A wish to Grow and Bloom

Posted on by Miriam

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?

Lamby has eaten (almost) everything. She’s sucked the sage, devoured the mint, deflowered the lemon tree and stripped my yard barren.

Not only has she devoured the herbs (minus the rosemary) she’s mowed better than any grass cuter ever could and become a master pruner of trees.

I knew it would happen. What I hadn’t counted on was how much I would fall in love with her, despite her appetite for my backyard.


Those big eyes, the bleat of recognition when she sees me, the way she dances round in the morning when I go out to give her pellets. The way she sits outside the kitchen door, like she thinks she’s a dog.

She’ll  be leaving us today. We have a home lined up for her, a small hobby farm near Myrtleford where she’ll live amongst a few of her own.


It’ll be sad to see her go, but it’s time. My garden will have a chance to rejuvenate again.
The plants and trees that she’s pruned will come back stronger. Herbs that she devoured, will sprout again and if they don’t I’ll plant new ones.

Everything has a season. A reason for being.

There’s still life underneath the dry earth. With some rain the roots will take hold and flourish. It’ll be about putting in some extra effort and having patience.

It’s a bit like us.

Sometimes in our messy lives there are things that need to be cut back in order for us to grow stronger. It might be sacrifices we make, toxic friendships that need to be severed, bad jobs exchanged for new horizons. A new mindset.

Sometimes we have to go through these rough patches before we can find ourselves and truly thrive.

The sky outside my front door this morning. New hope in a new day.

We often go through dark nights before appreciating the light.

Sometimes all we need are some encouraging words, a friend calling at the right time, or a blogger on the other side of the world who understands us to make us realise we’re not alone. Sometimes it’s a nudge from the Universe.

Mostly though, it’s our own inner work and self belief that moves us forward.

Outside in my garden the other day I looked up and saw them, bright orange lantern flowers that Lamby hadn’t been able to reach.

It was a reminder that, no matter how messed up things seem around us, there’s always beauty to be found.

The blooms always return. The tulips will come back in spring. In a few months the daffodils will show their faces and abundance will return to my garden.

Rain will fall and the bulbs hiding underneath the earth will sprout upwards.

Just like our gardens, none of us ever stop growing. Despite hard knocks, seasons of drought, neglect (and hungry lambs) we grow tougher.

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Amongst my tall lemon scented gum trees in my yard I’m reminded of what we’re capable of.

We all have inner strength, even if we sometimes doubt it.

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I got a job yesterday, one that feels so ‘right’ for me.

After hitting rock bottom with my confidence this time last year, and feeling ‘stuck’ and overwhelmed, I’ve gradually been able to shift my mindset to a positive place. Things are definitely looking up.

I wish the same for you too. My wish is for hope and the belief that no matter what you’re going through, persevere and you will bloom.

Just like my garden will rejuvenate itself once a certain loveable lamb heads for greener pastures.

My wish is that we all become the best version of ourselves we can be.

In response to Franks’s Tuesday Photo Challenge: Bloom  and sharing also for Nurturing Thurs: Messy Life  and The Daily post Photo Challenge: Wish.

Three challenges that I see as being closely related. So dream on, stand strong and bloom brightly.

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201 thoughts on “A wish to Grow and Bloom”

  2. How magical is your writing dear Miriam? This post is like taking a beautiful breath of mountain air. Just peaceful and calming. And your dear little lamb though… he’s gorgeous and I understand he will enjoy a new home up north.
    Congratulations on your new job and I’m so happy to read you have found a new confidence.
    All the best my friend 🌹🌹🌟

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    1. Thanks so much Di for your very kind words, “a breath of mountain air” sounds so very peaceful. I’ve just said goodbye to Lamby as she sets off for her new home. It will be quiet around here without her bleating. Hope you have a lovely weekend my friend. 😊❤️

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      1. Oh Miriam… that must have been so difficult. Lamby looked beautiful and I’m sure you loved her greatly. I hope you and your family are ok. You are very welcome re-my comments on your post. Wishing you a lovely weekend too 💐💕

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        1. Yeah, it was sad, even though I know it’s for the best. When they drove off, with Lamby bleating in the back of the horse float, it felt like one of my kids was leaving home permanently.

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  3. Your words are enchanting. You have such a beautiful connection to the earth and her song. Congrats on the job! I once had goats and they too devoured everything in site. They were fenced in and I would feed them rose petals through the fence. They were like candy to them.

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  5. I don’t take enough time to read these days, but boy oh boy! Am I happy I stopped by, Miriam 🙂 I love the parallel between Lamby work and your garden blooming again, and the fact that we all have the possibility to get up after adversity.

    Beautifully written, gorgeous pictures and something to think about… Thanks for sharing this great post!! 🙂

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  6. Your writing is so inspiring. This brought a smile to my face while looking through your photos. I’m sure you will miss that silly goat. 😢 And Congrats on the job! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  7. Miriam, your inner beauty is reflected in your beautiful thoughts and words you share with all of us. Sorry to see Lamby go, but you will always smile when you recall the memories she etched in your mind and heart. Congrats on your new job. I hope it won’t take time away from your writing, because you speak into our souls. Love and hugs and big smiles on your first day! Thank you my friend!

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    1. Thanks Susan, it’s always great hearing from you. I will miss Lamby but I know it’s for the best and yes we’ve got plenty of fun happy memories of her. As for the new job, I’m very excited although initially it probably will cut into my writing and blogging. After two weeks of full time training it’ll be three days so it should be a good balance. I’ll still be here, posting and reading as much as I can. I love it too much. Hugs back. xo

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  8. Congratulations on your new job and for persevering through the tough times. Your season has come and your are blooming again. “Everything has a season. A reason for being.” – This is a truth for me that always provides a sense of comfort. Thank you for the encouraging wish for all of us. You are appreciated.

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  11. I really like your writing style. It is so simple to understand, so easy to believe the thoughts behind. The way you write everyday thoughts, unnoticed activities makes, the statements you form makes it so easy to appreciate and embrace the natural untouched beauty around us. I wish you all the best with your work. Looking forward to read more good stuff from you. 🙂

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      1. This year feels more settled to me also, getting things where they should be — your Lamby and soon to be blooming garden, more work opportunities developing, and (hopefully) people thinking more seriously about politics instead of treating it like combat-sport entertainment. It’s like the world collectively took a deep breath and started to calm down. Best wishes for your new job!

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        1. Thanks so much Meg. I’m glad you feel the same way. Here’s hoping that the world has indeed taken a deep breath and starts to right itself. Let’s hold onto that optimism and hope. Best wishes to you too for a happy year ahead whatever it brings.

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  13. Oh Miriam, congrats on the job. Well done you! That has given me hope in my search. Love this post, again another reminder that life comes and goes and each time starts over anew. Thank you for often being that blogger whose comments enable me to feel less isolated.
    Looking for the beauty in everything … and often finding it in the words and pictures of your blog. 😊

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  15. Pingback: Wish: Tulips | What's (in) the picture?

  16. I wish I’d tried harder, back in the days when these things were possible. But then I didn’t even know which direction was right for me. 🙂 🙂 How cute is Lamby? Time for him to grow up.

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  17. Beautifully written and illustrated, delightful en-lifting message, thanks!

    Congrats on the job! I hope to move soon in order to find work, nothing here for anyone over 40 …

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  18. Oh sweet Lamby, I too wish her a happy life in her new home. You have given her a great start and like you say, everything will grow back in your garden and it is also an opportunity to plant something new. Congratulations with your new job, it is a new season for growing 💖

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    1. It absolutely is Xenia. I never would have imagined we’d raise a lamb but she’s honestly brought us so much joy. Tine now to move on though, for everyone. Thank you for your kind wishes. Have a lovely weekend. x

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  22. Miriam, I suspect I’ve said this a few times before, so bear with me for being redundant (again).

    Out an’ About has become a treasured stop on my daily WordPress Reader routine. I can count on a carefully crafted message that is genuine and meaningful. You don’t speak AT us, you share with us. And when you conclude with a wish: “My wish is that we all become the best version of ourselves we can be.” I know you mean it. Thank you.

    One a completely unrelated note, I wonder why Lamby skipped the Rosemary?

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    1. Aw, thanks so much Gabe. I really do mean it. My posts are written from the heart and when I write I always feel as though I’m sharing with friends. Thank you for saying that. It really does mean a lot to me.
      As for the Rosemary, ha, I have no idea why she skipped it. I saw her sniff it many times but obviously it just wasn’t to her taste. Maybe she was worried we would marinate it in her! 😏

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  23. We all go through something at some point..but like what you said all we need is maybe just maybe some good friends who would tell us we are not alone.

    I wanna say goodbye to lamby too…i saw him(her?) many times here in your blog…bye bye lamby..

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  26. Great inspiration is found in your words Miriam..Thank you for sharing to us your time with Lamby..My daughter would definitely shriek if she saw her!
    Congratulations on the new job! I’m sure you’ll do more wonders now that you’ve found a new path to spread your wisdom…and yes, cheers to wishes, hope and looking forward, it’s my choice of mantra everyday.

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  27. Great post! I loved it, especially this part – “It was a reminder that, no matter how messed up things seem around us, there’s always beauty to be found.” Lamby is adorable! I hope she’s happy in her new home.

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  30. Congrats on the new job! I’m so happy for you. What a bitter sweet time, Lambi getting a new home, you getting a new job, and watching your garden to see what will come back after a sheep feeding. Hope Lambi has a good time with her new friends.

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  31. Miriam, that is just a wonderful post and great to hear that you have rejuvenated yourself toward a better, stronger version of you. It is how we address adversity that defines us, and allows us to bloom into the precious flowers that we all are.

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  32. Let’s spread this chain of wonderful things that leaves no one untouched. Congrats for the job. I can related to that when I turned in a wreck, losing confidence and hope for a long time until I found an amazing job. I love those lines: “Sometimes in our messy lives there are things that need to be cut back in order for us to grow stronger. It might be sacrifices we make, toxic friendships that need to be severed, bad jobs exchanged for new horizons. A new mindset.”

    It’s beautifully reflected, written and the expression you lent to it, Lamby is so cute and adorable. One of the best things I have read.

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    1. Oh Nikki, I’m sad too. It’s already too quiet. Every time I go outside I expect to hear her bleat and she’s not there. But it’s for the best. We know her new owners so hopefully we’ll be able to visit.

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  35. What a wonderfully positive post. Love Lamby (what a gorgeous face) and wish her well in her new pastures. Good luck too in your new job. Sounds like it’s just right. How wonderful to have turned around from this time last year. May we all bloom – as you say – to be the best versions of ourselves 🙂 🙂 (I’m just about to write my entry for Frank’s challenge and was going to talk about people blooming ……. may now have to rethink …… your post is too good to follow!!)

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    1. Oh Judith, please don’t change anything, I’m sure your post will be wonderful. We all have our own unique way of putting a different spin on things. Thank you for your kind words and wishes here. 🙂

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  36. Miriam I am so happy that you have found a job. I hope you will enjoy it. I am so sorry to hear about Lamby having to move away, but as you say, you knew this day would come. She is going to miss you, and you, her. She is your family. I hope she will find happiness in her new home and surroundings and have fun with her new friends. x

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    1. Thanks so much Lynne. Yes I’ll miss her no doubt and she might miss us for a while but I’m sure in time she’ll love her new herd. Apparently she wasn’t too sure of the cows yesterday, when she saw them for the first time! x

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  40. Congratulations on the new job! I hope that you find it both challenging and rewarding! And I know how much you will miss Lamby (I’ll miss the photos, too), I believe you are right: it is time for her to move on, and time for you to get your yard and garden back. I loved how this post wove all three of the prompts together, because I also believe they are intertwined. Our lives sometimes become very messy indeed, but we have to remember that often the changes, no matter how hard they seem at the time, are necessary for us to truly “bloom.” Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

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    1. You said it perfectly Ann, all the things that I touched on in my post. Thank you. As always, you seem to just ‘get me’ and where I’m at in my life. And somehow this all feels right for me, if not slightly bittersweet. Have a lovely weekend yourself. xo

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  43. I’m sad to hear Ms Lamborghini has a new home, but I’m sure she will be happy and make friends quickly. So happy to hear that you found a job that feels right. Great photos, and post.

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  44. Pingback: A wish to Grow and Bloom | look around!

  45. OMG you have me in tears! As always this is so beautiful! I’m sorry Lamby has to go, I’ll miss her too! I guess we’re just being selfish though, it will be great for her to be amongst her own friends and have them to play with. I have a funny feeling that although you’ll love your green and lush garden again, you’ll miss how it looks today. Take lots of pics, you probably already have, to look back on fondly. Congratulations again on your new job…so exciting!!! They should just let you have at it with what to write because it doesn’t get better than this!! Wishing you and Lamby (and Harry) much love!! xo

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    1. Ah Deb, thank you so much. You’re right about missing her and I think Harry does too. Today he was walking round and I swear he looked dejected, his head down, sulking, as though to say “where’s my friend”. But, like us, I guess he’ll eventually get used to life without her. At least we were blessed to have her here in the first place as, never in my wildest dreams, did I think I’d ever raise a lamb! 🙂 At least I have lots of pics. 🌿 Big hugs to you my lovely friend xo

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      1. All things, people, animals, situations, come and go in our lives for a reason…even one as simple as to give us joy! Lamby did that and received it too, I’m sure Harry is missing her…but you know dogs…they are so resilient and they always find the happiness in every day!! I want to come back as a dog, they have so much fun plus they get their back scratched!! hee hee.. Warm hugs to you my kind friend. xo

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        1. You’re right, dogs find the joy in everything. They have lots to teach us don’t they. I reckon it’d be good to come back as a dog too, especially one who lies around on his back all day doing very little except get rubs and walks. 😊 What a life! Big hugs to you as I start my Sunday. xo

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        2. They sure do have lots to teach us! Spend you Sunday as Harry is…follow his cue, bet you have the best day!! Enjoy your Sunday my friend. Big hugs to you!! xo

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        3. I’ve had the most wonderful Sunday Deb. A day trip in nature, walked to a waterfall, strolled through a historic town and generally relaxed with hub. Hope yours is wonderful too. Hugs xo

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        4. Ahhh that does sound like a wonderful day. I’m home and that’s my favorite place so it will be a wonderful day. Let me describe outside…it’s extremely windy and 9 degrees out, with the wind chill it feels like 6 below zero or -21 Celsius!! Brrrrr….no outside walking for me. We’re expecting a snowstorm Tuesday, they said double-digit accumulation…winter’s last gasp!! C’mon Spring!!! Sweet dreams my lovely. Hugs xo

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        5. Brrrr, that does sound extremely cold Deb but what a wonderful excuse to snuggle up inside with a steaming hot drink, turn up the heating and read and write to your heart’s content. Enjoy my dear friend and stay warm. Monday morning has just dawned here. Big hugs xo

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        6. Well it’s almost time for bed here. Had a lovely day staying warm inside. Did some housework, did a little job work, relaxed a bit, watched two documentaries one about Warren Buffet and the other Jennifer Lopez, enjoyed both! Wishing you a lovely day, Peggy says it’s raining, if it is where you are…enjoy the pitter patter all day!! Big Hugs xo 🙂

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        7. Sounds like you had a lovely day Deb. It’s definitely not raining here but I’m still inside. I’ve just finished an article deadline for a magazine, now I’m off for a bit of a break (ie housework calls). Hope you sleep/slept well. Hugs xo

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        8. I did have a lovely day yesterday and I may have another one tomorrow…we are under blizzard warnings from 6 am til 8 pm tomorrow so I’m hoping work is closed! How did the article go? Hope you have a wonderful day!! Hugs. xo 🙂

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        9. Well, hunker down. Sounds like a good day to be indoors, just like here but for the opposite reason as it’s a cooker. My article was unfortunately knocked back this time. Oh well, that’s life. Stay warm there xo

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        10. Well the snow is flying!! Hope you were able to stay cool. Knocked back? What’s wrong with them! Is that the travel one? Sleep tight and be inspired. Write about snow, maybe that will help keep you cool. Big hugs!! xo

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        11. Woo-hoo, snow flying sounds nice and cool about now. It’s 10.30pm and still hot here!
          Yeah they knocked me back. But I’m not too worried, it was a new Queensland auto magazine that I hadn’t dealt with before. A snow feature, now that would be interesting. Hugs to you xo

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        12. Auto magazine…well they’ll learn! Maybe they sell cars to areas with snow and you could write about how great the car is in the snow, the powerful heater, the responsive defroster and what traction it has!!! HA…I got caught up in the snow moment!! Hope you have a wonderful sleep!! Hugs xo

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        13. Haha, maybe! I hope you’ve got a car like that Deb. Sounds as though you might need it over there!
          I did sleep well, thanks. Hope you’ve had a lovely day amongst all the snow moments. Warm hugs back xo

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        14. My car does pretty well in the snow. My previous car was a VW Passat and that was like a tank in the snow, it was awesome! Yes I was rather busy all day but an enjoyable busy! Glad to hear you slept well!! Hope your day is turning out to be everything you hoped it would be and more! Hugs xo

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  46. Wonderful post Miriam! For sure it will be sad to see your little one go away. Seems that your job showed up exactly on the right time, so you can keep your mind busy and don’t miss much Lamby. You are right, there is time for everything!

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  47. Lamby is so cute…love her sweet innocent face after eating everything. I’m sad she has to go, but glad she is with her friends. Everything has a reason…I love how you tied everything back in and your wish too…very inspiring words. Your garden looks wonderful; I’m glad it will get a chance to recover. Love those blooms! 🙂

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  49. Great to read your post for several reasons – to see how Lamby is going and to hear of the impending move and of course your new job!! Congrats to you 🙂 Your wishes are lovely as is your orange bloom, so well done a lovely inspiring post. Hoping all goes well and you are feeling good about it all xx 🙂

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    1. I am feeling good about it Debbie. I feel like everything is working out the way it should be and for that I’m really grateful. Thank you my friend. 🙂 Hope you’ve had a lovely Sunday. x

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  50. I’m crying Miri.. tears of very mixed emotions.. Sadness for you and lamby and how this will be for you letting go…and yet knowing that it is the right thing for lamby to have companions of his own kind.. gosh this is going to be hard! And of joy – at the beauty contained within your post.. the wonderful strength in those words and the sense of hope for that rejunivation that is entering both our lives.. and the lives of others I’m sure.. A beautiful post Miri! xx

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    1. Don’t cry Wendy, that’s my job! Seriously though, you know all too well what’s been going on in my life so you know how hard this was BUT everything for a reason. My gorgeous lamb has a good new home and life moves on. And as you well know, change is part of life and sometimes all we can do is embrace it, and trust that all is working out the way it should. Big hugs to you. xo

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      1. I believe it’s definitely the right thing Miriam but I just feel for you so much – I know just how hard this must have been… I’m sending the BIGGEST Hugs my lovely friend. Yes the time is right.. you’re creating space for the right things to happen for you and I can see that this has to be the right thing for Lamby – to be with lots of lamby friends with lots of new grass. Letting go is so hard and yet sometimes the perfect thing to do.. I think this is one of those moments for you Miri and I’m so glad you feel that xxx

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        1. Letting go is hard and I guess in a way Lamby symbolises that because there are other things in my life that need letting go too. And, believe it or not, much harder things. Creating space for the right things is so true and it’s what I need to do. But I’m working on it, daily. Thank you for being there and for being such a wonderful friend Wendy. Love you lots xo

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        2. The LOA is all about seeing and acknowledging the signals it sends to push you to the path you need to be on to achieve what you asked for… You’re seeing and acknowledging those symbols and look what’s happening.. new job and ‘space’ (hard as giving up lamby is) that needs to be there to be filled with what you want.. You’re on the way to creating a ‘void’ that can then be filled… Thank you for being there for me also Miriam – we make a great team! Love you lots too xxx

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        3. We do make a great team Wendy. You’ve inspired me to pick up The Secret again today, a book that I haven’t looked at in years, even if it’s just skimming through it. Though, quite honestly, I’m looking forward to reading your posts more! Thank you again dear friend. xo

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