Dear Reader

NEWS, MAKES ME THINK, PROGRESS & RECOMMENDATIONS

News: An Addict in the Family now on Google Play!

Not wanting to buy on Amazon? Or you already enjoy getting your e-books on Google Play? In their book section you’ll find my memoir! I’m thrilled to see it here and am looking to put it on other e-book platforms. What are your favourites?

And of course you can still buy on Amazon

What Makes me Think

Reading between the lines

I’m mesmerised by the simplicity and complexity of this sign – in the women’s changing rooms at Les Mills Gym here in Hamilton. The message is clear isn’t it? Be responsible for your own gear while you train. Other places have signs like: “Lock it or Lose it!” Similar message.

But what’s the message between the lines? Can you read it? Can you see there is something more to this sign?

It took me a while, even though I was right in front of it. I read it all, appreciated the double warnings and explanations, and had a good laugh at the wit alongside the importance of the message. Let me share:

WE ARE NOT

your mother, nor are we trained in maximum security, or Masters in the ancient art of gym and g-string management. So please be

RESPONSIBLE

for your own gear. Use the lockers by all means, but please, don’t leave your gear in them overnight because all locks are cut and all lockers are emptied every night. And remember,

FOR THEFT

to take place, items are either left behind, left lying around or not secured, so to ensure no one nabs your favourite undies, lock your things up

WHILE YOU TRAIN

It got me thinking: How I rarely read between the lines of what I see and hear. Particularly of what I see and hear during my interactions with people. Are you like me? Do you also take people at face value? Long ago I declared “I’m not a mind reader”. Meaning, “If you want me to know, please don’t assume I can read your mind. Tell me.”

But lately I’ve taken another point of view. For instance, sometimes I pass an older man walking on the footpath near my place. As is my practice, I say hello and maybe comment on the weather. We’ve had pretty lousy weather lately. The first time I saw him, it was misty and the sun was struggling to come through. I commented that it was going to be a lovely day. He didn’t agree. I pointed to the sun peaking through the clouds. His reply made me laugh: “It’s weak though. Just like the Government!” He was serious, no smiles. I looked at him and wondered what was life like for him that his observations were so pessimistic. One day I’m going to have a long chat with him and find out.

And I wonder about a variety of people I come across. What was her story, the woman asking for change outside the supermarket who hugged me and cried when I gave her the money Neil had slipped me from his wallet. “I’ve been here for ages,” she said, “and you are the first people to give me anything.” It still tugs at my heart – her words, and the fact that Neil carries paper money when all I had then was my card. That’s changed!

Oh so many stories people have and hide behind a neutral, or even laughing, exterior. If you are in pain, or are feeling joy, or in between, I know I may not read you correctly.

However, I hope you see me seeing you with love and respect for who you are. To paraphrase the Les Mills sign:

It’s so easy to just read the words in bold. But can you read between the lines? For clarity, I’ve printed them out below.

I AM NOT

able to soften the blows life puts in your path and I may not be

RESPONSIBLE FOR

what today has brought you that may have disturbed

YOUR LIFE

But I do hope the smile and words I give you from my heart as we pass each other by will somehow improve your

AND WELLBEING

Does this make you think too? Of situations where you missed reading between the lines? Or where someone else missed your messages that you were longing to be noticed? This latter really resonates with me. Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear. Or join the FaceBook group Stephanie Hammond’s Reader Group here and share there.

BLOGGERS & THEIR WISDOM

A little more about procrastination

I think I mentioned Graham Mann’s Newsletter before. This week he’s talked about changing your environment to kickstart a change in yourself. ie stop procrastinating. I know I work better when I move away from my desk – go to the coffee shop, or sit in the sunshine. I think you’d enjoy reading his post.

Do you need permission to fail?

I love sharing other people’s insights – ones I learn a lot from. This is another of Phoebe Wilby’s posts – I see my own failings in her comments and was heartened by her final comments. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.

Second Memoir Update

It’s progress! Chapter One is drafted! I’m still excited. Nervous – though I keep telling myself that I don’t have to publish it! I just want to tell it how it was for me. I’ve decided to write about my life in ways people have been telling me for years that they’d like me to share. I’ll be talking more about it in my Facebook Readers Group and asking for your opinions there. And there’ll be an opportunity for Beta readers. So if this interests you too, click the link and join me there.

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