s been a long time since I’ve remembered them with such clarity and now suddenly they’re all in focus, vivid, as though forcing me to take notice.

Maybe they’re a reflection of the stresses in my head.

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My worries seem to be consuming me lately, both for myself and for my 18yo daughter as she grapples to find her way in this world, after a few hard setbacks.

Both of us are searching, in our own way.

I encourage her to be positive, to be proactive, to work towards her goals and to stay focused on what she wants to achieve. I know this is all advice I need to take on board myself.

I feel as though my life is changing direction, into uncharted territory.

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But I feel like I’m moving forward, ever so slowly. For two weeks while my husband has been interstate for work I’ve had time to myself. It’s been good for me, though I have to admit I was very happy to see him last Friday.

On Saturday we enjoyed a big night out at the Eltham Jazz Food and Wine Festival,  where I let my hair down and lost myself in the rhythm and the music. It was liberating.

Maybe this is how I need to approach my life.

Letting go and dancing like no one is watching.

Loving like there’s no tomorrow. Because there are no guarantees in life.

Dreaming like anything is possible.

This morning I opened up my Gratitude Journal and the words I read for today gave me a tingle.

“Our waking and sleeping dreams can inspire us towards new goals in life or we can become victims to an ocean of illusion, left near drowning like a shipwrecked sailor in a swell of fantasy”.

I don’t want to be a shipwrecked sailor. I like the sound of “awakening to a new dream” so much more. And being captain of my own ship.

I need to shake off those shackles of uncertainty and free my mind.  Let go of fears and imagine an exciting and fulfilling future so I can move forward.

It’s only then we allow room for the unexpected. And for new pathways to unfold.

As a new week begins I’m feeling a shift in my attitude.

From dreams that wake me up in sweat to glimpses of profound hope and gratitude, I feel as though February was an opening into the light and March is going to bring greater clarity.

And that’s what I wish for you too.  As this month draws to a close and a new one begins may any fears you have start to dissolve.

Trust that whatever you’re going through is for a reason and that focusing and working through it will allow you to grow.

Open your heart and work towards bringing your dreams to reality. Stay open to the possibilities and believe that anything is possible.

Above all, keep dancing, focus on the light and hold on tight to those dreams.

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Sharing for Paula’s Thursday Special: Focus

168 thoughts on “Focus on your dreams”

  2. Pingback: THURSDAY’S SPECIAL: FOCUS | Lost in Translation

  6. Miriam, your wonderful post spoke directly to me. Almost got shivers reading this as I can identify with so much of what you are writing. The dreams…yes, mine are waking me in shock and the detail is so clear and they feel so real. The ground is shifting for me as my son grows into a very confident young man – of course, I’m so happy for him but it’s not always easy. However last night as he played for us the world seemed to come together and although it wasn’t at a jazz festival I got up to dance – a rarity for me to let go and be free. Awakening to a new dream sounds just right…Thank you so much for this reflective thoughtful post, it came at just the right time this Monday morning and strengthened my resolve to enter March with new renewed spirit. 😀❤️PS. Hope things work out for your daughter, it’s such a tricky age. xx

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful comment Annika. I’m so glad that you were able to relate to this post. Clearly, we’re at very similar stages of life. Here’s to a happy month ahead for both of us. xo

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  9. Thanks for sharing so openly, Miriam. I wish you clarity in the days and weeks ahead. For me personally, an issue I am facing is whether to follow my desires, or do something more “useful” to humanity. I won’t go into details, but sometimes I think of what I enjoy doing in my spare time (i.e. blogging, walking, cycling etc.) and say to myself “but what’s the benefit of this to the world? Shouldn’t I be doing something of more direct benefit to people?” Yes, we all face issues and crossroads, and sometimes the road ahead does look rather fuzzy, as in your photo.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean Denzil. That’s one of the big issues that I’m facing at the moment too. Living a life of purpose beyond our everyday routine and finding meaning in our crossroads. I wish you well as you work out what matters to you most.

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    2. Denzil, I’ve battled the same mental torment. All I have learnt from a spiritual journey to find my path is that by being our own joy, we create that in the world. That’s all we can ever do. The resistance of following our heart’s desires actually creates more tension in the world.
      And we all understand the happy feelings when we see, create, or listen to beautiful art, music, dance..
      Follow your dream and create your own happiness first.
      Hope that helps you.
      Sincere wishes for a happy outcome. Di 🌹🌹

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        1. Oh that’s so lovely, Denzil. Thank you so much. And I’d be touched to think you would sprinkle my quote around where you need it 🌟🌟

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  11. I think the transition for our kids is tough on the parents. It was/is tough to watch your kids enter into their new phase and it reminds us that we are headed into a new phase as well, even though we are happy and excited for the kids to launch, we are uncertain of what that means for us. I don’t think this is obvious when it is happening and our subconscious mind is trying to show us that we are scared and insecure about the future. I had a number of odd dreams when my kids were getting ready to go off to college and did not understand what those dreams were really about until much later. Hang it there! We all go through this one, we just may not know we are doing it!

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    1. Yes, you’re right, it’s a slightly unsettling stage even while on the other hand it’s exciting as they become more independent. Everything seems to be different but I guess that’s life isn’t it? Nothing stays the same. Thanks for your great comment.

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  12. “Dancing like no one is watching” that’s my vote! I laugh at your dream because I had almost the same dream about losing my purse last night. I tend to be high strung and feel as if I need some more dancing and feeling free! Thank you for this post.

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  14. Your post today makes me think about the spiral nature of life. I found it so difficult when my children grew up and left both because I wasn’t ready to move onto the next stage and also because I couldn’t wait to move onto the next stage. Great honest post. 🙏🏼

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  15. “… shake off those shackles of uncertainty and free my mind.” Yes, yes yes yes. This is a beautiful and incredibly honest post, Miriam. I thoroughly appreciated it. When you mentioned February being an opening to the light, I felt something stir within me. I’ve been feeling the same. I’m also curious, if you feel comfortable sharing – what’s the name of your Gratitude Journal? I love the incorporation of astrology – another huge love of mine! 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much for your lovely comment Alalyak, I’m glad you enjoyed my post. The Gratitude Diary that I use is by Melanie Spears. I’ve been writing in her journals for the past five years. They’re fabulous, full of inspiration and astrology tidbits as well as writing pages. 🙂

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  18. Wow Miriam.. This is a post full of adventurous spirit and hope… Wonderful! I absolutely love the photo’s of you dancing.. life is much simpler when we just let ourselves go and focus on having fun! You’re definitely coming through the tunnel with the chinks of light starting to appear which is lovely to read about! xx

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    1. Thanks so much Wendy. It’s taken awhile and I still feel as though I have a way to go but I’m definitely feeling more positive than I have in a while and in the right mindset. It’s good to totally let go sometimes isn’t it? And nothing beats a good dance session. 🙂 Hope all’s well at your end. xo

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      1. I can tell that you’ve ‘shifted’.. how amazing and exciting! You’re so right – letting go for a good old boogy on the dancefloor is fab.. All good here too Miriam.. I returned my company car today and although it means we’ve only got one car now, it felt good to let go.. xxt

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  19. Concentrating on the part about your daughter – she will get there! I’m happy to say my daughter went through all sorts of agonies, dramas and worries her school and college years and is now happily out the other side and working full time with her very own (tiny) first apartment but most of all SHE’S HAPPY and I can’t tell you how delighted and relieved I am that she made it. It might not seem like it but the next few years will absolutely fly past. Good luck to her and to you because she will rely on you for support. You can do it. So can she.

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    1. Thank you so much Alba. I’m sure you’re right, it’s just so hard to see your kids get knocked down time and time again. But I believe in her and I’ve no doubt she’ll make it through this period, even if she does give me more grey hairs in the process. Thanks again for your support, it means a lot.

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    1. Thanks Carol and I think you’re right, they were more like nightmares. Thankfully they’ve eased now, either that or I’ve just stopped remembering them. Hope all’s well with you. Have a great Tuesday.

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  21. Hello dear Miriam!
    What a beautiful post so full of life and honesty. I certainly can relate to your words about our dreams as well as the hardship of wanting the best and easiest path for our children. I’ve absolutely no doubt your daughter’s setbacks will become blessings in disguise. I wish her all the best on her next stage.
    I’m looking forward to discovering where your new and uncharted territories are going to lead you.
    Big hugs, di 🦋💕

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    1. Thanks Di for your kind and supportive words. Yes, my daughter will find her way, I’ve no doubt. As for those unchartered territories. I guess I’m a way we’re all on them. Have a great day my friend. xo

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      1. My pleasure Miriam. And yes, she will. It happens in its own time. Not when we always hope. Anyway, I really think a bit of breathing space to find what they really love and are about can be a positive. There’s less hurry nowadays to decide early. Hope that helps a little. Two of mine began things straight away and made changes after a period of time.
        Have a great day too, lovely 💕

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        1. You’re right, breathing space is helpful. The good thing is my daughter knows what she loves and where her passions lie. It’s just about finding openings and opportunities in these ateas. She’ll get there. Thanks Di. xo

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        2. Oh if she already knows that, Miriam, she’s halfway there. When I worked at Aquinas in Ringwood, very few students knew what they were really passionate about. Including mine 🤔. I’d love to know what she decides in future 🦋🦋💕

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      1. Yes ma’am! Big park day here. Then a big ride through the country listening to books on CD. Through books we were transported to knights in castles, mummies in Egypt, and ninjas in Japan. A trip around the world, via the midwest! 😊😊

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        8. The series is The Magic Treehouse. They’re really great children’s books about a boy and his sister and adventures they go on. LB follows along with the CDs with the books.

          We saw daffodils today for the 1st time this year. They popped up on an old farmstead about 20 miles from here. So pretty.

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  27. Hoping you can find your way a bit clearer Miriam, I know you are worried but do listen and take your own advice! Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts xx By the way this post was again a lovely mix of honest thoughts and appropriate photos – you do it so well 🙂

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  28. Oh I hate scary dreams like that leave your heart thumping. Its about stuff you can’t control and there is so much about life that’s like that isn’t there? Glad you had such a good time Saturday night in Eltham. Sounds like fun. enjoy the rest of the week as we segue into March.Louise

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  29. Oh Miriam, this is simply stunning from start to finish. So much hope amidst the struggles. I hope you and your daughter keep dancing and dreaming with your feet, as we are all inspired to do so from your wonderful words of wisdom. Sweet dreams my friend. Up and up! xx

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  30. I’m so sorry you and your daughter have been going through tough times! But thank you for writing so honestly about it, as I think this post has struck a chord with a lot of your readers and will also help them find their way. Keep dreaming and dancing, Miriam…it’s what we all need to do!

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  33. I know its my fault for missing this post for a whole day before getting the chance to add my 3 cents worth, but really, my scrolling fingers are sore after navigating all the way down to the bottom of the comment section here 😉 (Can you still hear me from waay down here echo echo echo).

    I’m very sorry to hear about your recent bout of nightmares Miriam. But I have to agree with Stephen King who suggests that nightmares are the mind’s way of purging pent up fear, anger and other socially unpleasant emotions we tend to bottle up while we’re awake. Those who lack the vivid imaginations and subconscious bravery to “create” these nightmares are psychically constipated. (I’ve paraphrased quite a bit, but I don’t think S.K. will mind.)

    This is what I tell myself when I look back on those turbulent pre-dawn mornings that wake me from the latest horrifying miniseries featuring me and my greatest fears, villains, and rages.

    If I had your skill, I would wrap this comment up in an inspiring and redirecting way that leaves readers feeling like they have shared in a common conflict, but somehow overcome it and are the stronger for it.

    I’m working on it 😉

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    1. Okay, well for starters your comment’s prompted me to see I need to change my setup so that new comments are at the top. Save your scrolling fingers some work 😏
      That’s an interesting theory by Stephen King. I’ll take it as a positive thing that I have such a vivid imagination that it takes me into some pretty bizarre situations . Now if I can just decipher their meaning. Thanks as always Gabe for your thoughtful comment. It’s great to have you here.

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  34. How come you always have the perfect pictures for your post? Or perfect post for your pictures? 🙂 You’re very talented MIriam… you convey your thoughts very artistically. Being said that, I also want to let you know that I am praying for you and your daughter. Sometimes, we do have some concerns that bother us- and the crazy thing is we are not even sure exactly what they are, we just kind of feel it. But I am confident that whatever they are, you CAN handle them. I hope March will be a good month to us all! 🙂 *hugs~hugs~hugs*

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    1. Such a beautiful and generous comment Nina, thank you my lovely friend. And thank you for your prayers. This is a tough time for my daughter but I’m confident she’ll come through it. Here’s to a happy and peaceful month ahead Nina, for all of us. xo 🙂 Big hugs to you too.

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      1. We definitely are. Every single time I look at your pictures and read your thoughts I think that. I would love to meet you but at the same time I’m hesitant because “what if” we do not connect in the real world (what are the chances though…)? 😉

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        1. We are who we are. There’s no guarantees of anything in this life, or of our connections. Somehow though, I think we’d get along well. Despite any differences we might have we do seem to think alike. Who knows, but hopefully one day we’ll find out! 😏

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  38. Beautiful Miriam! I too had been feeling overwhelmed and stressed the past few weeks so I made a change. I booked an appointment and went to talk to someone about it. Boy was it a miraculous relief! I realize that I worry way too much and it gets in the way of relaxing. I have also started a new online meditation program that I do for ten minutes a day. Simple breathing and getting my mind set in the present. It is amazing how much better I feel if I give myself these special moments. I would love to know the name of the gratitude book you read. I think that would be something nice to add to my life too. 😊

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    1. Hi Nicole, I’m glad you found someone to talk to. I can imagine it made the world of difference. I also had someone I was seeing last year and it was invaluable getting another perspective. The online meditation sounds good too. I’ve tried that before as well but don’t seem to have the discipline to stick to it!
      Maybe I need to try it a different way. In a group perhaps though it seems somehow more flexible to be able to do it at home.
      My Gratitude Journal is by a woman called Melanie Spears and it’s fabulous, incorporating astrology, inspirational quotes and writings as well as a diary section to just write. There are lots of Gratitude Journals about these days but this one has always appealed to me. 😊

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      1. Will have to see if I can find that one Miriam! I just download an app called Calm and I do ten minute guided meditations. It has made a world of difference! Most is just breathing techniques

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  39. One of my favorite quotes. “Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.” Satchel Paige. While you dreamed about losing your purse, I lived your dream, only it was just my phone. 🙂 Once I left my BRAND NEW computer on the train. Fortunately, I was able to go back on and find it, but just barely did before the train took off again. Have a great week, Miriam. 🙂

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    1. Yeah, that’s a great quote isn’t it? As for losing your phone, oh no! That’s not good. 🙁 At least you got your computer back. I remember years ago I left a duty free camera I bought in a bus. I thought it was gone forever but at the airport an hour before my flight I was paged and reunited with it by a very kind bus driver. I’ll never forget how happy I was! 😊 Have a great week yourself Marsha.

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  40. I love this post! I loves this post! I love this post. Wow! Don’t worry, keep walking that path even if you feel that you’re life is changing course, it supposed to. You are learning. You are growing. Keep on moving and keep on Dancing! Keep encouraging daughter. She needs you in this stage of her life. But, do let her feel and experience the bumps, so that she could learn how to be strong. But, be there for her during both her Darkness days, as well as the days when the sun rises. I’m sure you will! You are a great mom! ❤️😁🙈

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    1. Oh Oristel, of course I’ll always be there for her just as I’m also giving her space to experience those bumps. It’s a fine balancing act and such a challenging journey for all of us isn’t it? And yes, I’ll definitely keep on dancing. 🙂 Thank you for this heartfelt comment that I could tell came straight from the heart. xo

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      1. Yes!!!! Miriam! Great to hear! You are very welcome!! I feel related to what your daughter is experiencing right now, those moments where the sky is falling, and I had to navigate through it all alone from 12 until 18 with no gap in between for me to breathe. 🙊

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        1. I’m sorry you had to navigate it all alone Oristel. These are hard years if you have no one to lean on for support and understanding. I hope you’re doing much better now. xo

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  41. You so often hit the nail on the head, Miriam. 🙂 I came back from a radiant few days in Florence straight into a very difficult ongoing situation with my son. One where I feel powerless to help. And totally deflated. I’m not even sure where my focus should be any more. Thank you for all your positive energy. I feel sure it will come good for you and your family.

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    1. I’m so sorry to hear that Jo. It’s so hard to see our kids going through difficult times and to feel so powerless to help. I hope that you can find your focus and you can both navigate through. Life constantly seems to throw us up testing times hey? Sending big hugs to you.

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      1. Thank you Miriam, I don’t do anymore Blogs Awards and other things similar, but this one was a nice way to look back and see how you are doing now! Your Blog growth and transformation! All to do if you want is to find your very first post and copy and paste everything! 😉

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  44. This is wonderful, Miriam. Thank you for sharing. ❤ Your posts are full of wisdom, in my experience.
    I just posted a new project called #ForgivingFridays which is a stretch for me, and then I got a little sick today. I sense it is my body (and maybe my inner self too) coming into cooperation with this expansion. Doing my best to be really gentle with myself. Love to you, Miriam, and Light to your dreams and for your 18yo daughter's too.
    Blessings ~Debbie

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    1. Hi Debbie, thanks for your kind words. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling sick. Perhaps it’s as you said your body trying to cope with changes and expansion. Be kind and gentle to yourself, I’m sure things will align again. I’m looking forward to checking out your new project. Big hugs to you. xo

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  47. Another fantastic post which really resonated with me and brought me to tears on my train, commuting to work this morning Miriam… I really can’t get enough of your writing. Wishing you and your daughter all the best, Jam xx

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  48. Hmmm I bet if you were to re-read this now it would be so much clearer to you what the Universe was telling you and where you were/rare heading. You had many thoughts on your mind and while sleeping you subconscious was sorting them out for you. Like perhaps you were feeling a loss of your own identity during this loss of a job for so long, now that’s a thing of the past. I love your approach to life, it’s like if life gives you lemons make lemonade!! And that is such a healthy attitude and the best approach to take. We take life far too seriously and don’t enjoy ourselves enough. We can start by as you say…focusing on our dreams. Wishing you all your dreams come true Miri. Warm Hugs xo

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    1. Hi Deb, gosh I’ll have to go back and re-read this one. I think you’re right though, from memory I was feeling a bit lost and uncertain. Isn’t it amazing how our subconscious sorts things out as we sleep. So many messages that come through yet often we forget them. Thanks for your beautiful comment Deb. You always inspire me with your comments, posts and lovely thoughts. I love our friendship so much and am so very glad we’ve connected. Take care and big hugs to you xo ❤️

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      1. It really is amazing. Sometimes if I go back and re-read a post, I’ll think, I wrote that or funny I don’t feel that way now, or see it did work out. Oh Miri I feel the same about you. I’m sincere when I say you have such a mindful spirit. You capture feelings in the most perfect words. You interpretation of a situation is always so inspiring. You are a kind and gentle soul, with a deliciously wicked, but sweet, side!! I’m so happy we’ve connected too!! Have a joyful day and big hugs to you!! xo 🙂

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        1. Oh, Deb, I’m both laughing and crying at the same time at your words. You sure know how to make this blubbering Australian woman feel good about herself. Love you lots! Have a wonderful weekend my friend, you deserve it. xo ❤️

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        2. You know I could have written those same words to you!! Thank you. Love you lots too! Wishing you a wonderful weekend too my sweet, wicked friend!! xoxo It’s the last one before working full-time. 🙂

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        3. I know! Kinda scary and nerve wracking yet I’m so full of hope for what lies ahead. Keep smiling and enjoy your weekend too Deb, my sweet wicked friend (I think that title’s going to stick isn’t it? Love it!) xo

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  49. I’m sorry you had such unsettling dreams, but I really like how you shifted your focus at the end! Keep plugging away, don’t give up, don’t let go of the dreams – all good stuff! And lovely pictures to go with the thoughts! Love to see you “cutting the rug” and getting your groove on there! I bet that felt so good! 😀 ❤ *hugs*

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    1. Thanks so much my dear friend. Yes, I’m plugging away and not giving up, as hard as it all us at the moment. Hope you’re well. xo Big hugs to you. xo ❤️

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