Press Play
Photo Credit: Mohamed Marey
“You can’t stop the future, you can’t rewind the past, the only way to learn the secret… is to press play.” ~ Jay Asher
For the past couple of years my January blogs have focused on themes of reflection, resolve, taking stock, and setting goals. This year I don’t have a theme and I’m not sure what direction the future is calling me towards. I have been so busy and engaged with life in the present moment, I haven’t had much time to reflect upon what I hope this next year will bring. This ability to relax and truly trust the process of life has taken me by surprise. Delightfully so.
One of the things I do feel certain of is that I’m ready for some big, bold changes in many areas of my life, including my writing and my blogs. Musings of an Emotional Creature began on the WordPress platform in September 2016 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Now my weekly musings find their home on my website blog page and are written at my desk in Winnipeg, Canada. But what comes next? Please read all the way to end of this post for an exciting update for The Trials of Alex Anderson, and bear with me as I press rewind and review the past year before I press play.
In my desire for big, bold change, I’m starting by looking back at my top ten favourite posts from last year as well as some of my reader responses. I’m hoping to find some common ground to build upon. What was more popular, fiction or non-fiction? Which blogs were better received, those that were part of a series or theme, or the one-offs? As I went through 54 weeks of posts, this is what I discovered…
You have to make up your mind and believe that it is possible. Feed the good wolf with every word and action. Work to overcome the forces of darkness and claim victory for light. One word, one act of loving kindness at a time. ~ Feed the Light, March 14/03/25
“Excellent, excellent. What a timely piece in the current political and economic environment.”
I can only speak one language. I am oblivious to God’s secret plans. I haven’t sacrificed enough to even consider boasting about it. But I have loved others fiercely and completely. Mom says I was born with a propensity to love, and while I agree, I know that if I’d been born into a different family where I wasn’t loved, I wouldn’t be who I am today. ~ Rose Coloured Glasses, 28/03/25
“This is an exceptional piece of writing.”
During that year, we became a family. It wasn’t all rainbows and candy. There were plenty of tough moments but it was real life and we were all committed. Mister and I enrolled in a parenting course and picked up a few helpful skills. She went for counselling. My furry companion, Lola, was our team therapy dog. Over long walks by the ocean and long talks on the big red couch, we navigated the new terrain with tentative but sturdy steps. ~ Miraculously My Own, 11/04/25
“Great stuff. Real from start to finish.”
Everything in my rational mind tells me I’m being dramatic. This is still a bump in the road to jump over, just a little higher than I was prepared for. I remember my mindfulness tools, my optimistic mindset, and my serious resilience CV. I believe the words, “when life gets harder, I get stronger.” And still, I’m scared. Again and again and again. ~ Again and Again and Again, 02/05/25
“I’m always very humbled how you share your life, warts and all, to encourage others.”
I am spaciousness and light. No end, no beginning. Part of the Great I am. ~ I Am, 16/05/25
“What a lyrical way to share your journey, your views and your story.”
When I let go of all expectations, it doesn’t mean I’m complacent or lacking in motivation. It means I’m aware that wishing any aspect of life to be different than it is, is futile. I have hopes, aspirations and intentions but I stay in peace when things don’t unfold as I imagined. ~ Okay, Okay, 31/05/25
“This is a powerful piece.”
I wonder, what other fears I might overcome, if I could always access my courage and resolve? I wonder, dear reader, what fears have kept you from being fully engaged, willing to take risks, and be vulnerable? We all are given opportunities at every turn to examine our beliefs, stories and expectations, of what we can and can’t do. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. You might not be rewarded with a feeling of satisfaction, but you will grow from it. ~ The Crow, 01/07/25
“Thank you for your words of wisdom.”
“Yes, it does seem that way,” Grandma said. “But if you observe squirrels long enough, you’ll discover they have a special kind of intelligence, called intuition. It doesn’t require thinking, at least in the way you’re accustomed to. But it does take a great deal of presence.”
“Presents?” I said. “Like at Christmas and birthdays?”
“No, dear child,” Grandma laughed again. “Presence is a different word entirely. It’s a way of perceiving the world that takes a great deal of focus. Keep watching, and you’ll see what I mean, and understand better than I can tell you with words.” ~ Squirrel Smarts, 07/11/25
“Lovely. Your story helped me forgive the squirrels being squirrels who chewed my holiday lights to bits.”
“Grandma, is there an invisible current connecting us?” I asked. “Or is it only in the river?”
“That’s a very good question,” Grandma said. “It depends who you ask. I don’t claim to know the scientific answers, but I do believe that every living thing is connected by an invisible force. I like to call it God, but different people call it different things, and some people don’t believe it exists.”
“Like how Tommy doesn’t believe in Santa?” I asked.
“Yeah, I suppose it is a bit like that,” Grandma said.
“Well, I believe in Santa,” I said. “And fairies, and leprechauns, and magic, and invisible forces.” I paused for a moment. “And God too, just like you.” ~ River Magic, 28/11/25
“You paint a vivid picture.”
In the corner of the living room nearest the cozy gas fireplace, four people, including Priscilla, have come together, drinks in hand to talk about their hopes for 2026, and for the future. Priscilla is a young thirty-something career woman who was born in Winnipeg, whose hope is red and intense and unstoppable. Raheem is a twenty-something man who recently immigrated from Punjab, whose hope is taupe and malleable and eternal. Eileen is a forty-something stay-at-home mother of two, originally from Alberta, whose hope is golden and invested and optimistic, full up with her children’s light. And lastly there is Keith, a fifty-something investment banker, divorced with a teenage daughter and in the throes of a mid-life crisis whose hope is blue and desperate and uncertain. ~ Anything is Possible, 26/12/25
As you can see, the one thing that is crystal clear is that there isn’t a clear preference on any measuring point. Except connections. When readers resonate personally with my message. When they feel strongly. So I’m going to approach this year not as a year, or a month, but a moment-by-moment endeavour. Tune in each week, press play, and find out what’s in store.
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· In December 2025 I signed a contract with Austin Macauley Publishers for my manuscript, The Trials of Alex Anderson, a character-driven novel that explores the relationship between mental illness and trauma. I am now on the road to publication, with an expected release date near the end of 2026. I’ll be posting regular updates here on my blog and on social media, so stay tuned for exciting new developments.
· My previously published books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
Reviews & Interviews:
· You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.
Events:
· There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.
YouTube Channel:
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